Anthropology and Sociology

The Program

Structure

The honours program consists of a 24-point dissertation (split into two 12-point semester halves) and 24 points worth of coursework seminars (split into four 6 point semester units).

Unit Code	Unit title	Requirement	Mark %	Semester	Points
ANTH7479	Honours Dissertation 1	Includes attendance at thesis writing seminars and satisfactory completion of progress markers	50	1 & 2	12
ANTH7480	Honours Dissertation 2		50	1 & 2	12
ANTH7481	Applied & Professional Practice 1	Seminar attendance & participation, practicum, report and presentation	12.5	1	6
ANTH7483	Anthropological Epistemology	Seminar attendance & participation & essay(s)	12.5	1	6
ANTH7482	Applied and Professional Practice 2	Seminar attendance & participation, essay(s) & report	12.5	2	6
ANTH7484	Contemporary Issues	Seminar attendance & participation & essay	12.5	2	6
		Total	100		48

Coursework

Students take two coursework units per semester. These consist of one theoretical and one practical/methodology class per semester.

Students also participate in a thesis writing seminar that runs throughout the year.

Applied and Professional Practice 1 & 2

Synopsis: These units use desired graduate attributes for an Anthropology/Sociology Honours Program as a starting point to help students develop knowledge and skills relevant to contemporary practice. The following attributes form a focus for discussion:

An understanding of ethical, disciplinary and practical implications of anthropological and sociological research;
Analytic and problem solving abilities relevant to applied anthropological and sociological practice;
An ability to explain, through effective writing and communication skills, the findings from anthropological and sociological research to both academic and wider audiences;

Anthropological Epistemology

Synopsis: Epistemology is the study of the nature and ground of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity. The seminar addresses the questions of how we know what we know as anthropologists and why this matters.

Contemporary Issues

Synopsis: In this seminar we consider a selection of contemporary issues of theoretical, methodological and/or ethical importance for anthropology and/or sociology and how they arise from, respond to and/or inform anthropological and sociological bodies of practice and knowledge.

Thesis Writing Seminar

Students will be expected to attend thesis writing seminars. These seminars are designed to assist students in writing their thesis. While the seminars are not allocated a formal mark, students are expected to participate and performance is assessed on a pass/fail basis. The seminar is a forum in which students discuss their theses progress and problems and receive feedback from fellow students, and the honours coordinator. Seminar discussion will focus on topics, thesis structure, relevant literature, timetable and planning.

Assessment includes the submission of the following progress marker:

Progress Marker

Due date

Explanation

Thesis proposal

Week 4

In 2-3 pages discuss what you propose to do in your thesis.

Annotated bibliography

Week 6

List between ten and fifteen references relevant to your thesis topic. For each reference write a short paragraph explaining the importance of the reference to the thesis.

Thesis plan

Week 11

In 3-4 pages present a refined thesis question or proposition, a detailed thesis outline and a revised title.

Draft Chapter

Week 13

Unless other arrangements have been made with your thesis supervisor, give them a draft of any chapter of your thesis.

Final Draft

to be negotiated

Attendance

All seminars are scheduled on Wednesday.

The Thesis

The fourth year of study allows you to write a 15 000 word thesis on a topic of your choice.

You will be assigned a thesis supervisor to work with you.

Students usually meet with their supervisor once or twice a month. You are also welcome to consult with other members of staff about your thesis topic.

Supervisors will read and advise on your thesis drafts.

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