Teaching
Teaching for the MPhil is via introductory sessions, seminars, lectures, small-group supervision and individual supervision. It is centred around four core compulsory seminars (Kinship, Politics, Economics, and Religion) that constitute the principal teaching under the headings 'Production and Reproduction' (Paper 1) and 'Systems of Power and Knowledge' (Paper 2). Those who are pursuing one of the professional options are expected to attend and take an active part in the above core seminars as well.
In addition to these seminars, the Department requires all MPhil students to attend a range of lectures that are relevant to the MPhil course, plus those for one optional paper, chosen by the student during the first week of the Michaelmas term. Students are not expected to confine themselves exclusively to these lectures, and are additionally encouraged to attend any lectures they or their supervisor consider relevant to their work. The Department also offers a fieldwork research methodology course for all MPhil students.
Each student will have a Principal Supervisor who can provide general guidance throughout the course, as well as advice on the assessed work (essay and dissertation). In addition, students attend small-group supervisions to discuss essays they write on themes from the core seminars and in preparation for exams.
| One to one supervision |
Students will meet regularly with their Principal Supervisor individually throughout the course, and with their Group Supervisor, in small groups. The frequency of supervisions will vary depending on the time of year; overall, students can expect approximately seven hours individually, and seven hours in a small group. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations and details regarding supervision, attendance, residence, examination and assessment. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
48 hours per year. |
| Lectures |
60 hours per year. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Taught
|
Feedback
Each student is expected to write five-six essays over Michaelmas and Lent term. Students normally receive written feedback on each essay, and there is oral feedback and further discussion during supervisions. These essays are not given an official mark or grade and do not constitute part of a student's degree result. Instead, they help students develop the skills of anthropological analysis and are a key means for students and supervisors to monitor progress over the year.
A student is also expected to write one assessed set essay and one dissertation over the year on both of which they will receive written feedback from the assessors.
Supervisors submit online progress reports at the end of each term on the student's CamSIS account.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A dissertation of not more than 13,000 words on a subject approved by the Archaeology, Anthropology and Sociology Degree Committee, which must not overlap with the subject of any assessed essay offered by the candidate.
An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners. If needed this would take place during the course or in late September.
The dissertation counts for 40 percent of the student's overall mark for the course.
Essays
Set Essay: an independently-written, analytical essay on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list published each year by the Department and related to the optional paper they are taking.
The subject of the essay must not overlap with the subject of the dissertation.
This essay counts for 20 percent of the total marks.
Written examination
Students sit a written examination for each of the following papers:
- Paper 1 The Scope of Social Anthropology I: Production and Reproduction
- Paper 2 The Scope of Social Anthropology II: Systems of Power and Knowledge.
Each exam paper counts for 20 per cent of the total marks.