WEA Course Information Sheet 2013-14
Course title: Anthropology:
Introduction to Social Anthropology – Part One
Course reference: C2416987
Tutor(s): Yasmin Hales-Henao
Venue: Fairfield, Windsor Close HA6 1PD, Northwood Hills
Fee: £79.00
Concession: Free on proof of
income related benefit
Start date: 27th Sept 2013
End date: 29th Nov 2013
Day(s)/time(s): Friday 2-4pm
Number of sessions: 10
Hours per session: 2
Level: 3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): This is a non-accredited course. On 80% attendance
you can request a WEA Certificate of Achievement
Awarding body (if any): N/A
Essential materials:
Notepad, writing material, course folder, optional camera for project work.
Course aims:
To introduce students to the discipline of Social Anthropology and various cultural approaches to
understanding other societies including their own.
Course description:
“Amazed by the rich tapestry of different cultures and what makes us human? This introductory
Social Anthropology course will look at classical anthropology and ethnographic fieldwork,
colonial photography, and the cross cultural meaning of rituals, gender, beauty and art. By
understanding the similarities and differences between societies we will gain a greater
understanding of ourselves”.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
No prior knowledge other than cultural curiosity and a desire to learn about other societies.
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
This introductory social anthropology course will include
 The definition of anthropology and where culture comes from?
 19th century evolutionary anthropology and colonial photography
 What anthropologists do in the field: The importance of ethnographic fieldwork
 Why and how we classify societies: Nature, culture and language
 Anthropology of gender, sexuality and kinship
 Anthropology of the Body: The cultural meaning of decoration and adornment
 Anthropology of Food: Why we eat what we eat?
 Anthropology of the Senses : Cross cultural perspectives
 Anthropology of Material Culture: Universal and local meaning of art, beauty and
museums.
This course will include a group visit to an anthropology museum on a related topic
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used 
Demonstration
Discussion
x
Group work
x Individual work
x
Project work
x Research
x
Role play
x Written work
x
Activity outside
Question and answer
x
x
Observation
x Practical work
x
class time
Presentation
x Field trip
Other (state) Ethnographic Museum Trip
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
Students learning and achievement will be assessed in the following ways
Individual oral and written class presentations and discussion
Independent and/or group anthropology project
Anthropology cross cultural fieldwork
Fieldwork diary
Ethnographic Museum visit
Your Learning Record will ask you to consider how far you feel you have progressed.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the
class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1.
Define the meaning of Social Anthropology
2.
Identify key anthropological theories and debates
3.
Explore the cross cultural similarities and differences between societies
4.
Clarify other ways of thinking about different cultures and beliefs
5.
Produce a Social Anthropology case study with supporting ethnographic material
Reading and information sources:
A key introductory anthropology text will be distributed on a
weekly basis in preparation for discussion in the following class.
The following bibliographic publications will provide a good
disciplinary overview for those that wish to read in advance.
Hendry, Joy (1999) “An Introduction to Social Anthropology” Palgrave, Macmillan Press, London.
Eriksen, Thomas (2004) What is Anthropology?”, Pluto Press, London.
Monaghan, John (2000) Social and Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction, OUP.
Oxford
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
This Introduction course will provide students with the required skills and knowledge to progress
onto the WEA Introduction to Anthropology (2) Spring module.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services
for Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees,
learning support and financial support. S:\WEAMISdata\LN\Outlines\c2416987_outline.doc