Professor Charles Stafford, A601

Compulsory for MSc Social Anthropology, MSc Anthropology of Learning and Cognition, MSc Law, Anthropology and Society and MSc Anthropology and Development.

The dissertation must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of relevant theoretical literature and ethnographic context. It should attempt to consolidate a theme introduced during the course, developing a sustained research focus on one specific issue in anthropology, using ethnography as appropriate. For the MSc Social Anthropology, the problem should be framed with reference to literature from within the discipline of anthropology (drawn from mainstream journals or ethnographic texts). For the MSc Anthropology and Development, the topic should span the fields of both Social Anthropology and Development Studies – it may cover, but need not be restricted to, the area of overlap, i.e. the anthropology of development as narrowly defined. For the MSc Anthropology of Learning and Cognition, the dissertation should draw not only on specifically anthropological literatures and engage with anthropological themes, but also make judicious use of non-anthropological literature from cognitive science, and therefore from related disciplines such as psychology and/or philosophy. For the MSc Law, Anthropology and Society, the dissertation may draw on both disciplines and need not be restricted to the area of overlap, i.e. the anthropology of law as narrowly defined. Students should consolidate a theme introduced during the course, developing a sustained research focus on one contemporary socio-legal problem.

After deciding on a topic during the Lent term, in consultation with their tutors (and other members of staff where appropriate), students submit a one-page abstract in the first week of the Summer term. Abstracts are circulated and students attend an AN499 workshop followed by a series of specific workshops for each of the four programmes. During these, abstracts will be evaluated and commented upon. Students continue to consult their tutors during the Summer term.

The dissertation must not exceed 10,000 words including text and footnotes (but excluding bibliography and appendices). Three bound copies and an electronic copy, with the 5-digit examination number on the front, must be submitted to the Departmental Office on or before 1st September (or, if this falls on a weekend, the first weekday after September 1st).