External summary

Social anthropology is the comparative study of human behaviour and ideas in their social contexts. Societies around the world vary enormously in their social, cultural, religious, and political forms, and their individual members also display a corresponding diversity of ideas and behaviour. The study of these variations, and the common humanity that underlies them and renders them intelligible to sympathetic outsiders lies at the heart of social anthropology. Much of this knowledge is gained through the distinctive method of ‘participant observation’, which often involves anthropologists living with the people they are researching and sharing their experiences for extended periods. While the subject matter overlaps with that of sociology, human geography, and development studies, social anthropology is also closely linked to history and philosophy. At Edinburgh students will have the opportunity to learn from researchers who are international leaders in their field, and will also engage in original anthropological research, which may be library based or involve fieldwork.

Educational aims of programme

The programme aims to develop:

• a broad knowledge of the major fields of study in social and cultural anthropology;
• substantive knowledge of a range of social and cultural  contexts, institutions, processes and ideas;
• the ability to understand, evaluate and use a range of theoretical frameworks in the study of social and cultural anthropology;
• the capacity to develop research proposals, and to carry out and and write up an independent research project within an achievable time frame
• the capacity to apply knowledge and skills to the understanding and evaluation of issues and problems in the contemporary world;
• key generic skills in critical thinking and oral and written communication of information and argument;

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

On completing the programme students should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding  of different social and cultural contexts, institutions, processes and ideas;
• evaluate alternative explanations of particular social contexts, processes, and events;
• demonstrate awareness of different theoretical, conceptual , and key methodological approaches used in anthropological analysis;
• demonstrate an understanding of the social and historical processes that influence the objects of anthropological study;
• demonstrate an understanding of the methods and value of cross cultural comparative analysis;
• demonstrate an ability to comprehend, evaluate and communicate ethnographic information;
• demonstrate an understanding of the nature of explanation and interpretation in social anthropology and nature of evidence in such accounts;
• demonstrate an alertness to the potential applications of anthropological knowledge, and their ethical implications in a variety of contexts.

How is this accomplished?

• compulsory and optional elements in the curriculum ensure coverage of a different cultural contexts, social institutions, processes and ideas;
• lectures, lecture hand-outs, seminar programmes and presentations are the key channels for dissemination of knowledge and guidance to further reading/research;
• content and assessment of compulsory courses ensure knowledge and critical engagement with a range of theoretical approaches and thematic areas in social and cultural anthropology;
• essay and examination questions require independent reading and research beyond that provided in the classroom;
• essay and examination questions in both compulsory and optional courses require evaluation and application of alternative perspectives on/ explanations of social and cultural phenomena;
• seminar assignments and debates in both compulsory and optional courses encourage students to identify and evaluate a range of explanations and interpretations in social anthropology and the nature of evidence in such accounts;
• the design and execution of the dissertation project encourages practical engagement  with the nature of anthropological fieldwork, ethical issues involved in conducting research, and representation.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Graduates in social anthropology will be able to create new knowledge and opportunities for learning through the process of research and enquiry, including the abilities to:

• apply different theories to the interpretation and explanation of human conduct and patterns of behaviour;
• recognise and account for the use of such theories by others;
• judge the value and relevance of empirical evidence and theoretical argument and interpretation in social science;
• identify and design ways of solving problems with a social and cultural dimension;
• question cultural assumptions;
• interpret and analyse a variety of textual, oral and visual forms.;
• discuss ideas and interpretations with others in a clear and reasoned way.;
• apply anthropological knowledge to a variety of situations;
• plan and execute a research-based dissertation or project;
• assess the ethical  implications of anthropological research and enquiry.

In addition to the above, these will be accomplished through:

• guidance on literature searching and web-based information sources in lectures and seminars;
• specific assessed tasks in compulsory courses (e.g. textual analysis, production of research proposal
• requirements for seminar exercises and projects in ordinary and Honours courses - peer and tutor
• production, supervision and assessment of dissertations.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

Graduates in Social Anthropology will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity, and a desire to meet new challenges, including the abilities and dispositions to:

• be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
• be able to sustain intellectual interest by remaining receptive to both new and old ideas, methods, and ways of thinking
• be able to make decisions on the basis of rigorous and independent thought, taking into account ethical and professional issues
• be able to use collaboration and debate effectively to test, modify and strengthen their own views
• be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts
• have a personal vision and goals and be able to work towards these in a sustainable way

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Graduates in Social Anthropology will recognise and value communication as the tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, collaborating with others, and furthering their own learning, including the abilities to:

• make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
• use communication as a tool for collaborating and relating to others
• further their own learning through effective use of the full range of communication approaches
• seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness
• recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
• use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self reflection

In addition to the above, these will be accomplished through:

• requirements for and feedback on individual and group oral presentations in seminars;
• requirements for and feedback on group work for seminars;
• requirements for design, execution, and feedback for dissertations.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

Graduates in Social Anthropology will be able to effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate, including the abilities to:

• make constructive use of social analysis skills in personal, professional, and community life
• apply understanding of social risks, in relation to diverse stakeholders, while initiating and managing change
• be both adaptive and proactively responsive to changing social contexts
• have the confidence to make decisions based on their understandings and their personal and intellectual autonomy
• transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
• understand and act on social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities, and help others to do the same
• be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills
• understand and promote effectively the values of diversity and equity, while also recognizing possible trade-offs between these

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

N/A

Programme structure and features

Notes:

1. Single Honours Social Anthropology  students are allowed, but not required, to take up to 40 credits of honours options outside of Social Anthropology but under Social and Political Studies.  Honours options outside of Social and Political Studies can only be taken with the approval of the Head of Social Anthropology and the Head of the subject under which the outside course is offered.  As part of their honours curriculum students must take at least one and normally no more than two Regional Analysis courses (see Social Anthropology Honours Handbook for details)
2. Students are expected to use the summer vacation of their third year on research for their Dissertation.

In order to progress to Honours, students must normally have achieved a mark of 50% or more in all required second-year courses.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching and Learning Activities

In Years 1 and 2

Lectures

Tutorials

Problem based learning activities

Peer group learning

One to one meetings with personal tutors

Group projects

In Years 3 and 4

Lectures

Tutorials

Problem based learning activities

Peer group learning

One to one meetings with personal tutors

Group projects

Field work

Seminars

Assessment methods and strategies

Courses can be assessed by a diverse range of methods and often takes the form of formative work which provides the student with on-going feedback as well as summative assessment which is submitted for credit.

In Years 1 and 2

Class Tests

Reports

Oral Presentations

Group projects

Essays

Written Examinations

In Years 3 and 4

Class Tests

Reports

Oral Presentations

Group projects

Essays

Written Examinations

Career opportunities

Previous graduates have chosen careers in social development, healthcare, journalism and film. Some have gained employment with international organisations such as OXFAM. A growing number are continuing with postgraduate study in anthropology, leading to careers as anthropological researchers with universities, public agencies like the NHS, or private sector companies.

Other items

Honours Options in Social Anthropology (Not all options are available in any given year)

20 Credits            

Regional Analysis:

• East Central Africa
• Politics of identity in South Asia
• People and Land in South Asia
• Middle East
• Khoisan Southern Africa
• Southeast Asia
• Himalayan Societies
• Indigenous Peoples of Lowland South America

Background to Contemporary Theory

Social Development

Anthropology of Death

Contemporary Hunter-Gatherers

Anthropology of Happiness

Anthropology of Food

Magic, Science, and Healing

The Invention of History