Course overview
In this engaging and hands-on introductory anthropology course, you will acquire practical methods for understanding people and their practices in a range of social and cultural contexts. Combining a hands-on approach with useful theoretical frameworks, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how people make sense of their worlds, and of one another. This course will help you to recognise why things that make intuitive sense to you may be baffling to others, and why it's so important to appreciate human diversity. Whether you're studying international relations, politics, economics, medicine, or law, want to major in anthropology, or see yourself having a career that involves dealing with people - this course will equip you with essential knowledges and skills to make crucial insights into humankind. This course goes beyond classroom discussions and immerses you in the world of anthropology through experiential learning. Using ethnographic case studies, hands-on exercises, and interactive projects, you will apply anthropological concepts to real-world contexts. Throughout the course, you will learn to critically analyse and interpret anthropological texts, ethnographic accounts, and your own data. You will develop and hone an ethnographic imagination that will make you adept at navigating cultural complexities, challenging preconceived notions, and fostering cultural empathy. Join us on this transformative journey as you cultivate essential research and observational skills by exploring the fascinating world of human cultures. You will gain a fresh lens through which to view diverse societies and practices, including your own.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand theories and methods used in socio-cultural anthropology and be able to apply these approaches to contemporary social situations / cultural contexts
- Develop knowledge of and insight into the key issues and concerns of socio-cultural anthropology, in particular, an understanding of cultural relativism and ethical research practices
- Evaluate central themes, propositions and concepts in socio-cultural anthropology demonstrating creative / critical thinking, and, problem solving skills
- Comprehend the diversity of human social and cultural contexts and practices
- Display communication skills in both individual and collaborative contexts including the ability to effectively use different media to convey ideas and information
- Navigate and use relevant digital technologies and forms of communication (i.e. ICT-based devices, software, online quizzes, email).
- Illustrate digital information literacy by finding and evaluating digital information (for example, effectively using the library catalogue and other academic databasesto locate and analyse scholarly sources).