REGULATIONS FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY (ANTH)

Duration                              4 years

Actual Credit Load               480

Minimum Credit Load          480

Maximum Credit Load          540

MBKS Credit Load               384

ZNQF Level                         8

1.0   PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme offers students an exciting opportunity to study how human beings give meaning to behaviour through diverse social norms, values, practices and means of organisation. The role of an Anthropologist is to explore and understand “other” cultures and societies through the use of ethnography. Anthropologists use various data collection tools to study human behaviour in its natural setting and this is critical when developing people-centred policy strategies. Anthropologists are committed to engaging in the resolution of current national social problems using evidence-based methods of inquiry which are valid and reliable. Anthropology as a discipline produces high-profile researchers who can engage with a wide array of development-related issues and contribute to finding solutions to issues which negatively impact social cohesion.

2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

At least five (5) ‘O’ levels/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language and Mathematics with Grade C or better and at least two (2) Advanced level passes in Arts, Sociology, Humanities OR Relevant National Certificate.

Special Entry

A candidate who does not meet normal entry requirements may be admitted into a programme provided the candidate has a qualification in line with the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF).

Mature Entry

Mature entry shall be obtained by applicants who have five (5) ‘O’ levels including English Language and have demonstrable work experience during the last five years before the academic year in which admission is sought, and are aged 25 years and above.

Employability:        Candidates graduating with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Anthropology can work in a variety of social science environments that are development-related, in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Anthropologists can be employed in teaching and/or research-oriented organisations, including schools, colleges, think tanks, and universities, in museums, heritage and cultural sites, and in corporate environments as researchers, among others. Anthropologists can also be employed in cultural and natural resource management, advocacy work, museum curation and as ethnologists.  Graduates can also be employed in various government departments and in the NGO sector.

Further Studies:      Masters and Doctoral studies in Sociology and Anthropology, Public Health, Ethnology, Archaeology

 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Module        Description Credits

SOSP101     Introduction to Sociology      12

ANTH101    Introduction to Social Anthropology  12

ANTH102    Human Evolution     12

CS131  Basic Communication Skills  12

HCS135       Introduction to Information Technology 12

        

Level 1 Semester 2

ANTH103    Issues in Anthropology 12

ANTH104    Anthropology of Religion     12

ANTH105    Anthropology of the Media   12

SOSP104     Social Institutions     12

GSSS201     Gender Studies for Social Sciences    12

 

Level 2 Semester 1

ANTH201    Ethnographic Studies 12

ANTH202    Marriage, Family and Kinship   12

ANTH203    Social Anthropological Theory  12

SOSP201     Qualitative Research Methods   12

ANTH204    Sex, Culture and Society       12

 

Level 2 Semester 2

SOSP206     Quantitative Research Methods 12

SOSP207     Contemporary Social Theory 12

ANTH205    Transnational Migration and Diaspora Identities 12

ANTH206    Medical Anthropology  12

ANTH207    Anthropology of Industrialisation and Industrial Life  12

 

Level 3 Semester 1

ANTH300    Work-Related Learning Placement Report                         40

 

Level 3 Semester 2

ANTH301    Students’ Work-Related Learning Report       30

ANTH302    Academic Supervisor’s Report 20

ANTH303    Employer’s Assessment Report  30

 

Level 4 Semester 1

ANTH401    Anthropology of Development and Humanitarianism  12   

ANTH402    Post-Colonial Identities 12

ANTH403    Social Marginalisation 12

ANTH404    Rural and Urban Anthropology 12

ANTH405    Environmental Anthropology 12

 

Level 4 Semester 2

ANTH406    Dissertation  24

ANTH407    Economic Anthropology       12

ANTH408    Anthropology of Tourism and Travel 12

ANTH409    Globalisation and Social Anthropology  12

 

14.0           MODULE SYNOPSES

SOSP 101 Introduction to Sociology

In this module, students gain a theoretical foundation for understanding social issues. The module begins with a discussion of the theoretical origins of Sociology, its key concepts, similarities and differences with other social science subjects. Students are expected to acquire critical, analytical and practical skills that will also serve them in other social science modules as well. Students are introduced to some critical evaluation of discourse on the nature, antecedents and trends in sociological theorising.

ANTH 101 Introduction to Social Anthropology

The module explores conceptual and developmental issues in social anthropology. It starts by exploring the conceptual issues relating to the emergence of social anthropology. It addresses topics such as ideology, politics, production and economic systems, law and order, and leadership in traditional and modern states. The module probes the opportunities and challenges that culture poses for African and other developing economies. Particular attention is paid to comparative and holistic perspectives. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are looked at in the light of globalisation. The module remains true to anthropology through numerous case studies and various methods of investigation employed in this discipline. Ultimately, the module appraises the role played by anthropology in augmenting sociology in order to holistically address the broader social, economic and political conundrums of contemporary society.

ANTH 102 Human Evolution

This module provides students with an overview of human biological and cultural evolution concepts and theories. Students will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of the study of ancient human beings and their environment. Debates in this area are premised on evidence provided by archaeology, biology and social anthropology. Some of the topics to be covered in this module include the science behind human evolution, primate origins, evolution of the brain, climate change and evolution.

CS131 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to regulations for the Department of Communication Skills.

HCS135 Introduction to Information Technology

Refer to regulations for the Department of Information Technology.

ANTH 103 Issues in Anthropology

Contemporary international migrations and communications are bringing societies into direct contact with peoples of many regions with different values and ways of life. They are, accordingly, faced with the challenge of tolerating and appreciating other cultural perspectives in order to avoid the dismal alternatives of increased ethnic nationalism, hostility, and violence. This module focuses on the basic concepts and findings of anthropology, the systematic and comparative study of human institutions and behaviour, and will achieve an understanding of the cultural diversity with which we are increasingly confronted and the common humanity that runs through it. This module covers the major specialisations within the field of anthropology with an emphasis on the comparative study of contemporary cultures.

ANTH 104 Anthropology of Religion

From its start, Anthropology has been preoccupied with religion, ritual and magic. Even now, as societies undergo development, new forms of religious consciousness appear in different spaces, with different intensities. In this module, students get to understand how and why religion continues to provide meaning in fast-changing societies, as well as to provide the basis of order in the face of inequalities that dogs develop.

ANTH 105 Anthropology of the Media

This module is about media and social representation. It also examines how the media reflects the economic structure of society. By the end of the module, students should be able to understand economic interests in society and how these accurately get reflected in film, news, music, novels, and television.

SOSP 104 Social Institutions

This module develops learners’ sense of themselves as part of society. It uses a sociological approach, which encourages learners to ask questions about the social world in which we live and to use evidence to support explanations for human social behaviour. The module equips learners with knowledge and understanding of the sociological perspectives, theories and concepts used to investigate and explain aspects of the social world. The module offers opportunities for learners to actively investigate human society, and social institutions such as the family, education and religion.

GSSS201 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

This module is an introductory module focused on giving students a broad understanding of the discipline of Gender Studies, its subject matter, key issues and concepts. It is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues as well as prepare them to be agents of change, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. In so doing GSSS 201 adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter all aspects of the human experience in a gendered world, viewing gender as a field of study, analytical tool and a social phenomenon structuring the social world itself.

ANTH 201 Ethnographic Studies

This module explores ways in which anthropologists have adapted and innovated ethnographic approaches, methods and questions to the challenges of the modern world at the dawn of the third millennium. Focused on specific instances of ethnographic fieldwork, the course explores such topics as the dialectics of self and other, the multi-sited nature of fieldwork, changing conceptions of ethics, and the challenges of modernity, globalisation, and transnationalism in their many guises for anthropological field research. The course seeks to explore ways in which the practice of anthropological research has reshaped anthropological questions and the way in which we address them.

ANTH 202 Marriage, Family and Kinship

This module explores the social function of marriage, family and kinship relationship. The module examines the role played by different forms of relationships in social and community cohesion. Issues to be explored include the institution of the family from a cross-cultural perspective, descent and kinship, incest taboo, marriage, kinship and social relations, gender and kinship and new reproductive technologies. Some other related issues such as adoption, single parenthood, and fictive kinship will also be discussed.

ANTH 203 Social Anthropological Theory

This module explores fundamental theoretical frameworks in Social Anthropology. Over the years, there has been the development of different schools of thought in the discipline of anthropology. Some of these key theories include historical particularism, culture and personality school, French structuralism, cultural ecology and neo-evolutionism, post-modern school and feminist anthropology. This course helps students appreciate the critical issues explored in Social Anthropology across different historical, social, political, and economic contexts. It equips students with the requisite analytical skills they need to explain and describe different social phenomena.

SOSP 201 Qualitative Research Methods

The module exposes students to the qualitative research paradigm. It discusses salient issues of practicality, ethics and politics in the research process. The module also delivers transferrable skills including critical reflections, the ability to interpret qualitative data and the ability to present ideas coherently. Included in this module is a wide range of qualitative research and data collection methodologies, which are currently used in development research and practice. Teaching methods will include group work, exercises as well as lectures and discussions.

ANTH 204 Sex, Culture and Society

This module explores the social and cultural dimensions of sexuality. The biomedical approach dominated much of the social construction of sexual experience during the 20th century. However increasingly, detailed cross-cultural studies of sexual life are being undertaken. There is a growing recognition of the complex relationship between culture and power as well as increasing attention to the political and economic dimensions of sexuality. This module challenges students to confront the silences and invisibilities that seem to characterise this area of sexuality and culture.

SOSP 206 Quantitative Research Methods

The module lays the basis for the development of competencies in quantitative research methods and statistics. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical framework of quantitative research methodology, and the acquisition of statistical concepts.

SOSP 207 Contemporary Social Theory

The module creates an appreciation of the centrality of social theory in sociology and the analysis of social phenomena. Students develop an ability to apply sociological theories in the analysis of everyday phenomena. The module builds up on previous social theory module and is meant to give students an in-depth understanding of contemporary theories and developments in the arena of social theory.

ANTH 205 Transnational Migration and Diaspora Identities

This module explores the transnational migration phenomenon by exploring its various facets. It explores the practical experiences of migrants in the diaspora, examining their economic and political experiences. Further, it examines issues of inclusion and exclusion and the making of the ‘Other’ and how migrants have transcended these dynamics. The module also explores various debates on long-distance family connections and love relationships. The ideas of home-making for migrants and their social, economic and political networks of survival are examined. The module explores the significance of migrant remittances, and the challenges and fears of migrants such as arrests, detention, crime, death and deportation.

ANTH 206 Medical Anthropology

Medical anthropology considers the cultural and social aspects of the body, health, sickness, and healing from a cross-cultural perspective. This module introduces some of the innovative research being conducted in the rapidly growing field of medical anthropology. The module looks at an overview of diverse theoretical approaches to studying health and well-being, exploring the various ways in which “culture” has been used in discourses on health. After building this foundation, the remainder of the module examines topics such as medicalisation, alternative forms of medicine; authoritative knowledge, and beliefs; global inequities, local desires, and modern plagues; and the phenomenology of disability, death, and medical school. Through these examples, the module illustrates the diversity of theoretical perspectives in medical anthropology, including interpretive approaches, critical theory, and phenomenology.

ANTH 207 Anthropology of Industrialisation and Industrial Life

This module offers a comprehensive anthropological overview of industrialisation in both Western and non-Western societies. Based on contemporary and historical ethnographic material, the course will unpack the ‘world of industry’ in the context of the shop floor, the family, and the city, revealing the rich social and political texture underpinning economic development. It also provides a critical discussion of the assumptions that inform much of the social science literature on industrialisation and industrial ‘modernity’. The module will explore the historical development of industrial capitalism; shop floor organisation; the relationships between the workplace and the home; the teleology of industrial ‘modernity’ and working-class consciousness.

ANTH300 Work-Related Learning Placement Report

The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.

ANTH301 Work-Related Learning Report

As part of the examination, the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work-related learning experience to the department and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

ANTH302 Work-Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination, the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and this will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

ANTH303 Work-Related Learning Supervisor’s Report

The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental

examinations board for processing of final marks.

ANTH 401 Anthropology of Development and Humanitarianism

Development is a key feature of societies, particularly in the South. In this module, students get to understand how development is conceived and executed. They also get to understand how the state, donors, and humanitarians perceive the other, and how they also try to use development to control people.

ANTH 402 Post Colonial Identities

This module explores the ideas of the formation of postcolonial identities in African, Caribbean and South Asia literary texts. The module examines the postcolonial theory and the ways in which postcolonial identities are interpreted. The module also examines the processes of identity formation as presented in the literature and provides a social critique. The module explores how literary texts characterise the changing world and the role of selfhood in that dynamism. Further, the module explores how texts attempt to balance literary concerns within wider socio-political and economic realities, taking into consideration the question of race, ethnicity and diversity.

ANTH 403 Social Marginalisation

This module explores the meaning as well as the politics of marginalisation and exclusion by exploring how some groups are privileged at the expense of others. Key issues to be discussed include sociocultural, economic and political factors that influence marginalisation. Cultural meanings and how these animate the production of space, social differences and the way people experience them will also be explored.

ANTH 404 Rural and Urban Anthropology

This module examines the interlinkages between rural and urban communities. This course seeks to explore important differences and parallels that occur along a rural-urban continuum of geography, and culture as well as problems that both rural and urban communities face in development. The module explores the conceptual and practical contributions of rural anthropology, its historical roots and development through peasant communities’ studies; diversity in rural communities along class, race and ethnicity, land tenure, reform, poverty and food security. In addition, this module introduces students to the significance and development of urban anthropology within socio-cultural anthropology and core themes and debates in the field of urban anthropology. It is structured to introduce students to important theoretical perspectives that inform anthropologists’ studies of urban contexts and to investigate research themes through case studies.

ANTH 405 Environmental Anthropology

With the contemporary environmental crisis as its backdrop, this course examines some classic and contemporary anthropological approaches to the environment and environmentalism: cultural ecology, political ecology, environmental history, science studies, post-structuralism cultural studies, and environmental justice. In addition, students will also study world systems of agriculture across time and space, development ideas, impacts of globalization, and alternatives to a global capitalist world system. This module emphasises the interconnectedness of human-nature interactions to explain anthropological approaches to the environment. The module will also explore contemporary environmental issues including biodiversity conservation, deforestation, community-based and transboundary natural resource management, eco-tourism, and climate change.

ANTH 406 Dissertation

This is a double module and students are expected to research putting into practice methodological issues they were taught in various research modules. The idea is to enable students to understand and provide practical solutions to social problems bedevilling society at any given time.

ANTH 407 Economic Anthropology

The central concern of economic anthropology is to understand better the complex nature of socio-economic systems. While students will familiarise themselves with some basic economic principles, this is not an economics course for social science students. In this course, students will critically examine: the variety of human socio-economic systems and factors which shape them; the major theoretical foundations and debates regarding human ‘economic’ behaviours, i.e. how and why people think about the world of ‘goods’ and how these ‘goods’ fit into our lives. With that understanding, we can then examine the practical and policy implications of globalisation and economic change on the material well-being of people in diverse contemporary societies.

ANTH 408 Anthropology of Tourism and Travel

This module explores tourism as both a social and a cultural construct that has been shaped by different historical formations. The module views tourism as a complex issue because of its economic and political implications. This module also examines the positioning of tourism as a means of global interaction which facilitates visibility and exposition of its internal aspects. The module further seeks to understand different dimensions of tourism by looking at issues of locality, identity and place-making as well as heritage and the political economy of place and space.

ANTH 409 Globalisation and Social Anthropology

The module examines the social and cultural dynamics of globalisation based on anthropological and sociological theory as well as ethnographic studies from across the world. This module explores the intricate and shifting flows of people, capital and material goods. Topics to be covered include the global systems of production and consumption, the internet and other media, cross-cultural consumption of goods and practices such as clothing, arts and food across the globe. The module enables students to examine cultural homogenisation and diversification, and social and economic inequality.