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ARCH10150

Academic Year 2025/2026

Anthropology: an introduction (ARCH10150)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Jess Beck
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce you to the discipline of anthropology—the study of what it means to be human. Anthropology examines the diversity of human societies across space and time. Anthropology is an interdisciplinary subject that is often divided into ‘four fields’: cultural or social anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology. This module provides an overview of anthropology, with a particular focus on biological and cultural anthropology. We will investigate the early history of anthropology and its reliance on ethnographic fieldwork, charting both the trajectory of human evolution and the parameters of the human body. Over the course of the module, we will examine how key facets of human existence such as kinship, ritual and symbolism, gift exchange, and the home are understood in different societies. We will explore different ways of understanding the world and how to make comparisons between these and ask what it means to think anthropologically. A representative list of topics covered from past versions of the module looks something like this:

Week 1: What is anthropology?
Week 2: The story of human evolution
Week 3: Ethnography
Week 4: The body
Week 5: Inequality
Week 6: Anthropology of food
Week 7: Anthropology of houses
Week 8: Ritual and symbolism
Week 9: Relationships and identity
Week 10: Anthropology of landscape

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you will be able to:

Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of human cultures
Understand the history of the discipline of anthropology and its relevance in and for the world today
Explain how anthropology gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to be human
Communicate your awareness of key anthropological concepts

No Generative AI content is allowed in the final submission for assessments in this module.

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: What is anthropology? Key concepts, key debates
Week 2: The story of human evolution
Week 3: The body
Week 4: Inequality
Week 5: Exchange
Week 6: Social organization
Week 7: Hunter-gatherers
Week 8: Ritual and symbolism
Week 9: Relationships and identity
Week 10: House and home

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Tutorial

5
Specified Learning Activities

56
Autonomous Student Learning

29
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- Lectures supported by tutorials

- Fortnightly on-line MCQs based on lecture content

- Initial assessment reviewing what different core texts say about one key anthropological concept

- Final assignment writing academic essay about this topic

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
Archaeology PhD students (DRHSC001 Z117, DRHSC001 Z118) may audit this module only.


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (Open Book): Candidates may bring notes covering both sides of a single sheet of A4 paper into the exam. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Short assignment (750 words). Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Three fortnightly online MCQ's (10 questions per test). Week 3, Week 5, Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will benefit from immediate feedback on the MCQs, providing a baseline for their performance Students will receive individual feedback on the first assignment. This will include clarification of the level of understanding of the key concept chosen, which will feed into final assessment. Final assessment feedback will focus on the construction of a formal university essay.

Name Role
Professor Joanna Bruck Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Graeme Warren Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Keelin Murphy Tutor
Julie Perez Tutor
Maria Serrano Ruber Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 7 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 8 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Mon 16:00 - 16:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 9 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 10 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 11 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 12 Week(s) - 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
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