SOC1027 : Comparing Cultures: An Introduction to Anthropology
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Professor Cathrine Degnen
- Lecturer: Dr Sarah Winkler-Reid
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module introduces students to anthropology which is the study of human diversity and sameness. The module explores the amazingly varied ways that people across the world live, think and relate to one another, as well as the question of what is shared in the experience of being human. The module introduces students to the practice of ethnography - the direct, in-depth study of ways of life - which is at the heart of anthropology.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module explores foundational themes of anthropology. Each theme will be explored through a range of learning activities. There will be 'out and about' workshops and assessment focus workshops. Students may also have the opportunity to take part in a virtual exchange with anthropology students from IUPUI (Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis), a university in Midwestern United States (depending on availability).
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | PIP timetabled whole group |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Pre-recorded lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 48:00 | 48:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Films. Non-Synchronous, non-timetabled remote delivery |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 116:00 | 116:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | PIP timetabled seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:30 | 3:00 | PIP timetabled whole group (assessment sessions) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | PIP timetabled. Sessions will combine 'out and about' and classroom activities. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Teaching is in five ‘blocks’. Introduction, overview and understanding of the topic are built through PIP whole group sessions, asynchronous mini-lectures and ethnographic films. Active knowledge and understanding of the topics are developed and deepened through PIP small group guided reading sessions and activity sessions, and asynchronous worksheets. Learning is further bolstered by two 'out and about' workshops. Two additional PIP workshops will be focused on assessment.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 | M | 100 | 3 parts, 3500 words: 1. Field diary(30%:1500wrds) 2. Ethnographic essay(60%:2000wrds) 3. Virtual exchange or photo essay(10%) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Portfolio is comprised of three elements, Parts 1, 2 and 3.
Part 1 is a field diary: To enable skills development in ethnographic methods and writing, and in relating academic concepts to empirical information, students are invited to submit up to six fieldwork diary entries on set topics which they are encouraged to write over the course of the first semester. They will receive written feedback on three entries included in the portfolio (IKO4, ISO2 and 5).
Part 2 is an ethnographic essay which gives students the choice of engaging with one of the themes explored in the module in more depth, analysing their ethnographic data and utilising sources from the module to evidence and inform their claims in an essay-type format (IKO1 – 3, ISO 1,3,4,5).
Part 3 is a report which will evidence engagement with the virtual exchange with peers from an anthropology module at IUPUI (Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis). This enables students to build a shared ethnographic fieldwork experience together. Via a virtual platform, they will have the chance to work with each other to think like anthropologists about the cultural differences, and similarities between life at an American and a British university in 2020-21 (IKO3-4, ISO1,2,3,5). An alternative for students not wishing to take part in the virtual exchange is a photo essay (IK01, IS01).
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SOC1027's Timetable