The Anthropological Imagination (L6001)
The Anthropological Imagination
Module L6001
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
The Anthropological Imagination - This module explores how anthropologists understand human
behaviour and cultural diversity. Why, despite similar cognitive capacities, do we see such vast cultural
variation? How is this diversity created? Is it nature or culture that shapes human behaviour? Focusing
on key writings, case studies, and audiovisual material, we examine central concepts, fieldwork
methods, and anthropology’s unique genre of writing (ethnography) to show how anthropology can
answer these questions. By the end, you will understand anthropological theory, methodology, and key
issues from ethnographies. You’ll develop analytical skills, the ability to generalise from case studies,
and use ethnographic evidence to support theoretical arguments.
Module learning outcomes
A reflexive understanding of the core issues which make anthropology an important subject in the contemporary world
Basic knowledge of the historical development in the analysis of each issue through specific examples of research
A critical understanding of some of the key analytic perspectives as they emerge through the ethnographic examples used
The ability to structure arguments in an anthropological frame, develop analysis and present these in written form
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 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.
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