Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
In this course students will critically reflect on the broad scope of anthropological inquiry by engaging with a range of advanced topics.
This is a course that invites students to engage with a range of research, theory and writing at the "front edge" of the discipline of anthropology. What does contemporary work tell us about the anthropology of the future, a future that advanced students in the discipline are already playing a part in defining? This course examines work in ecological, political and economic anthropology (in particular). We read an ethnographic book as our central focus, picking up on its conceptual, methodological and substantial questions, and we use other scholarly material to engage critically with topics related or parallel to the topics covered in the focus ethnography.ﾠﾠ
Students access weekly online short (20-30 minute) lectures, undertake independent reading and research, and use these toﾠprepareﾠfor participationﾠin face to face seminars and workshops.
The course will assist students to draw on what they have learnt in their undergraduate anthropology program and consider how the ideas will contribute to their own futures. Itﾠwill support students to work through understandingﾠwhat kinds of questions anthropologists commonly ask;ﾠhow research achieves effective engagement with different actors;ﾠand, conceptual material that projects the discipline into questions of the future. A focus on engaged and scholarly research examines anthropology’s contribution to knowledge of human societies and role in cross-disciplinary debates. The course will prepare students to use their anthropological knowledge after their undergraduate degree, especially in terms of the communication skills practiced in seminar discussionsﾠand the analytical skills in writing critical literature summaries, both key aspects of pitching project proposals in applied (e.g. government, Non-govt and corporateﾠprojects) and scholarly (e.g. research proposals) contexts.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that enrolled students have successfully completed first and second year core subjects in the anthropology major before atttempting this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
8 units of Anthropology courses
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANTH2140
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries School of Social Science
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course will be taught face to face. No external option is available.
- access the PRE-RECORDED LECTURES BEFORE THE SEMINAR – these short (20-30 minute primers) will be available a 5pm the day before the seminar, starting midday. Lectures provide a guide to the theoretical material in the reading and seminar discussion.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to further students’ understanding of anthropology, examining recent developments and looking to the discipline's future. A key aim is to address how the development of anﾠanthropological perspective can informﾠa range of future endeavours students may take up their lives,ﾠinﾠemployment and future academic pursuits.
As a third year compulsory course in the Anthropology major, the course aims to deepen student’s grasp of concepts as these have been developed in the discipline and provide opportunities to practice engaging with these ideas in critical and productive ways.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Communicate effectively on contemporary conceptual and methodological knowledge in anthropology and its relevance to other disciplines and the world.
LO2.
Apply advanced skills in critically reviewing anthropological literature, analysing case studies, and considering the positionality of researchers.
LO3.
Identify an area or areas of anthropological knowledge to which you seek to contribute in future work or study.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
Essay
|
40% |
31/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation |
Leading discussion
|
20% |
4/08/2025 - 27/10/2025
Each student nominates a week |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Critical questions and class participation
|
40% |
4/08/2025 - 20/10/2025
Weekly exercises |
Assessment details
Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
31/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
2800 words: Self devised essay question.
Students are encouraged to focus on a topic from the seminar topics in the course, and must use course resources as the basis on which to expand their reading and research. The style of essay is a conceptual literature review and its focus should be on the history and trends in theoretical material put to work in ethnography and anthropology.
Students are encouraged to develop their essay question early in the semester and read accordingly. In week 11 students bring a draft of the essay to class to discuss their ideas and questions and propose their final essay 'question', which their essay answers. This exercise is worth 5% of the final essay grade (see assessment criteria).
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
AI Use: This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge to read and consider the literature. AI tools that summarise the literature may be used to generate key points, but students should be aware that these tools often miss the subtleties of argument, may misrepresent authors' ideas or not provide you with enough knowledge to devise good questions for an adequate critical analysis. Additional resources are available through UQ AI Student Hub.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Leading discussion
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/08/2025 - 27/10/2025
Each student nominates a week
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
During the first class each student will choose one week to be responsible for leading the seminar discussion on all readings listed for the week. Prepare notes to assist your work in leading discussions. Leading the seminar discussion means 1. Being able to describe the content of the articles/chapters listed for the week (5-7 mins) 2. Spend time outlining and raising critique and questions for discussion. You submit your notes as hand-written or digital file before the class.
Your notes for the discussion should cover:
- A very brief summary of each article/chapter listed– what is this reading essentially about (in 1-2 concise sentences)?
- What is the author’s central argument, or the argument you find most compelling?
- What key points from this reading assist us to consider a broader topic/concept?
- What further questions are raised by the author/s for considering the topic/concept? (reference related literature)
- Draft 1-3 questions designed to generate class discussion of the reading and topic.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
AI Use: This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge to read and consider the literature. AI tools that summarise the literature may be used to generate key points, but students should be aware that these tools often miss the subtleties of argument, may misrepresent authors' ideas or not provide you with enough knowledge to devise good questions for discussion. Additional resources are available through UQ AI Student Hub.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment in person, in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions cannot be granted beyond Week 13.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Critical questions and class participation
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
4/08/2025 - 20/10/2025
Weekly exercises
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
1. Critical questions arising from readings 150 words x 5 (30%)
Students choose five from eight available sets of weekly readings (2-9) and write 'critical questions' (NB. you CAN submit your questions on the same week you lead the tutorial).
Students will be provided with a blank one-page worksheet at the end of class (30 mins): write a 1-3 sentence summary of two chapters/articles they read plus raise a question that demonstrates insight into the material. May rely on dot point notes taken during class/ seminar discussion. 8 weeks are available for this exercise across the first part of the course, five are submitted.
3. Participation (10%)
Active participation in 12 classes across the semester (week 2-13, excl. week 10) will be evaluated and then a percentage calculated. All students are assessed on their informed contribution to class discussion. Students who have SAPD/other concerns with oral participation may contact me and negotiate contribution using the weekly Blackboard Forum posts.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
AI Use: This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is discouraged.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment in person, in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
The final grade is determined by adding together the sum of all individual assessment tasks.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A full reading list is available in the library. On Blackboard there is a summary of the weekly activities and readings, with questions and exercises.
https://social-science.uq.edu.au/student-forms-and-guides
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
What is theory and how might anthropological theories prepare us for the future? See Blackboard for weekly activity schedule Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
The different elements of ethnographic theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Wait, is everyone in the room? Decolonising and feminist theories Critical precis 1 due Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Local and global frontiers Critical precis 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Extractive economies and scales of finance Critical precis 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
Classifications and cosmopolitan natures Critical precis 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Local natures and nature rights Critical precis 5 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
Weeds and multispecies relations Critical precis 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
Agency, power and making change Critical precis 7 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
Seminar |
Semester break Semester break - no classes Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Seminar |
Guest Panel TBC Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
How do we think anthropology? theory and writing workshop Anthropocene, Monsters and ethical futures. Student led seminar discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Ethical Futures and 'the community' Critical precis 8 Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
The Anthropocene and 'Capitalist Ruins' Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.