Skip to main content
 

ANTH30R7: Evolving Knowledge Systems

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Anthropology

Prerequisites

  • A minimum of 40 credits in level 2 ANTH modules.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To learn how to examine evolving knowledge systems.
  • To learn how to compare and contrast knowledge system properties.
  • To learn how to communicate a comparative analysis of evolving knowledge systems.

Content

  • Conceptualisations of knowledge and knowledge systems.
  • A comparative analysis of evolving knowledge system properties.
  • Knowledge system properties relating to topics such as: 4E cognition and collective intelligence; information theory and search algorithms; representation and symbolism; faith, science and scholarship; social practice, tacit knowledge and phenomenology.
  • Case studies include non-human animals, humans and artificial intelligence.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • A critical understanding of conceptualisations of knowledge and knowledge systems.
  • A comparative appreciation of evolving knowledge systems.
  • A critical understanding of knowledge system properties.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • To express a critical understanding of conceptualisations of knowledge and knowledge systems.
  • To express a critical understanding of evolving knowledge system properties.
  • To compare evolving knowledge systems.

Key Skills:

  • Intellectual agility, plurality and curiosity.
  • Ability to think coherently and critically across different paradigms and perspectives.
  • Ability to discern relative theoretical positions and evaluate empirical evidence.
  • Accessible and compelling communication of complex ideas.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures will map out intellectual content outlining key concepts, theory, and presenting relevant case studies.
  • Seminars will provide students with opportunities to discuss and enrich their understanding and communication of ideas based on material covered in the lectures and readings with the module tutor/s and their peers.
  • Summative assessment requires the student to make a comparative analysis of evolving knowledge systems, using a medium of their choice from audio-, video-, written- or hybrid-essay, or equivalent.
  • Formative assessment requires the student to submit the content plan/structure for their summative assessment and a short example of the content using their medium of choice.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lecutres10Weekly1 hour10 
Seminars5Fortnightly1 hour5Yes
Preparation and Reading85 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay or equivalent2500 words or equivalent100 

Formative Assessment

Content plan/structure for their summative assessment (up to 400 words) and a short example of the content using their medium of choice (up to 400 words or equivalent).

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.