Graduates enrolled on the Master [60] in Sociology and Anthropology programme are working towards becoming academics who are aware of the unique characteristics of the sociologist’s and anthropologist’s outlook and are capable of robustly analysing a social and cultural issue in certain specific fields or social sectors, understanding contemporary changes and issues and adopting a stance and intervening in an appropriate manner.
Through a variety of issues (socialisation, identity, culture, power, organisation, regulation, classes, inequalities, cultural and/or social conflicts, social change and movements), the central goal of sociology is to understand the social actors involved (individuals or groups) and their relationships within contemporary societies. Anthropology examines everything related to the human being, from the development of mankind to the most surprising forms of achievement and phenomena specific to human communities. Social and cultural anthropology is the branch of anthropology that is based more specifically on the numerous cultural and social human achievements.
The Master [60] in Sociology and Anthropology programme represents a merger of sociology and anthropology and was rolled out at our university more than ten years ago. It is with this in mind that the goal of the Master [60] in Sociology and Anthropology programme is to train students to master central issues integral to sociology and anthropology and to develop an analytical approach to the similarities and differences between these two interpretative disciplines. The focus is on the in-depth theoretical study of the analytical approaches of anthropology and sociology rather than on methodological and practical training in empirical research.
Students enrolling on this course are: university graduates of a Master’s degree course in another discipline pursuing complementary training in socio-anthropology, or already professionally active in a given socio-cultural context and seeking to enhance their practice in a university setting, or graduates of a Bachelor’s social sciences programme from a university or “haute école”. This Master’s programme enables them to expand and/or improve their knowledge and skills in sociology and anthropology, incorporating an academic approach, analysis and critical detachment.
On completion of the Master [60] in Sociology and Anthropology, the graduates will have developed a range of core knowledge and skills, being able to:
- Master and use, in a critical manner, a body of in-depth knowledge in sociology and anthropology, relating to certain specific social fields or sectors;
- Master the conceptual tools and central issues integral to the sociological analysis process and the anthropological analysis process;
- With regard to a given social and cultural issue, put the interpretations (and analytical processes) into perspective using a socio-anthropological approach;
- Develop an analytical approach to these processes (the forms of assessment), their input and assumptions from an epistemological, theoretical and methodological perspective;
- Demonstrate awareness of the use of a wide range of methods to construct a socio-anthropological analysis and gain more in-depth knowledge of one of them.
Graduates will have adopted the critical and academic attitude of professionals able to identify and interpret social and cultural issues and phenomena, demonstrating openness and being aware of the unique characteristics of the outlook of sociologists and anthropologists. They will be committed to continuous development, enabling them, as professionals, to demonstrate expertise and the ability to adapt and evolve positively in their social and professional environment.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
1. Master and use, in a critical manner, a body of in-depth knowledge in sociology and anthropology, relating to certain specific social fields or sectors;
1.1. Position themselves within the sphere of sociological and anthropological knowledge.
1.2. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of sociology and anthropology in certain specific social fields or sectors.
1.3. Apply their sociological and anthropological knowledge in a pertinent manner to understand and analyse a social phenomenon in certain specific social fields or sectors.
2. Master the conceptual tools and central issues integral to the analytical processes of sociology
2. Master the conceptual tools and central issues integral to the analytical processes of sociology and anthropology and their unique characteristics in certain specific social fields or sectors.
2.1. Master the conceptual tools and central issues integral to the analytical process of sociology.
2.2. Use the foundations of the analytical process of sociology to examine a problem in certain specific social fields or sectors, taking care to specify them.
2.3. Master the conceptual tools and central issues integral to the analytical process of anthropology.
2.4. Use the foundations of the analytical process of anthropology to examine a problem in certain specific social fields or sectors, taking care to specify them.
3. Demonstrate awareness of the use of a wide range of methods to construct a socio-anthropological analysis and gain more in-depth knowledge of one of them.
3.1. Demonstrate awareness of the use of a wide range of (quantitative and qualitative) methods to construct a socio-anthropological analysis and understand the application of some of these methods through the study of problems in certain specific social fields or sectors.
3.2. Adopt a specific methodology (quantitative, qualitative or observation) in sociology or anthropology.
4. Conduct a theoretical study (critical review of the literature) with regard to a social and cultural issue and develop a socio-anthropological analysis of this issue.
4.1. Define and explain a social and cultural problem, making sure to put it into context and define the parameters of the study.
4.2. Prepare a bibliography of sources in sociology and anthropology, questioning the validity and relevance of the sources in relation to the issue studied.
4.3. Produce a critical review of the literature in sociology and/or anthropology with regard to the issue studied.
4.4. Demonstrate robustness and conceptual precision with regard to the sociological and anthropological concepts and analytical tools used to examine the issue.
4.5. Develop a socio-anthropological analysis of the issue, making sure to explain the input and assumptions of the analytical process(-es) from an epistemological, theoretical and methodological perspective.
4.6. Develop the ability to summarise so as to enable the relevant parameters to be put into perspective and pertinent conclusions to be formed.
4.7. Demonstrate, in general terms, an attitude of critical detachment with regard to their own work and the knowledge and skills deployed.
5. Communicate and interact, in a professional and constructive manner, both verbally and in writing, with the different stakeholders involved in a given situation (study of a social phenomenon, scientific research, etc.).
5.1. Communicate verbally and in writing on complex subjects related to the field of sociology or anthropology in an accurate, structured and well-argued manner according to the communication standards specific to the context and adapting the communication (content and form) to the target audience and the intended objectives.
5.2. Converse and interact respectfully and constructively with different stakeholders or within a team.
6. Act as critical and responsible academics, aware of the unique characteristics of the outlook of sociologists and anthropologists, and being committed to continuous development.
6.1. Be involved and act according to a well-founded academic approach characterised by critical detachment, aware of the unique characteristics of the outlook of sociologists and anthropologists.
6.2. Demonstrate an ability to detach themselves from their own views, prejudices and cultural values.
6.3. Work, make decisions and act independently and responsibly with regard to the framework, work context and other people while respecting ethical values.
6.4. Demonstrate awareness of their resources and personal skills in order to develop them independently (continuous development) and evolve positively in their socio-professional environment.
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