Anthropology and history

Anthropology and history

Overview

In simple words, Anthropology and history courses teach students about the relationship between the past and the present and how to analyse historical events and people. You will learn about human behaviour, cultures, societies, and linguistics, both in the past and present.

Objectives

  1. Understand Human Diversity and Cultural Evolution
  2. Analyse the relationship Between History and Culture
  3. Development of Human Societies
  4. Apply Interdisciplinary Methodologies
  5. Examine Social, Political, and Economic Structures
  6. Awareness of Global Issues and Cultural Sensitivity
  7. Engage with the Ethical Dimensions of Anthropology and History
  8. Develop Communication and Research Skills

Prerequisites

  1. Basic understanding of history, geography, and sociology
  2. Basic knowledge of anthropology
  3. Language Skills

Curriculum Outline

  1. Anthropological Ideas
  2. Reading and Writing History
  3. Identity, Agency & Environment 1
  4. The Goldsmiths Elective
  5. The Goldsmiths Project
  6. Working with Images
  7. Anthropology of Religion
  8. Anthropology and Public Policy
  9. Critical Ecologies: black, Indigenous, queer and transnational feminist approaches
  10. Indigenous Cosmopolitics, Anthropology and Global Justice
  11. Anthropological Approaches to History
  12. Anthropology of Health 1
  13. Anthropology and Gender Theory
  14. Anthropology and the Visual
  15. Material Culture
  16. Anthropology in Public Practice
  17. Borders and Migration
  18. Learning from Social Movements
  19. Psychological Perspectives in Anthropology
  20. Anthropology of Art
  21. Anthropology of Rights
  22. Anthropology and the Visual: Production Module
  23. Digital Anthropology
  24. Anthropology of Violence
  25. Anthropology of Development
  26. Gender Theory in Practice
  27. Staff/Student Research Project

Teaching Method

  1. Lectures
  2. Seminars
  3. Guest lectures

Modules

  1. Key Concepts in Anthropology
  2. The Anthropological Imagination
  3. The Early Modern World
  4. Anthropology of Capitalism, Care and the Environment
  5. The Making of the Modern World
  6. Worlds and Selves
  7. Ethnographic Research Methods
  8. Ideas of History
  9. Religion and Ritual
  10. Global History from the Global South
  11. Politics and Power
  12. Anthropology of the Body
  13. Death, Dying and the Corpse
  14. Development, Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
  15. Global Work Experience
  16. Human Rights
  17. Slavery, Emancipation and Legacies
  18. Britain and the Second World War, Part A
  19. Genocide A
  20. Israel-US Special Relations and the New Diplomatic History, Part A
  21. Palestine from the Ottomans to Nakba, Part 1
  22. Post-Rave Britain, 1988-Present, Part A
  23. The Civil Rights Movement, Part A
  24. The French Empire and Its Aftermath, Part 1
  25. The Anthropology of Geopolitics
  26. The First World War: Part 1
  27. Anthropology Thesis
  28. History Dissertation: The First World War
  29. History Special Dissertation Britain & the Second World War
  30. History Special Dissertation Genocide
  31. History Special Dissertation Israel-US Special Relations and the New Diplomatic History
  32. History Special Dissertation Palestine from the Ottomans to Nakba
  33. History Special Dissertation Post-Rave Britain
  34. History Special Dissertation: The French Empire
  35. Cults, Conspiracies and Political Religion
  36. Environmental Anthropology
  37. Political Ecology and Environmental Justice
  38. Race, Ethnicity and Identity
  39. Re-Designing Life: Anthropological Approaches to New Biotechnologies
  40. Britain and the Second World War, Part B
  41. Genocide B
  42. US Special Relations and the New Diplomatic History, Part B
  43. Palestine from the Ottomans to Nakba, Part 2
  44. Post-Rave Britain, 1988-Present, Part B
  45. The Civil Rights Movement, Part B
  46. The French Empire and Its Aftermath, Part 2
  47. The First World War: Part 2

Assessment Methods

  1. Coursework
  2. Exam
  3. Dissertation

Course Duration

The course duration may vary by institute and location. In the UK, full-time study might take about 3 to 4 years, and part-time might take about 4 to 6 years.

Facilities

  1. Libraries and Archives
  2. Research Laboratories and Field Equipment
  3. Museums and Cultural Heritage Centres
  4. Computer and Digital Resources
  5. Seminar Rooms and Classrooms
  6. Specialised Software and Tools
  7. Academic Support and Advisory Services
  8. Cultural and Professional Development Opportunities

Career Pathways

  1. University Professor or Lecturer
  2. Museum Curator
  3. Conservator
  4. Public Historian
  5. Human Rights Officer
  6. Historical Journalist or Writer

Fees and Fundings

The fees may vary by university and location. However, in the UK, the tuition fees may lie between £9,000 and £31,000 a year.

Entry Requirements

  1. High School Diploma or equivalent
  2. English Language Proficiency
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Recommendation Letters

Field Work and Internships

  1. Ethnographic Fieldwork
  2. Archaeological Fieldwork
  3. Historical Fieldwork
  4. Museum Internships
  5. Research Internships
  6. NGO and Community-Based Internships
  7. Government and Policy Internships

Certifications

  1. Certified Archaeologist
  2. Museum and Cultural Heritage Certifications
  3. Research and Academic Certifications
  4. Digital Humanities and Data Analysis Certifications
  5. Language and Cultural Competency Certifications
  6. Teaching and Education Certifications

Intakes

In the UK, the primary intake happens in September/October, and the secondary intake happens in January/February.

Student Testimony

Over the last three years I have studied a variety of topics including human remains, ritual activities and examined a medieval hunting lodge. Studying at the University of Birmingham has enabled me to challenge my understanding of social behaviours and explore ideologies and belief systems of differing cultures across millennia. I have developed a variety of transferable skills which means I'm well equipped to join the graduate job market. [Evadne from University of Birmingham]

Frequently asked questions

History is the study of past events, particularly those involving human societies. In contrast, anthropology is the study of humans, both past and present, with a focus on understanding human cultures, behaviours, and societies across time.


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