Anthropology

Deep History

This module provides an introduction to the study of the prehistoric past, exploring the key developments which have shaped both our species and our world. We will examine core themes in human evolution and review the archaeological, fossil and palaeoenvironmental evidence for the prehistoric development of human communities. Throughout this module we will explore the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology, investigating the close links between archaeological, geographical and anthropological research.

Introduction to Biological Anthropology

A basic module that examines key issues in understanding humans and other primates within the context of biological evolution. It builds an awareness of evolutionary principles and considers the similarities and contrasts between humans and other primates and their significance for human adaptive success.

Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture

An introduction to the study of modern Japanese society and culture, primarily from an anthropological perspective, but also incorporating overviews of Japan’s history and religions. Topics covered include the cultural basis of Japanese patterns of behaviour; marriage, family and kinship; work and employment; and popular culture.

Introduction to Social Anthropology

An introduction to the history and practice of social anthropology as a basis for more advanced study in the field, providing an overview of the key theoretical approaches and concepts created by anthropologists over the last 30 years.

Introduction to Environmental Geography

This module introduces students to selected themes and environments in environmental and physical geography, using climate change as a context. The module incorporates a disciplinary grounding in climate change science, and then examines other areas that are inherently linked with climate change in environmental and physical geography (including environmental processes and environmental management). For example topics may include some of the following: computer modelling, Earth surface processes, geomorphology, oceanography. The module concludes with an examination of recent and future developments of the discipline.

In addition you may choose any available Year 1 modules.

Introduction to International Relations 1: Perspectives

This module provides an introduction to International Relations, with a focus on history, theories and perspectives. As an academic discipline, International Relations has emerged from a particular set of perspectives and this module will introduce you to the defining debates of the discipline in this context. But, as a discipline that seeks to inform and is informed by global politics 'in practice' - and all the debates around this - it is regularly subject to challenges from within the world of academia and without. One such challenge is the charge that International Relations is a 'Western' discipline that leaves out the experience and history of people outside of the Western world. Focusing on this and other challenges, this module will introduce International Relations or global politics as a field of competing perspectives and stories about our world and what is possible within it.

Introduction to International Relations 2: Themes and Issues

The module examines some of the key themes and issues in contemporary world politics. The module is divided into two parts. Part One introduces the actors, structures and processes of world politics, outlining some of the core themes such as the international system of states and international society, transnational and global society, the global political economy, international organisations, institutions and transnational actors. It further analyses concepts such as anarchy, order, sovereignty, conflict and co-operation among states and non-state actors and contextualises this conceptual material theoretically. Part Two then goes on to examine a number of immediate and chronic issues in world politics to demonstrate a) how they are managed and b) what they tell us about the nature of governance in the international system. These issues include: gender; migration; human rights and humanitarian intervention; energy resources and the environment; and development, inequality and poverty.

Sustainability and Development

This module introduces sustainability in its broader concept and in relation to urban development. Discussions about how to deliver sustainable development usually consider three overlapping areas of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. We will examine how arrangements for infrastructure and resource-use affect the sustainability of England's built and natural environment. The emphasis is on the land-use planning system in England as the main mechanism that can help deliver a more 'sustainable environment' but a wider perspective is also offered as a conceptual framework. As land-use planning is concerned with mediating the use of space and creating communities where people can `live, work and relax?, this module has a broad focus and extends beyond the bio-physical components (land, buildings etc.) to include interaction with social issues (such as quality of life) and economic issues (such as how to understand the value the environment brings to a sustainable economy).

Introduction to Human Geography

This module aims to critically examine the following core issues: What is Human Geography or, rather, what are Human Geographies? Can geography help us to understand the complex diversity of human identities and patterns of human activity? How are themes such as space and place, nature and culture involved? Does change in society and culture contribute to shaping the landscape or to creating spatial differences and inequalities? How can Human Geographers' approaches to contemporary problems and issues on the global and local scale offer insight into possible political positioning? The module outlines geographical perspectives on the complex relationships between people and the environments, spaces and places in which they live and work. The module explores key concepts and contemporary approaches in human geography to these relationships expressed in a number of sub-disciplinary topics and themes, alongside developing key skills for human geographers.