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The scope of contemporary anthropology is reflected in the way the subject is taught at Aberdeen. To study the subject here is to join in an exciting new intellectual venture. We offer an innovatory programme, with the emphasis throughout on work at the cutting edge of the discipline, and on problems of pressing concern for people the world over.
You will benefit from the close links with other programmes, such as those in Cultural History and Sociology, from the resources of the University's Marischal Museum and Elphinstone Institute, with their unique anthropological and ethnological collections, and above all from the opportunity to study in an environment where staff and research students are actively engaged in top-class, internationally recognised research. While Aberdeen's contribution to the anthropology of the North is second to none, we are also developing exciting new research in the fields of art, visual perception, museums, material culture and religion.
The study of anthropology involves the development of critical, conceptual and analytical skills. The Department is committed to ensuring that its students have a good working knowledge of anthropology and the ability and imagination to apply this knowledge. We aim to develop and enhance skills of critical enquiry, clear communication, good presentation and independence of judgement - indeed all the virtues of a sound liberal education.
In an Honours degree at Aberdeen, there are two foundation years before you choose between taking Anthropology alone (Single Honours), or Anthropology with another subject, such as Sociology, Geography, Psychology or Cultural History, for Joint Honours. A Designated (non-Honours) degree can also be taken, which involves ending study after Level 3. Honours students continue to Level 4.
The modular degree structure lets you sample a range of subjects before deciding which one to take to Honours. Most courses are taught through lectures and small-group seminars and are assessed by a combination of essays, project work and formal examinations. For Single Honours students the year-long research project forms a major part of the final degree class.
The design of the Anthropology degree allows for a clear progression. At Level 1, we offer two introductory courses:
Introduction to Anthropology: Peoples of the World presents the discipline of anthropology as a set of professional practices and a mode of analysis. Through a series of case studies introducing different peoples of the world, students learn the importance of cultural categories in their conscious and unconscious thought. Key anthropological topics, such as kinship, gift giving, ritual and others introduce students to the variety inherent in anthropology and suggest the power of anthropological analyses for understanding oneself and those radically different in background and outlook.
Introduction to Anthropology: Questions of Diversity presents the ways that anthropologists have understood and explained human cultural differences. Beginning with how people perceive the world, students examine key concepts such as natural and cultural difference, historical change, and social structure. Case studies and topics include the passing of time in different societies, instances of meetings between people from different cultures, the role of the senses in making sense of the environment, how religion and belief are understood anthropologically, the role of violence and sorcery in different societies, and how cultures and religions cope with modernity.
There are two courses in each half session of Level 2. In the first half session students can take Political Anthropology and Anthropological Approaches to Religion, and in the second Anthropology and Imperialism and Colonialism Re-imagined.
Political Anthropology introduces students to the principal schools of anthropological thought on political institutions, movements and state formation. Through an examination of both modern and historical case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we examine theories of power, class, social action and identity.
Anthropological Approaches to Religion guides students through a enquiry into the category we call 'religion'. It provides a number of contrasting conceptual approaches that anthropologists have used to address this question, and grounds these in ethnographic investigations of people's lives and practice. The emphasis is on providing students with the conceptual tools to think critically and come to their own informed understanding of the issues.
Anthropology and Imperialism explores the synergy between anthropology and history as it has been situated in a colonial world order. It is split into two main themes: Intellectual Histories and Environmental Histories. Within these themes we address topics such as: cross-cultural contact and colonialism, evolutional theory in anthropology and notions of the ‘other’, and historical visions of personhood, environmental histories, and ethnohistory.
Colonialism Re-imagined explores contemporary colonial expressions from an anthropological perspective. It is split into two main themes: Material Histories and Mediated Histories. Topics such as the 'capturing' of cultures in museums, kinship and politics, gendered colonialism, economic development, media, aboriginal rights and contemporary resistance movements are addressed.
These courses provide opportunities to build on the knowledge base gained at level 1 and 2. In level 3 students take courses in Doing Anthropological Research, Society and Nature, Anthropological Theory, and Ethnography. Students are introduced to the major concepts and theoretical debates of the discipline, gain insight into the practice, politics and ethics of doing and writing ethnography, and learn about qualitative methods of research and analysis. Under the close supervision of a member of staff, single honours students also begin work on their individual research projects, involving the collection and analysis of original material.
At Level 4, students complete their projects and choose courses on a range of special topics that reflect the nature of modern anthropology. These include for example: Anthropological Approaches to Knowledge Production; Anthropology, Archaeology, Art and Architecture; Anthropology of Myth; Anthropology of the North; Anthropology and Landscape; Material Culture and Museums; Morality and Belief in Islam; and Plains Cultures: Representations, Politics and Social Life. Not all courses will be available in any one year.
Download the 2011/12 guide to level 3 and 4 Anthropology - the 'seal document'.
Click here for more detailed information on the undergraduate courses and degree structure.
Each year, at the discretion of the Head of Department, prizes may be awarded to graduating students. Two categories are available - Best Dissertation and Best Student.
Please use the Undergraduate section of our website to find information on Anthropology courses, admission, careers, study resources, the dissertation and our student Anthropology Society.
Course co-ordinators are able to help with queries about particular courses.
Sub-honours and Honours Advisers of Study can provide advice on academic and study matters. Rob Wishart and Johan Rasanayagam are the current Honours Advisers.
The School of Social Science administrative team in the main office on the first floor of Block C of the Edward Wright Building can help with a range of other issues. They will also help find other support if necessary.
Study support for all students - learning strategies, academic skills - is available through the Student Learning Service.
The University of Aberdeen provides support for students with disabilities or special requirements.
Specific information and advice for students on avoiding plagiarism is available from the University. Please also check the Good Writing Guide for Anthropology.
