Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 27/05/2021
College College Arts and Law
School History and Cultures
Department African Studies & Anthropology
Partner College and School Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. Anthropology and Political Science Full-time
Programme Code 5161
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme To provide students with a rich and diverse learning experience. Foster students’ personal development so that they can demonstrate independence, initiative, self-management and the capacity for life-long learning. Train a pool of graduates who have detailed knowledge of specific societies and cultures and are able to compare human behaviour around the world. Train a pool of graduates who are able to bring relevant anthropological theory and methodology to bear upon complex situations and issues, and to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs and views of the people being studied. Render students employable by training them in the transferable skills that are associated with all arts, humanities and social science degree programmes, including: identification of areas of enquiry and relevant sources of information; referencing, evaluation, synthesis and analysis of information in the light of relevant methodological and theoretical frameworks; clear and coherent communication in person and on paper. will represent, on one hand a core resource pool of intellectually trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge with other groups, and on the other, a body of highly skilled and multi/inter-disciplinary trained potential employees, already familiar with a wide range of skills and multi tasking abilities necessary to the work force in the 21st century. A half degree in anthropology will provide a joint honours link among historical studies, humanities and social sciences, with the jobs and skills market geared to appreciate broad multi and interdisciplinary training and a high level of competence in key transferable skills. Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

The development of students' political analysis skills is central to the Birmingham Political Science degree. Core modules at each level have been designed progressively to develop them. They are then applied and developed in a range of optional modules. Core 'research' modules at levels one and two also help to draw out and emphasise the generic applications of these skills. The core 'research' and 'analysis' modules are designed to prepare students for their final year dissertations, to which the department attaches considerably significance, reflected in its weight in the final degree result.

Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The scope and contested nature of International Relations
(Various) foundations of and approaches to international theory and analysis
The broad range and historical development of international theory
Relevant research methodologies
The process of conducting research
Specialist areas of international relations
The history of the discipline of Anthropology and the emergence of sub-fields
The importance of empirical fieldwork as the primary method of gathering data and as a basis for the generation of anthropological theory and the comparative study of human societies
The nature and extent of human diversity and commonality, and the different explanations that have been offered for this diversity
The ethical issues entailed in the study of social worlds and the representation of others, and the potential applications and misapplications of Anthropology
1-6: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, individual and group project work
1. Lectures, seminars, independent reading and individual/group project work in subject-specific modules; research for the final-year independent study / dissertation modules
2. Lectures, seminars and independent reading in modules which deal specifically with ethnography and which require students to conduct an ethnographic project
3. Lectures, seminars, independent reading and individual/group project work in subject-specific modules; research for the final-year independent study / dissertation modules
4. Ethnographic project work and research for the final-year independent study / dissertation
1-6: Essays, unseen examinations, take-home examinations, oral examinations, individual presentations, group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
Essays, timed exams, book reviews, project proposals and reports, independent study / dissertation
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Writing skills
Oral communication skills
Skills of critical analysis and argument
Group work
Time management
Independent research skills
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Independent study skills (self-organisation, initiative and self-direction; time management; autonomous research skills; the ability to collect, organise, synthesise and evaluate information; planning, drafting and editing) The ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing, drawing on independent study skills acquired on the programme
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, self-motivation, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, ability to use and manipulate digital resources and to present information and ideas effectively using ICT.
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Ability to summarise, synthesise, analyse and evaluate others’ arguments, and to formulate their own logical and structured arguments, normally both orally and in writing, with appropriate supporting evidence. both in English and in the target language(s)
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
The ability to identify, assess and make use of different theoretical approaches within the discipline of Anthropology, including those which recognise and analyse social change and relations of power
The ability to identify an issue or area of enquiry; to question cultural assumptions about this issue; and to search for, select and evaluate relevant sources of information
The ability to interpret, synthesise, critically interrogate a range of primary and secondary sources, generated within and outside the area under study, and to reference these appropriately in their academic writing
To communicate their findings and their analysis clearly and coherently, both in written and oral formats
To work with a significant amount of independence, including self-direction, initiative and time-management
To listen effectively, work with others, and respond constructively to feedback
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, individual and group project work. Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

1. Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library and artistic collections, IT and other information sources. Individual and group project work

2. By definition, language work and content modules involve new, ‘difficult’ material that requires the independent application and ownership of techniques taught in classes and lectures if it is to be understood fully and mastered. An emphasis on close analysis is intended to broaden the range and sophistication of students’ interpretations of material, and to allow students to produce not so much expositions as substantiated arguments and positions. Problem Based Learning (PBL) exercises, presentations, group project work and other forms of independent learning are germane to all parts of the programme. The Year Abroad offers a particular opportunity for the development of independent capability, personally as well as linguistically and intellectually. A range of formative assessment modes are used throughout the degree.
Coverage of Modern Languages professions is built into all core language modules. Opportunities for work experience may be acquired through non-credit bearing summer placements (Year 2) and/ or placements followed during the Year Abroad. Individual and group project work

3. Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad (– n/a for 3 year programme). Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. Individual and group project work

4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work
1. Lectures, seminars and independent reading throughout the degree programme; ethnographic project work; discussion with independent study / dissertation supervisor and feedback on drafts
2. Group presentations which require students work collaboratively to identify an area of enquiry and relevant sources of information; individual independent study / dissertations which require students to identify an area of enquiry and relevant sources of information, with support from a supervisor
3. Seminar discussions, workshops, and group activities during lecture sessions; feedback on drafts of independent studies / dissertations; feedback on essays and project reports
4. Seminar discussions, workshops, and group activities during lecture sessions; feedback on drafts of independent studies / dissertations; feedback on essays and project reports
5. Independent reading in all modules; individual and/or group research in modules in each year of the degree programme; feedback on drafts of independent studies / dissertations; feedback on essays and project reports
6. Group research for presentations, student-led workshops which support independent study / dissertation projects, feedback on drafts and discussion with independent study / dissertation supervisor
Methods of assessment include: Essays, unseen examinations, take-home examinations, individual presentations, group project/presentations, research outline and research project (dissertation) Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

1. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
2. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. Group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
3. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work
Group presentations, project reports, essays, timed exams, book reviews, independent study / dissertation