Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation
(MA) Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation
Entry for 2023
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The MA in the Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation is designed for students wishing to understand the nature of and connections between economic, political and cultural processes of transformation ('development') in the post-colonial world from an anthropological perspective. Students learn how anthropologists theorise social and economic change; the history and ethical implications of anthropologists' practical engagement with development interventions; and a range of research methods. With its focus on the anthropology of development and applied anthropology, the course will be of particular interest to those with experience in, or considering a career in, the development field.
Course learning outcomes
To demonstrate understanding of advanced anthropological theory and method as they pertain to social transformation in the post-colonial world.
To apply anthropological theories and methods to case studies of development practice.
To show awareness of contemporary debates over the merits of applied anthropology, particularly the relationship between anthropology and development practice.
To critically assess ethnographic accounts of social change and modernity.
To develop and express reasoned arguments in written form.
To effectively manage their own learning independently and in groups.
To engage in independent research in the form of a supervised dissertation.
To demonstrate knowledge of different research methods and the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of applying different research methods to specific research problems.
Full-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autumn Semester | Core | Anthropology for Development (855L6) | 15 | 7 |
| Core | Critical Approaches to Anthropology and Development (854L6) | 15 | 7 | ||
| Core | Thinking Like an Anthropologist (820L6) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Spring Semester | Core | Anthropological Research Methods (850L6) | 15 | 7 | |
| Option | Activism for Development and Social Justice (843L6) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Childhood and Youth in the Contemporary World (847L6) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Critical Debates in Environment and Development (928AF) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Knowledge, Power and Resistance (822L6) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Poverty, Vulnerability and the Global Economy (821L6) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Re-imagining Humanitarian Responses to Displacement (010GRS) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Visual, Sensory and Digital Anthropology (860L6) | 30 | 7 |
Part-time course composition
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.