UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
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The title of the module
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The Department which will be responsible for management of the module
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The Start Date of the Module
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The number of students expected to take the module
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Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
Fiction, Documentary and Life-Writing as Ethnographic Texts (SE848)
Anthropology
January 2008
4-10
consultation with other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the
withdrawal
None
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The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
Postgraduate [M]
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The number of credits which the module represents
20 Credits
Note: undergraduate full-time students take modules amounting to 120 credits per
year and postgraduate full-time students take modules amounting to 180 credits per
year for a Masters award
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Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
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Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
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The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Spring
Co-requisite SE577 Literature and Anthropology
MA Social Anthropology, MA Ethnicity, Nationalism and Identity and MA Visual
Anthropology
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The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their
relationship to programme learning outcomes
On the completion of this module students will be able:

To identify the criteria for assessing the reliability of non-standard ethnographic
sources as anthropological evidence
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To discuss critically a range of fictional material containing anthropological
information
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
To review critically to at least two works of life-writing
To compare using examples textual and visual representations of the same
society.
This module builds upon the advanced discussions of the first term’s work on The
masters’ programmes by requiring students critically to examine alternative sources
of ethnographic information of the kind frequently mentioned in the critiques
presented by the new anthropology.
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The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
The anticipated generic outcomes are that students on the completion of this
module will be able:

To appraise the value of different kinds of representative descriptions in
anthropology.

To compare and contrast different epistemological approaches to the
understanding of human societies

To discuss abstract arguments at a high level of sophistication with their peers.
The module will be an optional one within the programmes to which it contributes
and will
provide the opportunity for students in different programmes to identify
issues which they
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share in relation to problems of ethnographic representation.
A synopsis of the curriculum
The major part of the curriculum is identical to that of SE577 (a stage 3 module in
the department’s UG programme) which is a co-requisite, though Masters students
have advanced learning outcomes which are taught and assessed in ways
supplementary to the UG module. Students will be expected to read specific texts
each week relating to the theme of ethnographic representation. Some of these
texts will be novels and short stories written by anthropologists, some ill be novels
or plays written with the intention of providing ethnographic descriptions. Other texts
will comprise biographies and autobiographies and various forms of life-writing.
Analysis of fictional and ethnographic films will also from a substantial part of the
module. In discussing each text theoretical issues will be raised concerning the
reliability of the texts as documents and how valid conclusions can be drawn inform
them in relation to social and cultural matters.
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Indicative Reading
The list of texts and films may vary from year to year but the following can be
considered indicative of the range of materials which will be discussed: The
Antigone (with Robin Fox’s commentary); Pather Panchali. Katy Gardner “Songs
From the Rver’s Edge”; “Nisa”; J.M.Synge: ‘The Aran Islands” and Flaherty’s “Man
of Aran; “Max Havelaar”. David Lan’s plays.
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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 learning outcomes
The total study hours are 160. There will 12 x 2hr classes (as currently taught in
SE 577 which students will attend) and 2x I hr individual tutorials for each Masters
student.
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Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
These will be as follows:

1 short review (350 words) of a fictional written text – novel or short story
(15%) –testing the level of critical analysis

1 short review (350 words) of a film which has an ethnographic dimension
(15%) – testing the ability to identify reliable ethnographic data contained in a
film

1 review (500 words) of a biographical or autobiographical anthropological
text.(15%) – testing the ability to link individual statements with valid
generalisations on cultural issues. (Additional to UG requirement)

1 (2000 word) essay relating to the content of the module on a subject chosen
after discussion in tutorials. (45%) –testing an ability to bring together
theoretical ideas from anthropology to bear on non-standard ethnographic
material.

An assessment of the relevantly informed oral contribution and regular
attendance of the student by the module convenor (10%) – testing the ability of
students to participate in an informed and critical manner in discussions of
prescribed material.
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Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Given the small numbers expected to register fro this module there are no major
implications for learning resources for this module.
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A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the
curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not
present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
No disadvantages for students with disabilities are anticipated in relation to the
curriculum, learning teaching methods and forms of assessment in this module.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "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"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
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Date