Course syllabus

Subject and Catalogue Number: Course Name

SEMESTER 2, 2018

15 points

 
Course Convenor: 

 Peter Sheppard - p.sheppard@Auckland.ac.nz

Teacher:

 Peter Sheppard - p.sheppard@Auckland.ac.nz

Lab Demonstrator:

Matthew Barrett - mbar221@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Course delivery format:

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

 Summary of Course Description:              

 This course is designed as an introduction to quantitative methods used in anthropology. It assumes no statistical or computer background and requires only basic mathematics. The emphasis will be on quantitative analysis as an anthropological research tool, not on probability or statistical theory, although these will be discussed. Students will be taught the use of the SPSS computer package. Computer Labs will be conducted in the Fale Computer Lab. These will consist of seven labs. Students will have full access to the computing facilities in the Fale Lab. The syllabus and the links it contains to labs and so on will be available through CANVAS.

 Course outcomes:

The goals of this course are to

• Teach the student to read and understand statistical applications in anthropology
• Teach the student to design and conduct basic quantitative analysis
• Introduce the student to the range of quantitative techniques useful in anthropological research.                  

The lectures will stress the virtue of simplicity in data presentation and analysis.

 Assessment Summary:  

COURSEWORK: 100% coursework based on 2 exercises worth 20% each (500 words each), 1 Mid-Term test worth 25 % and 2 assignments: A. a research proposal (DUE August 21st) worth 15% (1500 words) and B. Final report on proposed research (DUE Oct 15th), worth 20% (2500 words).

Weekly Topics:

See weekly modules

 Course Outline Link

Prescribed Texts:

Shennan S. 1997. Quantifying archaeology (2nd Edition).  Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press.

 Recommended Texts:

Optional info depending on course requirements

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.