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ATS1255 · Encountering cultures: Introduction to anthropology 1

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 1Human Geography Anthropology & Development Studies

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

Anthropologists seek understanding of how differences shape the world. They look beyond everyday explanations for realities of life and culture, and use their perceptions to create better futures for humans and their collectives. You will explore case studies in: globalisation, mobility, poverty, development, resistance, indigeneity, technology and online worlds, gender and sexuality, sex and reproduction, magic, spirituality and religion. Through these, you will be introduced to key concepts of ethnography and anthropology.

Areas of study: Anthropology

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
ClaytonFirst semesterSome activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities (FLEXIBLE)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Analytical exerciseExercise30%
2PitchPresentation30%
3EssayWritten40%

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. Identify and explain basic anthropological concepts and methods;
  2. Articulate key concepts and methods for understanding cultural difference;
  3. Recognise contemporary global issues and how understandings differ globally depending on perception;
  4. Recognise the significance of culture and difference in the development of solutions to problems affecting individuals, collectives and environments;
  5. Read, think and write reflectively and critically about basic anthropological concepts and issues;
  6. Use prescribed academic research skills to locate, analyse and communicate information.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

ActivityDuration
Tutorials24 hours
Lectures12 hours

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