WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15
Course title: Anthropology:
Introduction to Social Anthropology – Part One
Course reference: C2417610
Tutor(s): Yasmin Hales-Henao
Venue: Enfield Baptist Church
Fee: £88.90
Start date: 26/09/14
End date: 05/12/14
Number of sessions: 10
Hours per session: 2.25
Day(s)/time(s): Friday 10:00-12:15
Level: 1
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): n/a
Awarding body (if any): n/a
Essential materials e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student
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: (This is displayed on the WEA website.) Summarise the course and its content in 40
words or fewer.
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.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used 
Demonstration
Discussion
X Group work
X Individual work
Project work
X Research
X Role play
X Written work
Activity outside class
Question and answer X
X Observation
X Practical work
time
Presentation
X Field trip
Other (state) Ethnographic Museum Trip
X
X
X
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: Is any reading/preparation essential or desirable?
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.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this
academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment
form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses or contact London & Southern
Regions Support Centre: Email: london&southernrsc@wea.org.uk Tel: Freephone 0800 328 1060
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