Overview
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Anthropology is the study of humankind in a broad and comparative perspective. It provides a unified conception of human nature and human experience. One of the strengths of anthropology as a discipline is its holistic or integrative approach; it links the life sciences and the humanities and has strong links with disciplines ranging from biology and psychology to linguistics, political science, and the fine arts.
There are four major fields of study in Anthropology that includes Biological/Physical Anthropology, Cultural/Social Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology and Archeology. The discipline is at the intersection of the Sciences and the Humanities and is appropriate for people with a wide variety of interests including human cultures and civilizations both present and past, human variation, and human and animal behaviour. The disciplines allows a student to dissect interesting topics such as cultures, evolution, social relations and the different norms and variations found in the world. The PhD programme in Anthropology provides the opportunity for scholars to expand their knowledge in human diversity past and present and allows them to interrogate further our distinctiveness as a species and the great diversity in our forms of social existence across the world and through time.
This programme falls within the broad field of Social Sciences and within the narrow field of Sociology and Cultural Studies. Specifically, this programme is anthropological.
Rationale of the programme
This PhD programme is in response to the emerging problems and challenges in Kenya, regionally and internationally, which require anthropological knowledge and skills to address. The rationale of the programme is drawn from the need for anthropological, analytical and conceptual skills to address emergent problems and challenges in the new world order including climate change, technology, food security, governance, and terrorism, among others. The recommendation of various stakeholders (current and former students, lecturers, practitioners and experts in the field) including those that were present during the stakeholder workshop have been taken into consideration during this review.
1.4 Goal of the Programme
The goal of the programme is to train and prepare students for senior positions in the field of anthropology and related disciplines as academics, researchers, development oriented practitioners, policy interventionists and analysts, among others. It offers students an opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills in anthropology in particular and social sciences in general taking into account local and global perspectives and to further their academic and professional expertise in the field of anthropology.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:
- Use the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge in anthropology to solve contemporary problems;
- Apply critical scholarship skills in anthropology
- Evaluate anthropological techniques/methods to conduct research on socio-cultural phenomena;
- Demonstrate a theoretical and practical experience with/in teaching and written/oral research dissemination in academic as well as non-academic contexts;
- Critique current thinking in anthropological knowledge and research.
Structure
MODE OF DELIVERY
A wide range of teaching methods is employed to create diverse learning experiences. These include lectures, seminars, class discussions and presentations, tutorials, workshops, intensive project-work, fieldwork and use of videos. Supervision is provided through group tutorials and individually by an experienced team of members of faculty.
The mode of delivery of this programme will be through:
2.1 Face-to-Face Mode
The programme will adopt a face-to-face mode using various techniques which include didactic lectures, Problem based learning, discovery, experiential learning and blended learning.
2.2 Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL)
Within the ODeL mode, the programme will be offered through:
- Written self-instructional study modules including printed study materials.
- Mediated electronic learning platforms.
- Computer-based learning.
- Limited sessions of face-to-face learning and examinations.
- Support sessions which include access to ICT facilities at the regional learning centres and University of Nairobi Libraries.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT POLICY/CRITERIA
Coursework
Assessment will be both formative and summative for each course unit comprising of:
- Coursework – 50 per cent
- Oral presentations in Seminars and term papers- 100 per cent according to University of Nairobi regulations.
- End of Semester examinations – 50 per cent
- The thesis shall be assessed in accordance with the university regulations.
6.0 GRADING SYSTEM
Coursework shall be graded as follows:
70% – 100% = A
60% – 69% = B
50% – 59% = C
Below 50% = Fail
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Minimum Admission Requirements
i. The common regulations for admissions to the PhD programme in all Faculties, Institutes and Schools of the University of Nairobi as stated in Statute xxxiii shall apply.
ii The following applicants shall be eligible for admission:
- A holder of a Master’s degree in Anthropology or any other Social Science discipline from the University of Nairobi.
- A holder of a Master’s degree or equivalent academic qualifications in Anthropology or any other Social Science discipline from other institutions recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate
- A holder of a Master’s degree in any other discipline from the University of Nairobi, or any other institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate, who provides evidence of social science based study and research.
Regulations for Credit Transfer and Exemptions
There will be no credit transfer or exemptions in this programme
4.0 COURSE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Student Obligations
- Students will be expected to participate actively in seminars, workshops, and colloquia aimed at advancing scholarship in Anthropology.
- Students will be required to make class presentations in their chosen area of research, research methods, as well as participate in scholarly activities.
- Student to familiarize herself/himself with the common regulations for conduct of PhD thesis supervision of the University of Nairobi as contained in Statute xxxiii.
- Each student shall be required to maintain a research notebook/logbook as evidence of work progressively undertaken during the course of research study.
- All students should attend at least two-thirds (2/3) of the classes.
Fees and Funding
PhD IN ANTHROPOLOGY Fees Structure
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Fee Cost Summary
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NOTE: International students from outside of the East African Community to pay 25% more
on all charges.
Exams Regulations
A candidate registered for the Degree of Doctor of philosophy shall carry out a programme of original study and research over a minimum of two years on a full-time basis and a four year on a part-time basis.