This course introduces students to key concepts and debates in the discipline of anthropology, ranging from ritual, totems, kinship, and personhood to the nature/culture distinction and postcolonial critique. The course takes a multi-modal approach, familiarising students with some of the discipline's classic texts, films and sites of ethnographic engagement. We’ll seek to understand these foundational works within their historical contexts, as well as critically reappraising their position in 21st century anthropology. 

ANTH6003 aims to help students develop their skills around reading challenging scholarly texts, writing anthropological essays, and undertaking independent research. The course emphasises active student engagement in all aspects of our classwork and makes extensive use of group work to encourage peer learning and fun social interaction within the weekly workshops. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain and critique key concepts in anthropology, and deploy them to produce novel analyses in oral and written form;
2. read, comprehend and assimilate key concepts in challenging anthropological texts independently;
3. master anthropological research methods and outputs multi-modally;
4. produce well-researched, logically structured and critical anthropological essays; and
5. co-operate with fellow students and promote effective peer learning, mutual respect, and ability to use diversity within the team as a resource; and
6. demonstrate a knowledge of how and when to apply appropriate concepts and theories to produce a novel, critical analysis in a given work or research context.

Research-Led Teaching

Each module is designed and delivered by a leading anthropologist at the ANU based on their research specialisation. They will integrate case studies and examples from their active ethnographic research, as well as introduce students to theoretical approaches that they have led within the discipline.

Required Resources

All required resources are available through the ANU library via the Leganto reading list (integrated with Canvas).

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction
2	Gift Exchange, Value	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
3	Language and Culture	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
4	Nature and Culture	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
5	Rituals and Religion	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
6	Arts and Cretivity	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
7	Death	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)Reflection proposal (500 words) - due 11:59 Sept 21
8	Love and Sex	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
9	Kinship and Queering	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
10	Personhood and Existential Mobility	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
11	The City	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)
12	Concluding Reflections	Weekly pre-class reading preparations due Wednesdays 2pmWeekly in-class reading and workshop quiz based on weekly essential reading, lecture and film - open book/notes (*note* in-person only)

Tutorial Registration

Integrated lecture/workshop format

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Pre-Workshop Preparation	30 %	1,2
Weekly in-class reading and workshop quiz	25 %	1,2,3
Reflection Proposal	15 %	1,2,3,4
Final Reflection	35 %	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

• Please note that this class includes weekly in-class assessment tasks for which you are required to be present.
• **If you can't commit to come to class regularly throughout the semester, please consider whether this is the right kind of course for you**
• **If you are a hybrid PG student please contact the Course Convenor as soon as possible to discuss the weekly in-class assessment tasks. Thank you!**

Assessment Task 1

Pre-Workshop Preparation

Value: 30%

Date: Weeks 2-12

Due: Wednesdays 2pm before class

Grade calculation: Your Pre-Workshop preparation grade will be based on your top 9 out of 11 submissions

Minimum requirements: There is no minimum number of submissions; you will need to complete enough weekly pre-workshop preparation activities to achieve a passing mark.

Explanation: Max 350 words

• These weekly short assignments are based on the essential reading and prepare students to engage actively in the workshop

Extensions and Late Submission:

• This item is not eligible for extension or late submission.
• You will be graded on your top 9 our of 11 attempts.

Assessment Task 2

Weekly in-class reading and workshop quiz

Value: 25%

Date: Weeks 2-12

Due: In-class same day

Grade calculation: Your final quiz score will be based on your top 9 our of 11 quizzes

Minimum requirements: There is no minimum number of submissions; you will need to complete enough weekly quizzes to achieve a passing mark.

Explanation:

• This quiz tests your comprehension of the essential readings and lecture material, as well as in-class resources and activities.
• The quiz is open book
• No talking permitted
• It includes 10 multiple choice and short answer questions
• The quiz is timed.

Extensions and Late Submission:

• This item is not eligible for extension or late submission.
• You will be graded on your top 9 out of 11 quiz attempts.
• You must take the quiz in person in the weekly Workshop
• Remote submission is not allowed

Assessment Task 3

Reflection Proposal

Value: 15%

Date: 21 September 2025

Explanation

• This assessment is pass/fail.
• Part 1: Students must identify the key concept that they think has most impacted their learning and understanding over the course of the semester and explain the concept and why it is important to their knowledge of anthropology, as well as your strategy to acquire further resources to learn more about this concept (300 words)
• Part 2: Students should compile a resource list to help them extend their knowledge of this concept. Option 1: screenshot of an AI workbook [e.g. NotebookLM] with 3 relevant peer reviewed PDF articles, including full bibliographic information. Option 2: screenshot of a Zotero.org reference library with 3 relevant peer reviewed PDF articles. Option 3: full bibliographic information for 3 relevant peer reviewed PDF articles in a word document.
• Total word count including referencing ~500 words including references

Assessment Task 4

Final Reflection

Value: 30%

Date: October 27, 2025

Explanation

• This task develops the proposal submitted in Assessment Task 3

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

• Weekly assignments (items 1 and 2) are not eligible for extensions or late submission. However we have built some flexibility in to these assessments by setting up the gradebook to count only your top 9 out of a maximum of 11 submissions for each item. This means you can miss two workshops a semester due to illness or by choice without it affecting your weekly assignment grade.
• We don't need medical certificates or notification if you are going to miss a workshop. Please don't send these!
• If you have an illness or misadventure causing you to miss more than two workshops over the semester and you want to request alternative assessment for those missed items, please submit an adjustment request or ECA to the CASS Associate Dean of Students (assocdeanst.cass@anu.edu.au).
• You may request extensions on the two Reflection items if you have appropriate documentation.

Special assessment arrangements for EAP students

• If the terms of your EAP require adjustments to our assessment and workshop format we're happy to discuss alternative arrangements. However, this conversation MUST happen by the end of Week 2 of the semester. NB after this we won't consider requests for alternative assessment plans.

Serious Illness and Disruption

• If you have missed so much of the course that you risk failing or getting a grade way below your expectations, our advice is to apply for Late Withdrawal, provided you have appropriate justification
• The ANU has put in place very generous conditions for late withdrawal without fail and without fees. You may apply for this up until the Friday of Week 9. Please refer to the ANU page for Late Withrawal procedures.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Via Canvas gradebook.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission not allowed.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students