Major Overview
- Description
Anthropology is the comparative study of human diversity, past and present. It examines behaviour, relationships and meaning within and between different societies and cultures. This major incorporates the study of key anthropological theories, and the history of the discipline, and introduces students to anthropological perspectives on: religion and ritual, politics, kinship and land rights, and ecology and environment. It does so in a way that elucidates local experiences, yet addresses the ‘big questions' for the future of human societies: not least that of climate change. The major provides students with a comprehensive overview of one of the social sciences' core research methods: ethnography. Throughout, an emphasis is placed upon active learning and assessment, which enable students to develop job-ready skills, for working in fields such as: heritage, community and social development, or policy and analysis – in Australia, or anywhere in the world.
- Outcomes
Students are able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in social and cultural anthropology. Understand anthropological perspectives on: religion and ritual, politics, kinship and land rights, and ecology and environment.
- acquire knowledge of anthropology as an academic discipline in historical context, including principal concepts and theories, and key thinkers
- develop the skills necessary to critically review, analyse, summarize and synthesize anthropological research and theory
- learn how to formulate, investigate and discuss anthropologically informed research questions and develop arguments based on a critical evaluation of written evidence, and of material culture
- explore how to communicate anthropological ideas, principles and knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of multi-modal formats (written, oral, visual etc.)
- understand and practice how to conduct ethical, self-aware, and efficient research, using ethnographic and associated methods, including object-based learning..
- Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so and to pursue as many areas of interest as you can during your course of study. At the same time, we k now that many of you value the University's guidance and assistance in planning your enrolment throughout your course, so we offer the following suggestions for your consideration as possible avenues to broaden your degree. Do always remember, however, that there is no wrong way to broaden your studies as long as you complete at least four units not associated with your Degree Specific Major.
- Courses
Anthropology can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Example Study Plan
See study plans for more information.
Units
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
Level 1
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (12 points):
Level 2
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANTH2225 | Human Futures: Energy, Food and Sustainable Environments |
|
| S2 | ANTH2406 | Society, Law and Politics |
|
| S2 | ANTH2902 | Entangled Objects |
|
Level 3
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANTH3001 | Ethnography |
|
| S2 | ANTH3401 | Engaged Practices |
|
| S1 | ANTH3601 | Indigenous Australia |
|