What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of what makes us human and what makes us different from other animals.To fully appreciate the many different elements of human experience, anthropologists use what is known as a holistic method, which we refer to as "holistic analysis." With the use of archaeology, they are able to go back in time and uncover how human cultures lived hundreds or thousands of years ago and what was important to them. All of our biological and genetic characteristics, as well as our bones, diet, and general health are taken into account by the researchers.
The comparison of humans with other animals allows anthropologists to determine what we have in common with them and what distinguishes us from them. Despite the fact that virtually all humans need the same things to exist, such as food, water, and companionship, the methods in which people achieve these requirements may be very diverse amongst individuals. Consequently, anthropologists study the ways in which various groups of people get food, prepare it, and distribute it. World hunger is not a matter of production but rather of societal obstacles to distribution, as shown by Amartya Sen, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work demonstrating that this was the case for all of the world's famines throughout the twentieth century.
Anthropology Study Tips
- Read actively to gain knowledge
Questioning, criticising, re-examining, and participating in the material you're reading are all examples of active reading. It requires higher attention and focus when reading, which results in a better grasp of the most significant material. They pay little attention to the key concepts and are disinterested in what they're reading. They also avoid re-reading or asking questions about what they're reading. They merely want to go through the pages that have been allotted to them. The ability to read actively is essential for the study of anthropology.
- Personal Reflection
Often referred to as personal reflections in the journal-entry form, this sort of writing needs students to make a link between what they have learned via the study of classroom subject and reading and their own ideas, points of view, and life experiences in order to succeed. This kind of writing is less concerned with technicalities and more concerned with genuine involvement with the subject matter.
- Research Paper
Research papers are a typical sort of writing assignment for anthropology students, and they must be completed in a timely manner. Student or instructor-driven research papers investigate a subject of interest to the writer. When it comes to writing a good research paper, organisation is essential. Throughout your paper, each component should build on the previous sections and support the primary thesis of the study.
- Examine what you've just read
You should study the article in full when you have completed scanning it and have a broad understanding of the key points, ideas, and arguments that are being put forward by the author. Then you should summarise the essential points that the author is expressing. What makes the author believe that his or her argument is relevant and legitimate is as follows: Do you agree with or disagree with the author's point of view? Why? In writing, state your stance with regard to the primary concepts stated in the essay, backed up with your own evidence and supporting your findings.
- "Proving" should be avoided.
Anthropology is concerned with discovering and celebrating human variety. Nothing about it should be interpreted as a judgement, condemnation, or catalogue. In your writing, you should attempt to persuade the reader of your point of view and to support your thesis, with the ultimate objective of adding to a greater framework of knowledge within the discipline and acceptability beyond the field. Keep in mind that you should undertake research to generate anthropological knowledge to support your writing, and that the thesis you establish and the arguments you build should both contribute to a comparative framework and be focused on contributing to one. Never make the mistake of attempting to "prove" your point of view or your theory. In an attempt to demonstrate, it is said that anthropology, and the civilizations it studies, are static, absolute, and never changing.
Careers with an Anthropology
- Archivist, Curator, or Museum Worker
Working at a museum enables you to learn about historical objects from cultures all over the globe while also studying, interacting with, and teaching about them. An archivist is a professional who is concerned with the production, categorization, and preservation of records and materials that are historically relevant.Curators, on the other hand, are frequently more visible in their job, maintaining collections and organising public events on behalf of their institution. Technicians and conservators, who repair artworks and artefacts and prepare them for show, are among the other exciting careers available in a museum setting.
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Survey Researcher
An anthropology degree, with its focus on study and understanding other people, is a great match for a job in survey research, in which you will gather and analyse data in order to better understand people's ideas, preferences, beliefs, and wants, among other things. Design surveys, test and solve difficulties with survey questions, analyse and summarise replies using software and data visualisation, as well as assess the performance of surveys to enhance future projects, are all possible responsibilities in this position.
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Historian
Because anthropology students spend a significant amount of time researching the past, a job as a historian is an obvious choice. This is one of those professions where you truly need a master's degree, if not a PhD, to get started. In an ideal world, your graduate education would be focused on a certain field of study so that you might become an expert in that area, such as a specific nation or location, historical period, or subject.
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Anthropologist
As an anthropologist, you can be in charge of monitoring and safeguarding an archaeological site located inside a national park or historical monument, among other things. Other anthropologists inspect construction sites to ensure that designs comply with federal standards on site preservation. Some anthropologists are actively engaged in study, doing fieldwork in distant regions to learn about contemporary or historical civilizations. While this might be a fantastic career option and a wonderful fit for your degree, competition for vacant positions can be fierce owing to the relatively limited number of opportunities available compared to the number of applications.
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