Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module ANTH2131: Anthropology Field Course

Department: Anthropology

ANTH2131: Anthropology Field Course

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2021/22 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to L602
Tied to L601
Tied to B991
Tied to L605
Tied to L606
Tied to L607
Tied to LF64
Tied to LL36
Tied to CFG0

Prerequisites

  • Doing Anthropological Research (ANTH1111). For LL36, LF64 and CFG0 students only, Doing Anthropological Research (ANTH1111) can be taken as a co-requisite rather than a prequisite module.

Corequisites

  • For LL36, LF64 and CFG0 students only Doing Anthropological Research (ANTH111) can be taken as a co-requisite module instead of as a pre-requisite.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To give students practical experience of quantitative and qualitative anthropological methods including the collection, management and interpretation of data, through direct application of these methods during fieldwork.

Content

  • Practical experience of field research methods in anthropology.
  • Use of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in anthropological fieldwork.
  • Management and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Analysis and reflection on ethical issues in qualitative and quantitative anthropological research.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • An appreciation of the appropriateness of different fieldwork research methods to specific lines of anthropological enquiry.
  • Understand the relationships between anthropological method and theory.
  • Appreciate some of the ethical issues inherent in anthropological enquiry.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Engage in an anthropological study using a range of appropriate fieldwork techniques.
  • Analyse and interpret anthropological fieldwork data.
  • A comprehensive overview and thorough grounding in the use of anthropological field methods.
  • A thorough understanding of the ways in which anthropologists collect and interpret field data.
Key Skills:
  • Understand the process of fieldwork and how to draw on an appropriate range of methods.
  • Work with others in collaborative activities.
  • Maintain and present a detailed record of research through verbal presentations and writing.
  • Apply ethical guidelines in research.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The primary method of teaching is through practical experience of fieldwork.
  • Fieldwork will be preceded by an orientation workshop in the previous academic year. These build on information and briefing sessions held during Doing Anthropological Research.
  • Fieldwork will be supplemented by on-site presentations and discussions to explore key lessons and concepts related to the intended learning outcomes.
  • Assessment is through written coursework submitted following the course but based on fieldwork work conducted during the field course period.
  • The assessment is designed to assess the extent of students' knowledge and understanding and their ability to apply this to a fieldwork setting.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Fieldwork 1 75 hours 75
Orientation 1 3 hours 3
Notebook Surgery 2 1 2
Preparation & Reading 120
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Fieldwork Report Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Qualitative Fieldwork Report 2000 words 50%
Quantitative Fieldwork Report 2000 words 50%

Formative Assessment:

500 word plan for each report indicating (for qualitative) the argument, literature and ethnographic materials you intend using and (for quantitative) the question you are asking and the analysis you intend to undertake to answer it. In addition, formative feedback will be provided on aspects of work undertaken during each day of the field course and during report writing surgeries.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University