2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS2125 Anthropology for Business

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Nicola Smith
Email: n.m.smith@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is mutually exclusive with

SLSP2050	The Sociology of Gender
SLSP3930	Sociology of Consumerism

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module offers you the chance to study the diversity of human societies, habits, cultures and conflicts, and apply that knowledge to your own life and interactions. The module examines the diversity of human groups in order to increase our understanding of how people work, including ourselves. Themes include societal structure, diversity, consumption and wealth, exemplified with the widest range of case studies. Gaining an appreciation of why people behave as they do, how groups work and what our own preconceptions are, can be a powerful skill in any workplace, social group or place where different groups need to work together. Interpersonal skills such as managing team members, motivating others, avoiding in-group and between-group tension, and empathising with others' needs, are greatly enhanced by an understanding of anthropological methods and theories. The module involves high level reading and criticality in anthropological journals, and the design of a practical study. Students will be asked to read one academic paper per week for discussion in seminars. The module also covers key research skills for social sciences: these skills are needed for the assignment, and in a highly varied class, we need to ensure everyone has access to this material. Students who have done research skills modules elsewhere, though, should be aware that they may see some repetition. It is no barrier to taking the module, and the skills will be taught using anthropological examples which may be fresh to you. However, students should take this into account when deciding whether to take the module. The module leader is happy to receive questions via email from students who would like to discuss whether the module will be of benefit to them.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of what anthropology and its sub-disciplines are;
2. Understand relevant terms and concepts in the context of anthropology, such as society, evolution, gender and ethnography;
3. Contribute to debate on anthropological themes;
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of a range of anthropological themes and apply them to business scenarios;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of human variability and sensitivity to cultural mores; and
6. Understand the interaction between environment, learning and genetics, and be able to discuss how these influence individuals, groups and societies.

Learning outcomes
Anthropology is the study of people: physically, culturally, and historically. Although anthropology is frequently name-checked in management and business contexts, it is actually poorly understood. This module's objectives are to stimulate students to:

- Consider the role of culture in their interactions;
- Develop their awareness of different cultures;
- Articulate their understanding of people as groups and individuals;
- Develop their knowledge of humans as a biological entity; and
- Apply their learning in anthropology to their own lives and environments.

Skills outcomes
Techniques of ethnographic observation and recording
Understanding of the gap between reported and real histories
Reflexive practice (how to change one's practice in response to results or feedback and how the new practice affects the next outcomes, etc).

Syllabus

Indicative topics include, but are not necessarily limited to: introducing anthropology, ethnographic studies, ethics, qualitative and quantitative research methods, studies on material culture, product design, physical anthropology, cognition and diversity.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	10	1.00	10.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			79.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

This could include a variety of activities, such as reading, watching videos, question practice and exam preparation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the tutor or peers during seminars, and/or ask questions about their chosen theme over email or in office hours. These opportunities are available throughout the module.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Research Proposal	1,500 words plus required appendices	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The resit for this module will be 100% by coursework of 1,500 words plus required appendices.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2024

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