Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 02/11/2022
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 Politics Full-time
Programme Code 636E
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme This programme combines the study of social anthropology and politics.

The social anthropology side of the programme provides students with a comprehensive overview of the discipline of social anthropology, incorporating theoretical and methodological training, and covering a range of topics and sub-fields. Students will gain an understanding of the historical development of the discipline through a syllabus that brings together widely acknowledged anthropological thinkers and schools of thought with critical voices and perspectives. The programme aims to develop an innovative range of transferable skills in research, analysis and presentation, alongside an appreciation of the diversity of contemporary human cultures and societies.

Graduates will display a broad knowledge of social anthropology and politics and be able to demonstrate intellectual versatility and organisational flexibility. The programme will encourage independent and critical thinking, culminating in a dissertation based on supervised independent research in the final year of study in either social anthropology or politics.

The programme will prepare students for a wide range of careers and will provide a sound base for further study in social anthropology, politics or related disciplines. Students will develop 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.

For the politics side of the programme
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.

For year abroad only:
Study abroad will provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the society and culture of a foreign country while gaining experience of a different academic environment and way of teaching. Study abroad also provides an opportunity for students to improve their existing language proficiency (where applicable) as well as enhancing their organisation and communication skills and their employability through a proven ability to succeed in a foreign setting.
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, range and history of social anthropology
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
The scope and contested nature of politics and political science
(Various) foundations of and approaches to political analysis
The broad range and historical development of political thought and theory
The process of conducting research
Specialist areas of politics
Year Abroad only
Demonstrate the ability to study relevant topics at an international institution and appreciate the difference between study in the UK and overseas.
1-9 Lectures, seminars, workshops, independent reading and individual/group project work in subject-specific modules; (for BA only) supervised research for final-year dissertation module.
10. Year Abroad
1-4 Written coursework; unseen examinations; collaborative and/or individual research projects; individual or group presentations; and (for BA only) dissertation.

5-9: Essays, unseen and take-home examinations, briefing papers, and – for BA only – Dissertations.

10. Year Abroad Module (assessment as required by host institution).
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:
The ability to identify, assess and make use of different theoretical approaches within the discipline of social 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
Be able to undertake work involving key anthropological research methods, including gathering, recording and presenting primary data.
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
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.
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
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
Year abroad only: To achieve an enhanced cultural awareness through direct interactions with society and institutions in another country. To develop a range of marketable skills including problem solving, communication, patience and perseverance, determination, self-motivation, analytical and study skills through direct interactions with society and institutions in another country.
1-8 Lectures, seminars, workshops, independent reading, group/individual presentations,

5-6 (for BA only) an individually supervised dissertation at LH.

1-5 and 7-8: Attendance at and contributions to lectures, seminars, and tutorials, alongside independent study and engagement with digital resources and exercises.

9. Year Abroad
1-8 Written coursework;; collaborative and/or individual research projects; individual or group presentations; and (for BA only) dissertation

1-5 and 7-8: The completion of written formative and summative coursework (i.e. essays, assignments, source analyses, book or article reviews, portfolio assessment, take-home papers) of varying lengths.

1-5 and 7-8: Participation in oral presentations of varying length and format, delivered either as an individual or as part of a group.

5-6: Dissertation.

9. Year Abroad Module (assessment as required by host institution).