Environmental Anthropology (L6066)
Environmental Anthropology
Module L6066
Module details for 2024/25.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module considers the cross-cultural study of relations between people and their environments. Like the focus of many environmental movements, much recent work in ecological anthropology has been crisis-driven, but whilst covering this literature the focus will be broader, taking a wider perspective including the context in which the research itself is being done. Current work on the human dimensions of deforestation, or global climate change, for example, can be informed and strengthened by an understanding of the century-old intellectual lineage of the underlying issues. The module will therefore cover the evolution of environmental anthropology, using ethnographic exemplars that relate to contemporary environmental issues, whilst at the same time probing debates such as (a) the Nature-Culture trap and beyond; (b) humanity and animality, (c) the nature (ontology) of nature, including anthropologies of air, earths, fire and water, (d) historical and anthropological challenges to equilibrial ecological reasoning, (d) anthropologies of climate and climate change.
Module learning outcomes
An ability to deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry to an original research topic
Ability to devise an original question and marshall analytical tools and evidence to sustain original conclusions
A coherent and detailed knowledge informed by, or at the forefront of Environmental Anthropology
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (5000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Tue 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Filippo Osella
Assess convenor
/profiles/102434
Prof James Fairhead
Convenor
/profiles/126936
Prof Geert De Neve
Assess convenor
/profiles/102363
Dr James McMurray
Assess convenor
/profiles/244445
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.