UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Embodied Concepts: The Anthropology of Experience
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Anthropology and Conservation
3.
Start date of the module
Autumn 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
20
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
H
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn (2014)
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
SE301 Social Anthropology, SE588 Advanced Social Anthropology I, SE586 Ethnographies I
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BSc Anthropology; BA Social Anthropology, Joint, with Language and Year Abroad
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1 to be able to appreciate and represent key anthropological concepts in terms of
embodied and interactive performance.
11.2 to be conversant with the main points of connection between applied drama and
anthropology.
11.3 to reflect on the integration of interactive and physical based experience with
ethnographic and anthropological texts
11.4 to develop new communicative and performance based abilities in the communication of
anthropological concepts.
11.5 to compare and contrast experience based and disciplinary based knowledge claims.
11.6 to develop creative and critical insights into key anthropological concepts.
11.7 the ability to teach a short embodied exercise on a concept of choice.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should gain:
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
added confidence and competence in their analytic skills
heightened ability to express themselves in writing, presentation and
performance
heightened competence in communication more generally
an ability to integrate written and experience- based knowledge and form
coherent arguments based on that integration
teaching skills with which to communicate important ideas
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module teaches key concepts in anthropology that relate to the interactive and
intercultural processes of fieldwork, anthropological research and experience through
interactive, body based and applied drama exercises and activities. It engages with the
enduring tensions between the experiential dimensions of anthropological field research and
the demands of disciplinary and intellectual professionalism. One aim is to develop
understanding of the multiple modes of performance of anthropological concepts to theorise
a more accessible and public anthropology. Each week will focus on a concept important in
contemporary anthropology, and through experiential and group based exercises critically
examine that concept in relation to a key reading related to that concept and personal
experience. Collaboration and feedback will be central to the focus on the integration of
personal and group based experience with written exposition. Students will learn how to use
applied drama techniques to teach anthropology through running a short workshop on a
concept of their choice.
14. Indicative Reading List
Rapport, Nigel, and Joanna Overing. 2000. Social and Cultural Anthropology: The Key Concepts.
London: Routledge.
Davies, James, and Dimitrina Spencer. 2010. Emotions in the field : the psychology and
anthropology of fieldwork experience. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press.
Boal, Augusto. 2002. Games for actors and non-actors. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Leder, D. 1990. The absent body. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Barba, Eugenio. 1995. The paper canoe: a guide to theatre anthropology. London ; New York:
Routledge.
Hastrup, Kirsten. 1995. A Passage to Anthropology: Between Experience and Theory. London:
Routledge.
Novack, Cynthia Jean. 1990. Sharing the dance : contact improvisation and American culture.
Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press.
Hughes-Freeland, Felicia, and Association of Social Anthropologists of the Commonwealth.
Conference. 1998. Ritual, performance, media, ASA monographs. London; New York:
Routledge.
Schechner, Richard. 1985. Between theater & anthropology. Philadelphia: University of
Pennsylvania Press.
Turner, Victor W., Edward M. Bruner, and Clifford Geertz. 1986. The anthropology of experience.
Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
The module will be based on 10 x 3hr workshops (Total 30hrs). Independent study hours (120
hrs). Total Study hours (150hrs). Teaching will be based on the format of a three hour
workshop which will consist in a varied combination of mini lecture, applied drama exercises,
movement based exercises, presentations, feedback and guided discussions.
The mini lecture will address learning outcomes: 11.1, 11.2,12.2
Applied drama exercises will address learning outcomes: 11.2, 11.4, 11.6, 12.1, 12.2,12.3
Movement based exercises will address learning outcomes: 11.4, 11.5,11.6
Presentations will address learning outcomes: 11.2, 11.5, 11.7, 12.4,12.5
Guided discussions will address learning outcomes: 11.2, 11.3, 11.6,12.2
Self-study will address learning outcomes: 11.3, 11.4, 12.2, 12.4
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
The module will be assessed on the basis of:
A Module Diary (30%) The diary integrates analysis of the key reading for each week with the
knowledge gained from physical and drama based activities. It will be a maximum of 2000
words. It will address learning outcomes: 11.3, 11.5, 11.6, 12.2 , 12.4, 12.5
Reflective Workshop Plan and Essay (30%) The essay will focus on one key concept and
integrate reflective knowledge of the teaching of this concept in the mini workshop. It will
also include feedback from the workshop to discuss how the workshop could be improved. It
will be a maximum of 2000 words. It will address learning outcomes: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 ,
12.1, 12.4, 12.5
Mini Workshop (40 %)
Each student will work in groups of 4 or 5 to design and lead a dedicated 50 minute workshop
on a particular anthropological concept. It will be evaluated on content, process and
collaboration. It will address learning outcomes: 11.1, 11.3, 11.7, 12.1, 12.3, 12.5
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
The module will require a large light studio space with a hard floor to accommodate the
performative and movement-based aspects of the module (e.g., Jarman Studio 1 or 2).
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary,
including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for
students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for
students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with
the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided
where needed.
Any disability issues relating to the class-based contact hours will be relatively easily dealt with within
current standard practice. The physical aspects of the module will be those that demand very
specific engagement with the current disability equality legislation, and the need to support students
with a declared disability or special educational needs. The group and collaborative oriented focus of
the course will ensure the satisfaction of these needs.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered: Canterbury
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution, please complete
the following:
20. Partner College/Validated Institution: N/A
21. University School responsible for the programme: SAC
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
27 February 2013...............
Date
..
…..
Director of Learning and Teaching
Rajindra K. Puri, PhD
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
..............................................
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Date
Head of School
Prof. Joao Pina-Cabral
Module Specification Template
Last updated January 2013
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