MA/MS in Social Anthropology

Objective(s) of a study programme: The aim of the study Programme is - to educate professionals of sociocultural anthropology in possession of high intercultural competences and ability to work efficiently in the global transnational and multicultural society by being able to explain the dynamics of contemporary human condition through the holistic and comparative perspective and to address social practices, political strategies, and cultural meanings with reference to ethnographic methodology and anthropological theorizing. Learning outcomes: 1. Ability to master anthropological concepts, theories, approaches and ability to use a variety of analytical perspectives in studying human socio-cultural diversity and communality 2. Competence in application of standard anthropological methodology (participant observation, textual critique, visual documentation, etc.) 3. Ability to demonstrate critical understanding of anthropological knowledge in studying concrete cases of social interaction particularly in the context of state, transnationalism and problems of inter-cultural understanding 4. Ability to demonstrate ethnographic fieldwork research based understanding of cultural and social groups and to voice their interests at different levels – in local, national and transnational organizations and institutions. 5. Thorough knowledge of how to identify occasions of social rupture caused by the collision of different global, transnational and local developments with ethnic, racial, religious identifications and politics. 6. Thorough knowledge of how to manage intercultural understanding and ability to monitor, analyze and offer solutions to mitigate social and cultural encounters and conflicts in contributing to the public debates on such issues 7. Thorough knowledge of how to design a research project, to write a grant proposal, conduct independent field research, analyze and interpret fieldwork data. 8. Ability to critically assess, compare and contrast concepts, ideas and data from different disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts as well as to analyze and synthesize research data, provide an interpretation supported by evidence as well as develop an argument based on critical engagement with research material. 9. Conduct coursework creatively by having an independent approach to research material demonstrated by self-management and intellectual initiative. 10. Demonstrate public speaking skills: present concepts, ideas and data as well as enhance (where appropriate) by audio-visual material and ability to address diverse audiences with clear, coherent manner and in the light of evidence and argument. Activities of teaching and learning: Expected program study results are to be achieved by applying various study forms, methods, and teaching techniques, such as: lectures, analysis of practical examples, discussions, case studies, work in groups, consultations, practical assignments (e.g. case analysis, essay, project writing) Methods of assessment of learning achievements: A vast range of methods of assessment relevant to social sciences is used within the Programme, such as: written exams, research papers, research project writing and presenting, discussion, field –assignments, review writing, film analysis, etc. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Compulsory subjects comprise 36 ECTS credits (Contemporary Theories in Sociocultural Anthropology, Research Methods in Social Anthropology, Social and Cultural Identity, Ethnicity, Migration and Politics of Identity, Anthropology of State, Anthropology of Socialism and Post-socialism), 12 ECTS credits are intended for an individual research work (two modules - Research Project Design and Anthropological Fieldwork – each of 6 credits) which are compulsory as well. So in total 48 ECTS credits are allocated to the modules to fit the most important to the Programme theory-methodological and thematic focuses. Optional subjects comprise 42 ECTS credits (Cognitive Anthropology, Visual Anthropology, Sociology and Anthropology of gender) i.e. 7 subjects to be chosen of 13 modules listed as optional. All 13 optional modules address the learning outcomes of the Programme by applying theory-methodological and/or thematic focus of the Programme by broadening and deepening it and/or presenting particular anthropological subfield. Specialisations: - Optional courses: Students may choose optional subjects that comprise 42 ECTS creditsm i.e. 7 subjects. Distinctive features of a study programme: All the courses are available in English. Program students are given possibility to enrol into Southern Illinois University (SIU) certificate study program of Intercultural Understanding, taught by the visiting faculty from the Department of Anthropology of SIU. It offers an opportunity for the Programme students to attain the Certificate in Intercultural Understanding (Southern Illinois University, USA) by completing the 24 ECTS credit Module of Study by taking a total of four courses given on VMU campus as part of their degree studies.