Anthropology and International Development
(BA) Anthropology and International Development
Entry for 2024
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
1. Develop the intellectual and practical skills of students in the analysis, interpretation and understanding of ethnographic data and their understanding of anthropological theory in the cultural and economic context of developing societies.
2. Prepare students for employment in a wide range of contexts or for further study and a career where a knowledge of anthropological skills and an understanding of developing societies is relevant.
3. Enable students to engage in life-long learning, study and enquiry and to appreciate the value of education for society.
4. Equip students with a first degree level understanding of international development that is rooted in the disciplines of anthropology, international relations, geography, economics and history.
5. To gain an understanding of the history of international development, including its origins in colonialism; a knowledge of core theories of development (both orthodox and critical); and an understanding of current development practice and key contemporary issues.
6. To train students in a range of tools and skills with relevance to international development.
7. To provide an intellectual environment that encourages and supports student initiative with respect to engagement in contemporary development issues.
Course learning outcomes
1. Comprehensive knowledge of the broad field of social and cultural anthropology.
2. Understanding of the key contemporary debates in anthropology.
3. Familiarity with the history of the discipline of anthropology and the development of theoretical perspectives over time.
5. Knowledge of a wide range of ethnographic material and the way in which anthropological theory is used to understand this material.
7. Knowledge of a range of ethnographic research methods and ability to apply these.
8. An understanding of theoretical debates in international development and their relevance for contemporary development practice.
9. An understanding of the historical, economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects of development.
10. A knowledge of practical and research skills in international development and the ability to apply these.
11. An understanding of key contemporary issues in international development.
12. The ability to carry out a sustained independent research project in international development.
13. An understanding of key development concepts.
14. Ability to communicate effectively with others and to present material both orally and in writing.
15. Ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.
16. Ability to apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.
17. Ability to work together with others as well as independently, including to manage time effectively.
18. Ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.
19. Ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.
Full-time course composition
Course convenors
Geert De NeveHead of School Global Studies
Anke SchwittayProfessor of Anthropology & Global Development
About your joint honours course
Sussex has always promoted interdisciplinary study by encouraging students to combine different subjects and different approaches to learning. Joint-honours courses are an ideal option if you want to study more than one subject in depth. A key idea behind joint-honours is to experience the range of ways that different academic disciplines use to teach, learn and research. Those differences are stimulating and challenging, but they can also be confusing, so you will find some useful information below to help you get the most out of your course.
- To find information about the individual modules that make up your course, go to the school that teaches the module. Each module is assessed by the school that teaches it, so on their website you will find (under “student information”) information about the assessment criteria being used, the referencing style you need to use for your work, contact times for your tutors, information about the student reps scheme and lots of other useful information.
- To find general information about joint honours, use the Frequently Asked Questions list
- For information about the rules and regulations that govern all Sussex students, start with the general student handbook
- For help in improving your study skills, using the library and with careers, try the Skills Hub.
And if you have any other questions, contact the convenors for your course; they are here to help you.
Useful links
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.