SE570 Current Issues in Evolutionary Anthropology

MODULE SPECIFICATION

1. Title of the module

2. School which will be responsible for management of the module

Anthropology and Conservation

3. The level of the module (e.g. Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7)

Level 6

4. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents

15 credits

5. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)

Spring

6. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules

None but module is only available to students registered on BSc in Biological Anthropology, BSc in Anthropology, BSc in Medical Anthropology programmes

7. The programmes of study to which the module contributes

BSc in Biological Anthropology, BSc in Anthropology, BSc in Medical Anthropology

8. The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

8.1 Knowledge and understanding of theoretical concerns and new research in biological and evolutionary anthropology.

8.2 The ability to critically evaluate new research in biological and evolutionary anthropology.

8.3 An in-depth understanding of the internal workings for the research and publishing process in biological and evolutionary anthropology.

9. The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

9.1 Will develop highly transferable critical reasoning and evaluation skills.

9.2 Will develop high quality written, presentation and leadership skills.

9.3 Will develop interpersonal skills such as the ability to discuss critically and debate current issues.

9.4 Will develop learning and study skills as a result of independent scholarly research into various topics.

10. A synopsis of the curriculum

This module is designed for stage 3 BSc Biological Anthropology students as an exercise in the critical appraisal of current research in biological and evolutionary anthropology. Students are expected to critically engage with a series of research topics and demonstrate their ability to evaluate the scientific contribution. This module is an advanced treatment of current topics and debates in biological anthropology including those in anthropological genetics, palaeoanthropology, evolutionary psychology, bioarchaeology, cultural evolutions and primatology. This module will help students understand the role of research and publication in anthropological science. Students will be exposed to a broad series of topics, opinions, methodologies and journals.

11. Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)

The reading list for this module will change from year to year. It will contain the most up to date, controversial topics in a variety of fields associated with biological anthropology. Articles will be drawn from the following journals and other relevant sources where appropriate:

Nature, Science, Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences (USA), Proceedings of the Royal Society, Journal of Human Evolution, Evolutionary Anthropology, American Journal of Physical Anthropology, PLoS ONE, Evolution and Human Behaviour, Journal of Archaeological Sciences.

12. Learning and Teaching methods

Study Hours 150: 22 (11 x 2 hr seminars) hours in seminar format, 128 individual study hours.

13. Assessment methods.

100% course work broken down as follows:

13.1 10% Seminar participation

13.2 25% Seminar leader and presentation

13.3 25% 5 random quizzes to assess student are reading material for seminars

13.4 40% Final written essay 2500 words

14. Map of Module Learning Outcomes (sections 8 & 9) to Learning and Teaching Methods (section12) and methods of Assessment (section 13)

Module learning outcome / 8.1 / 8.2 / 8.3 / 9.1 / 9.2 / 9.3 / 9.4
Learning/ teaching method / Hours allocated
Seminars / 22 / X / X / X / X / X / X
Individual study / 128 / X / X / X / X
Assessment method
Participation / X / X / X / X / X
Seminar leader and presentation / X / X / X / X / X / X
Weekly assessment / X / X / X / X / X / X
Final essay / X / X / X / X / X / X

15. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s/Collaborative Partner’s (delete as applicable) disability/dyslexiastudent support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.

16. Campus where module will be delivered:

Canterbury

FACULTIES SUPPORT OFFICE USE ONLY

Revision record – all revisions must be recorded in the grid and full details of the change retained in the appropriate committee records.

Date approved / Major/minor revision / Start date of the delivery of revised version / Section revised / Impacts PLOs (Q6&7 cover sheet)
19/08/16 / Minor / January 2017 / 10,11,13 / No

Module Specification Template (September 2015)