Social Anthropology, MRes draft

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The University of Aberdeen's MRes in Social Anthropology equips students with critical awareness, knowledge, and research skills to delve into the study of human societies worldwide. Through a combination of coursework, seminars, and a dissertation project, students develop advanced ethnographic fieldwork methods, data analysis techniques, and effective communication skills, preparing them for further academic pursuits or professional careers in research.

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Objectives:

• Develop critical awareness and knowledge: Students gain a thorough understanding of social anthropology and its role in comprehending diverse human societies and cultural practices.
• Hone research skills: The program focuses on equipping students with essential research methodologies, including participant observation, interview techniques, data analysis, and ethical research practices.
• Gain practical research experience: The program culminates in a dissertation project, allowing students to delve into a chosen research topic guided by experienced supervisors.

Outline

• Research Skills in Anthropology: This course focuses on equipping students with essential research skills like participant observation, conducting and writing fieldnotes, interview methods, data analysis, and working ethically with various media resources and historical documents.
• Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended): This 30-credit module offers a comprehensive overview of key themes in social anthropology.
Students delve into topics such as religion, politics, environmentalism, anthropology of the North, creative knowledge production, medical and linguistic anthropologies, oral traditions, media studies, and museums, among others. Following each week's lecture, student-led seminars provide a platform to engage in active discussion, analysis, and debate on the presented themes. Course work culminates in a 5000-word essay that students develop in consultation with their supervisors.

Stage 2

focuses on advancing research skills and developing independent research proposals, covering:

• Supervised Reading: This personalized course allows for focused exploration and analysis of specific topics in consultation with supervisors.
Students delve into chosen areas and produce a 3000-word essay reflecting their individualized study.
• Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended): Building on the foundation laid in Stage 1, this course offers a deeper exploration of relevant social anthropology themes.
Students engage in critical discussion during weekly seminars and finalize a 5000-word essay on a topic agreed upon with their supervisors.
• Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (STAR): Students participate in this week-long intensive residential course, conducted jointly with other Scottish universities.
The course delves into advanced anthropological methods and disciplinary practices through a mix of lectures, workshops, and seminars. Specific topics covered vary from year to year and may encompass participant observation techniques, fieldnote analysis, documentary research methods, and ethical and political considerations in research.

Stage 3

marks the culmination of the MRes program, where students fully immerse in independent dissertation research:

• Dissertation in Social Anthropology: This 60-credit module constitutes the core element of this stage.
Students engage in independent research on a chosen topic under the guidance and mentorship of designated supervisors. This dissertation serves not only as an in-depth exploration of the selected research area but also provides valuable training for students considering pursuing further doctoral studies in Social Anthropology.

Courses and Modules:

Stage 1

• Research in Social Anthropology 1 (AT5531)
• Research Skills in Anthropology (AT5032)
• AT 5028
• AT5029

Stage 2

• STAR
• Research in Anthropology 2(AT5542)
• AT5030

Stage 3

• Research in Social Anthropology (AT5531)
• AT5027

Assessment

Methods:

Assessment for this program is based primarily on written assignments. Students are required to submit essays for each individual course module alongside their final dissertation project. These criteria typically encompass a combination of aspects such as:

• Depth and breadth of analysis: Essays and dissertations are assessed based on the student's ability to engage critically and demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories, methodologies, and literature within the field of social anthropology.
• Critical engagement: The program emphasizes critical analysis and reflection, evaluating how well students can examine theoretical concepts, methodological approaches, research findings, or chosen research topic in a critical and nuanced manner.
• Argument development and logical reasoning: The ability to present well-structured and coherent arguments underpinned by sound reasoning and evidence is a crucial assessment criterion.
• Originality and creativity: While referencing relevant scholarly works is expected, the program also values originality in students' approaches, arguments, and interpretations of research materials and theoretical frameworks.
• Ethical considerations and awareness: As responsible social scientists, students are assessed on their understanding of ethical principles in conducting research and the ability to incorporate ethical considerations throughout their work.

Teaching

Methods and Faculty:

The MRes program benefits from the expertise of experienced faculty members in the department of anthropology. These researchers are actively engaged in various fields, including studies on the North and its environments, human-animal interactions and relationships, religious beliefs and practices, material culture, and museum studies, among others. This diverse expertise allows students to benefit from supervision and guidance tailored to specific research areas and interests.

Unique Approach

Alongside traditional classroom-style instruction, the curriculum emphasizes active research training, preparing students to become independent and effective researchers. This approach allows students to:

• Design and execute independent research projects.
• Develop and apply advanced ethnographic fieldwork methods.
• Conduct rigorous data analysis.
• Communicate their research findings effectively through writing and oral presentations, honing essential skills for academic and professional environments.

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive Lectures and Seminars: The program incorporates a mix of interactive lectures and seminar discussions.
Students engage with instructors and peers to explore key concepts, critically evaluate readings and theories, and discuss contemporary research developments in various sub-fields of social anthropology.

Additional Teaching Formats

• Individual consultations with supervisors.
• Fieldwork instruction and guidance
• Use and interpretation of various media and digital technologies
• Hands-on training and workshops on specific data collection techniques and analysis tools
• Presentations of ongoing student research and peer feedback sessions

EU / International students: £23,800 UK: £11,100