UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
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The title of the module:
Computing for Anthropologists (SE300)
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The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Anthropology and Conservation
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The Start Date of the Module
1968 (transferred to new template August 2008)
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The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable:
2008-09 entry
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The number of students expected to take the module
74
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Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools 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])
Certificate (FHEQ Level: 4)
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The number of credits which the module represents
30
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Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring
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Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
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The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BA: Social Anthropology and BSc: Anthropology; Joint Honours; with a Language; with a
Year Abroad
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The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their
relationship to programme learning outcomes
 exploit computers for a range of anthropological applications
 advance these skills further in an independent manner
 understand in a basic manner how computers are programmed to address complex
anthropological problems
 understand in a basic manner how human relationships are structured and how
anthropologists address this structure
 understand in a more practical manner the basic approaches to research in
anthropology
 understand both the complexity of human knowledge and how we as anthropologists
can represent this complexity
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The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
The generic learning outcomes for this course are as follows:
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Ability to locate relevant sources of data (using library holdings and electronic
sources) for particular assignments: essay writing, seminar presentation, note taking.
Ability to summarise, interpret, and present data in oral and written form (essays,
seminars).
Ability to communicate the results of research to others in written and oral form
(essays, seminars).
Ability to contribute constructively to group discussions (seminars).
Ability to relate ideas and material in one context (lectures) to material in another
(seminars).
Ability to follow closely written instructions relating to task specifications (module
handouts).
Among the areas of key skills development encouraged throughout the module are:
 Critical reading.
 Analytic thought.
 Written and oral communication.
 Use of electronic informations systems (library catalogues, on-line resources).
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A synopsis of the curriculum
This module is a twenty-four week introduction to using computers in ‘ordinary’ anthropology,
suitable for students intending to do Stage 1 Social Anthropology and Anthropology (BA and
BSc). It is taught by lectures, practicals and seminars. You will use the computer to assist
on projects, which are drawn from ‘real-world' anthropological experience, developing an
understanding of what ‘doing’ anthropology is about.
This module is designed to teach you useful skills, ones you can use in your other modules
at the University, and in your future career. The main emphasis is on using the computers to
do interesting and useful anthropological things, and on understanding the intellectual
implications of those techniques. You will learn basic skills like writing, drawing and
accessing information relevant to anthropology; field notes, ethnographic photographs, video
and audio material. You will use computers to explore human knowledge in areas ranging
from kinship to navigation in the South Seas, and how to explore the variety of human
society with computer models. Most of the material in the module is drawn from work in
anthropology and computing of the past three decades. Supporting material is almost entirely
online – this and other information on the module is found at
http://lucy.kent.ac.uk/Courses/SE300
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Indicative Reading List
Fischer, M
Application of Computing for Social Anthropologists
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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
Taught by lecture and seminar (totalling 48 contact hours) plus workshops/practicals. Total
number of study hours expected = 10 per week (inclusive of lectures and seminars).
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Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes: 50% written examination, 50% coursework
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Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
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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
Given appropriate support, no student with a disability should be at any disadvantage in
either learning or assessment for 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
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Print Name
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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Head of School
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Print Name
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Date