Anthropology | Everything you need to know about the subject!

Anthropology | An overview

Anthropology studies humans, primates, and early hominids; from analyzing various ancient civilizations to exploring protected and out-of-bounds tribal cultures, the field helps know the functioning of humans and other species. To learn more about this course, keep reading!

Anthropology | Who are anthropologists?

Anthropologists act as a bridge between modern man and primitive or protected societies. Additionally, they figure out how human groups lived many centuries ago, understand their necessities, etc. All in all, anthropologists take a comprehensive approach to understanding the varying aspects that make us human, referred to as holism.

As a matter of fact, anthropologists have a massive responsibility for studying humans and giving us insights into how they function concerning other animal species and themselves.

The fields of anthropology

Anthropology is sub-divided into four fields. What’s more interesting is that they have the same methodological approach. All in all, a few similar methodologies are –

• Applying theories
• Employing a systematic research methodology
• Testing various hypotheses
• Forming new data that can be extensive and intensive

All in all, here are the four fields of anthropology that you must know of –

#1. Archaeology

Archaeology studies in detail the cultural aspect by analyzing trinkets and objects created by them. For example, after reviewing all the pyramids in Egypt over many years, archaeologists specializing in Ancient Egyptian Civilization concluded that the oldest pyramid is the Step Pyramid in Saqqara, which is around 200 years from the famous Giza Pyramids. In addition to this, archaeologists also study remains of teeth and bones to get an idea about the diet and physical structure or what might have been the cause of the death of the remains.

#2. Cultural anthropology

Cultural anthropology explore humans from a societal point of view and try to understand how people interact with one another and make rules they make up in the society for this interaction. As a matter of fact, it takes note of all similarities and differences in viewpoints and tries to find the best possible ways to explore the diverseness and intricacies of every culture around the world.

#3. Biological anthropology

Biological anthropology studies how humans evolved from primates and other animals over the years, adapted to their different environments, and how biology and culture worked in tandem to shape their lives.

#4. Linguistic anthropology

Linguistic anthropology specifically studies languages and people communicate with each other worldwide. It tries to understand how language and communication link and their respective roles.

Role and responsibilities of anthropologists

Anthropologists work in both on-site and off-site settings, such as agencies, corporations, and institutes of higher learning to focus on different aspects of human evolution. All in all, they study how humans evolve from other animals and how their behaviors, cultural norms, and languages become.

What skills should an anthropologist have?

Although you will learn the required skills during the course, it is good to have the following skills –

• Analytical skills 
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to do research in stressful environments, collect and interpret a vast amount of data
• Presentation skills
• Problem-solving skills
• The ability to think logically and independently

Anthropology subjects

In addition to the fields mentioned above, you will also learn about the other branches of anthropology, such as:

• Medical Anthropology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Visual Anthropology
• Museum Anthropology
• Environmental Anthropology

 Top universities for anthropology

There are a lot of universities that offer anthropology courses. However, the top ones are –

• University of Houston, USA
• University of Florida, USA
• Georgia State University, USA
• University of Georgia, USA
• St. Francis Xavier University, Canada
• University of Connecticut, USA
• University of Winchester, UK
• La Trobe University, Australia
• University of Bordeaux, France
• University of Plymouth, UK

What are the application requirements?

To apply for this course, you will need to have the following documents at the ready:

• You will need to have completed your 10+2 level education.
• Suppose you plan to apply for a master’s degree in the same subject or other subjects mentioned in the list above, such as criminology developmental studies. In that case, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.
• You will need to submit proof of language proficiency.
• Relevant test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT)
• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

How much does it cost to get a degree in anthropology?

The cost of your degree will depend on the country, the university, and the type of program you are applying for.
However, you can expect the average cost of your degree to be around USD 30 00-60000 for an undergraduate program and USD 25,000-55,000 for a graduate program.

Anthropology jobs

As a matter of fact, anthropology is a rewarding career and opens up a plethora of dynamic job profiles for you once you complete your degree in the discipline. All in all, the following are the most popular job profiles –

#1. Interpreter

All in all, an interpreter helps to translate from one language to another, so the role of an interpreter will demand mastery of at least two languages, if not more.

#2. Data evaluator

You will need to gather, keep track, critically analyze, and also develop solutions for a vast amount of data.

#3. Social worker

As a matter of fact, a degree in anthropology will help you to analyze complex human relations successfully.

#4. Archaeologist

What’s more interesting here is that as an archaeologist, you will study the remains of humans and other artefacts to come up with research on human culture and habitats.

#5. Foreign language teacher

As a matter of fact, knowledge of multiple languages or a keen interest in linguistic anthropology will make the path of a foreign language teacher easier.

#6. Research analyst

All in all, as a research analyst, you will collect data and interpret them critically to come up with high-quality research material.

#7. Human resource manager

Training as an anthropologist will help you learn the empathy, communication, and organization skills required to make a career as a human resource manager.

#8. Diversity and inclusion manager

A diversity and inclusion manager goes beyond the standard job description of HR and addresses sensitive issues arising out of harassment, bullying, and racial discrimination.

Key takeaways

• All in all, anthropology is a study of humans, primates, and early hominids. As a matter of fact, anthropologists study human groups and try to figure out how they lived and communicated with each other many centuries ago. 
• In addition to this, anthropologists act as the bridge between modern and tribal societies. 
• Additionally, studying anthropology opens up a plethora of dynamic and exciting professions. 
• After studying this course, you can also specialize in archaeology, criminology, or even developmental studies.

In addition to this blog, if you want more details on anthropology, get in touch with us!

Liked this blog? Then read Everything You Need to Know About Studying Animal Science!

FAQs

Question 1: Who is the father of modern anthropology?

Answer: Franz Boas is known as the father of modern anthropology.

Question 2: What is the difference between sociology and anthropology?

Answer: All in all, sociology studies the structural, developmental, and social interactions of human society. On the other hand, anthropology specializes in biological, archaeological, socio-cultural, and linguistic aspects.

Question 3: What is the average salary of a professional anthropologist?

Answer: As a matter of fact, anthropology is quite an enriching career. However, the average salary of an anthropologist is about USD 50,000-65,000 a year.