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CSS132

Ethnography And Social Structure Of Nigeria

This course introduces students to the Ethnography of Nigeria, focusing on the diverse cultures and social lives of various communities within Nigeria. It explores the cultural patterns, interrelationships, and linguistic distributions among different ethnic groups. Students will examine social, economic, and political organizations, identifying similarities and differences in cultural settings. The course aims to deepen students' awareness of Nigerian customs, socio-political structures, and religions, fostering an understanding of ethnic diversity.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
45 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

CSS132 · Unit 1 Introduction to Ethnography of Nigeria

Ethnography in contrast is used to describe the study of the culture for a single tribe, ethnic group or society. But because almost all ethnographers make comparisons, at least with neighbouring peoples, the distinction between Ethnography and Ethnology is sometimes blurred. In fact, if the distinction is identified at all, it may be compared to that between Geography and Geology.

What you should be able to do

  1. Understand the core concepts of ethnography and its application to Nigeria.
  2. Identify and describe the major ethnic groups in Nigeria and their geographic locations.
  3. Analyze the social, economic, and political systems of different Nigerian communities.
  4. Evaluate the impact of historical events and cultural exchanges on Nigerian societies.
  5. Compare and contrast the cultural practices and beliefs of various ethnic groups.
  6. Apply ethnographic methods to study and interpret cultural phenomena in Nigeria.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Cultural Resource Manager
  • Social Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Community Development Officer
  • International Development Worker
Where it is applied
  • Government
  • Non-profit
  • Education
  • Cultural Heritage
  • International Relations

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 7: Intergroup Relations

    Unit 7: Intergroup Relations

    Understanding the complexities of inter-ethnic dynamics and historical conflicts requires critical analysis.

  • Module 9: The Political Institution: East of the Niger

    Unit 9: The Political Institution: East of the Niger

    Analyzing the decentralized political systems and diverse governance structures requires careful attention to detail.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 34 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Ethnography of Nigeria
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Ethnography of Nigeria · 2 hours

      Read Unit 1: Defining Ethnography, its relevance to Nigeria.. Summarize the relationship between Ethnography and Anthropology.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  2. Week 2Module 2: Socio-cultural Views and Concepts
    • Unit 2: Socio-cultural Views and Concepts · 3 hours

      Study socio-cultural views and concepts.. Define culture and its elements.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  3. Week 3Module 3: The Physical and Cultural Contacts
    • Unit 3: The Physical and Cultural Contacts · 1.5 hours

      Examine physical and cultural contacts in Nigeria.. Analyze British colonial influence.. Give reasons to support the artificiality of ethnic boundaries..

  4. Week 4Module 4: Profile of Peoples of Nigeria
    • Unit 4: Profile of Peoples of Nigeria · 3 hours

      Study the profile of peoples of Nigeria.. Identify major ethnic groups and their locations.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  5. Week 5Module 5: Linguistic Diversity
    • Unit 5: Linguistic Diversity · 1.5 hours

      Discuss linguistic diversity in Nigeria.. Examine the impact of foreign contact on indigenous languages.. Give reasons why ethnic and language maps may differ..

  6. Week 6Module 6: Social Structure and Organisation
    • Unit 6: Social Structure and Organisation · 3 hours

      Study social structure and organisation.. Define social institutions and their roles.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  7. Week 7Module 7: Intergroup Relations
    • Unit 7: Intergroup Relations · 3 hours

      Discuss intergroup relations among Nigerian ethnic communities.. Examine similarities and differences in intergroup relations.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  8. Week 8Module 8: The Peoples of the North
    • Unit 8: The Peoples of the North · 2 hours

      Study the peoples of the North, focusing on the Hausa.. Describe the intergroup relations among Hausa states.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  9. Week 9Module 9: The Political Institution: East of the Niger
    • Unit 9: The Political Institution: East of the Niger · 2 hours

      Examine the political institution east of the Niger.. Analyze the Efik-Ibibio and Igbo political organizations.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  10. Week 10Module 10: The Pastoral People
    • Unit 10: The Pastoral People · 3 hours

      Study the ethnography of the pastoral Fulani.. Analyze the dynamics of pastoral production.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  11. Week 11Module 11: Marriage Institution
    • Unit 11: Marriage Institution · 2 hours

      Discuss the marriage institution in Nigeria.. Examine marriage variations among the Tiv people.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise..

  12. Week 12Modules 1-6
    • Review of Modules 1-6 · 4 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and theories.. Prepare for assignments..

  13. Week 13Modules 7-11
    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Complete assignments.. Prepare for final examination.. Address any remaining questions..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed notes summarizing key concepts from each unit.
  • Develop comparative charts outlining the similarities and differences between ethnic groups.
  • Practice answering essay questions on the social and political systems of different regions.
  • Review case studies of intergroup relations and identify factors contributing to conflict or cooperation.
  • Focus on understanding the historical context and cultural significance of marriage and family structures.

Questions students ask about this course

What is CSS132 about?

This course introduces students to the Ethnography of Nigeria, focusing on the diverse cultures and social lives of various communities within Nigeria. It explores the cultural patterns, interrelationships, and linguistic distributions among different ethnic groups. Students will examine social, economic, and political organizations, identifying similarities and differences in cultural settings. The course aims to deepen students' awareness of Nigerian customs, socio-political structures, and religions, fostering an understanding of ethnic diversity.

How many units does CSS132 have?

CSS132, Ethnography And Social Structure Of Nigeria, has 11 units across 1 module, over 86 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CSS132?

CSS132 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.

Is CSS132 hard?

CSS132 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does CSS132 take to study?

About 45 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.

How is CSS132 assessed?

CSS132 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with CSS132?

Cultural Resource Manager, Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, Community Development Officer and International Development Worker.

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