Geography and Anthropology BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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The Geography and Anthropology BA (Hons) program at the University of Sussex is a joint-honors degree that explores the connections between communities, culture, society, and the environment. Through a balance of theory and practical experience, including fieldwork, study abroad, and potential placements, students gain a comprehensive understanding of human interactions with the world. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in sectors such as international development, environmental conservation, and government.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students interested in exploring the relationship between communities, culture, society, and the environment. It offers a unique blend of Geography and Anthropology, providing a comprehensive understanding of human interactions with the world.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop a deep understanding of key concepts and theories in both Geography and Anthropology.
• Equip students with research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Foster cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Provide practical experience through fieldwork and potential placements.
• Prepare students for a wide range of careers in diverse sectors.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• The program is a 3-year full-time course.
• It is a joint-honors program, with each subject (Geography and Anthropology) taking up 50% of the student's time.
• The program includes core modules, optional modules, fieldwork, and potential study abroad and placement opportunities.

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Course Schedule:

• Year 1:
• Autumn:
• Human Geographies of the Modern World
• Key Concepts in Anthropology
• Skills and Concepts in Geography I: Becoming a Geographer
• The Anthropological Imagination
• Spring:
• Anthropology of Capitalism, Care and the Environment
• Geographies of Cities and Mobilities
• Skills and Concepts in Geography II: Quantitative and Analytical Skills
• Worlds and Selves
• Year 2:
• Autumn:
• Ethnographic Research Methods
• Global Geographies of Economic Change
• Religion and Ritual
• Understanding Global Migration
• Spring:
• Politics and Power
• Optional Modules (selection from a list including Black Lives Matter, Cities and Urban Lives, Culture and Representation, etc.)
• Year 3:
• Autumn:
• Optional Modules (selection from a list including Advanced Sustainable Development, Anthropology of the Body, Cultures of Colonialism, etc.)
• Spring:
• Optional Modules (selection from a list including Class, Community, Nation, Cults, Conspiracies and Political Religion, etc.)

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Modules:

• Core Modules:
• Human Geographies of the Modern World
• Key Concepts in Anthropology
• Skills and Concepts in Geography I: Becoming a Geographer
• The Anthropological Imagination
• Anthropology of Capitalism, Care and the Environment
• Geographies of Cities and Mobilities
• Skills and Concepts in Geography II: Quantitative and Analytical Skills
• Worlds and Selves
• Ethnographic Research Methods
• Global Geographies of Economic Change
• Religion and Ritual
• Understanding Global Migration
• Politics and Power
• Optional Modules:
• Black Lives Matter: Postcolonial and Decolonial Representations
• Cities and Urban Lives
• Culture and Representation
• Environmental Perspectives on Development
• Ethnographic Field Research
• Geography Overseas Field Class
• Postcolonial Africa
• Social Geographies
• Southeast England Field Class
• Visual Anthropology
• Advanced Sustainable Development: Sustainability in Policy and Practice
• Anthropology of the Body
• Cultures of Colonialism
• Current Themes in the Anthropology of Latin America
• Death, Dying and the Corpse
• Development, Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Disasters, Environment and Development
• Environmental Protest: Past and Present
• Geographies of Money, Finance, and Debt
• Geographies of Rising and Declining Powers
• Human Rights
• Mobilities and Global Inequalities
• Refugees, Migrants and Religion
• Slavery, Emancipation and Legacies
• The Anthropology of Geopolitics
• Anthropology Thesis
• Class, Community, Nation
• Cults, Conspiracies and Political Religion
• Decolonial Movements
• Environmental Anthropology
• Global Food Security
• Political Ecology and Environmental Justice
• Race, Ethnicity and Identity
• Re-Designing Life: Anthropological Approaches to New Biotechnologies
• The global and the intimate: home cultures, belonging and personal life

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Field Trips:

• Fieldwork is an integral part of the program, starting from the beginning.
• Students can choose from a range of locations for their Year 2 fieldwork, including China, the Mojave Desert, Dubai, Los Angeles, and a UK-based option.

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Study Abroad (Optional):

• Students can apply to study abroad for a semester or a year, gaining an international perspective and enhancing their career prospects.

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Placement (Optional):

• Students can apply for an optional placement to gain practical experience and improve their employability.

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Assessment:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Essays
• Exams
• Presentations
• Fieldwork reports
• Dissertations

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by leading experts in Geography and Anthropology.
• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Fieldwork
• Group projects

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Careers:

• The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in sectors such as:
• International development
• Environmental conservation
• Civil service and government
• Media and journalism
• The university's Careers and Employability Centre provides support and guidance to students throughout their degree.

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Other:

• The program is ranked 3rd in the UK for research impact in Geography and Environmental Studies (REF 2021).
• It is ranked 12th in the UK for Anthropology and 14th for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
• The program is taught in a stimulating environment, with Brighton and the South Downs National Park providing both indoor and outdoor learning opportunities.