Anthropology and Sociology Durham University

Overview

Course Learning and Teaching

You will shift from being a consumer of knowledge in the classroom to a generator of knowledge, ready for professional or postgraduate life. To help develop this independence, you will spend part of your time engaged in self-directed study, which will include reading, project work and preparation for classes. In your third year, you will undertake a dissertation on a sociological or anthropological topic of your choice, preferably one that overlaps the two subjects, giving you the chance to engage in a major piece of independent work.

Assessment on the BA (Hons) Anthropology and Sociology degree offered by Durham University varies by module, but may include written examinations, coursework in the form of essays or research projects, and presentations. 

You will be given an academic advisor when you start your degree, and will normally keep the same advisor for the duration of your studies. Where possible, you will be given an academic advisor who has an interest or background in both sociology and anthropology. Academic advisors are there to support your academic work by providing advice about such things as study skills, module choices, dissertation topics, and applications for further study or employment. As well as discussing your academic work with your nominated advisor, you are encouraged to make use of the Feedback and Consultation hours provided by academic staff during term-time. These Feedback and Consultation hours give you the opportunity to discuss your work with module tutors, for example to seek clarification on complex ideas, get suggestions for additional readings, and receive further feedback on assessments.

As a student in the Sociology and Anthropology Departments, you will be welcomed into the wider departmental communities, for example being able to attend an extensive programme of research-focused seminars in both departments, where academic staff, postgraduate students and visiting scholars present their cutting-edge research, which may provide inspiration for your dissertation topic and even future study or employment.