This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This advanced module explores in depth critical topics in the interface of the Anthropology of Contemporary Politics, the Anthropology of Environmental Movements and the Anthropology of Humanitarian Crises. The module is designed to be team-taught by various members of staff with expertise in Political and Environmental Anthropology and in humanitarian crisis and intervention. The lectures of the modules will provide a foundation in core concepts and theories that facilitate the analysis of contemporary political and environmental debates. Indicative topics include ethnic conflicts and post-conflict recovery, urban protest, Brexit, climate change activism, debates about resource sustainability, local repercussions of the environmental crisis, refugee and austerity crisis, migration, ethnic conflict, humanitarian solidarity and environmental disaster. The topics covered will vary from year to year to reflect a research-led orientation, and also provide in depth anthropological case studies from timely anthropological research, including research-led teaching.
Total contact hours: 32
Private study hours: 264
Total study hours: 300
Compulsory for MA Social Anthropology, Humanitarian and Environmental Crisis
Essay (4,000 words) (40 %)*
Essay (4,000 words) (40 %)*
Presentation (10 %)*
Presentation (10 %)*
*The essays and at least one of the presentations are pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Reassessment method: Like for like
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages (https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html).
On successfully completing the module you will be able to:
1. Use anthropological theories and perspectives to understand complex issues such as the roots and consequences of humanitarian and environmental crisis.
2. Interpret key texts and empirical case studies in the anthropology of humanitarian and environmental crisis in a manner that reflect a critical awareness of current theories and debates.
3. Critically apply advanced anthropological theories and perspectives in the presentation of information and argument.
4. Devise questions for research and study which reflect originality in the application of knowledge, as well as a practical understanding of how established anthropological techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
5. Perceive the way in which cultural assumptions may affect other people's opinions and your own.
6. Understand how humanitarian intervention is shaped by political, social and cultural contexts.
7. Interpret key texts and performance in the anthropology of humanitarianism by locating them within the appropriate cultural and historical context.
8. Critically apply advanced anthropological theories and perspectives in the presentation of information and argument.
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