AS/ A2 Anthropology Personal study-‐ Anthropologists live with the ethnic group they are studying, observe, note behaviour, and report back – this kind of fieldwork is called participant observation and the report is called an ethnography. Anthropologists also observe groups that are more familiar to them. They compare behaviours, rituals, or symbols in their own societies to those of other groups. All students will follow a course on methodology and ethics in Anthropology and will conduct their own fieldwork as part of unit 4, the Personal Study. You will choose a topic and carry out research of your own, writing it up as a report. You will answer questions on your research in the exam, as well as general questions about anthropological methodology. You might want to do research into the symbolism in social networking, or why and how people queue, or how different ethnic groups have different attitudes to medicine. What key skills will I develop? Anthropology complements other A level subjects and the skills you learn will be particularly prized by employers and universities. It introduces you to key concepts and critical thinking skills that will provide you with a unique and thoughtful perspective on contemporary issues. There is an emphasis on assessing your ability to apply an anthropological ‘way of thinking’ to a range of issues, making effective use of anthropological concepts, theories and methods. You will develop effective and fluent writing styles and learn the skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.
How will I be assessed? (details of examinations/coursework) AS -‐ Unit 1-‐ 1.30 hour exam Unit 2 -‐1.30 hour exam A2 -‐Unit 3 -‐ 1.45 hour exam Unit 4 -‐ 1.45 hour exam
What could this course lead to? Anthropologists are highly regarded in the modern world, the USA has been recruiting anthropologists to help them understand the crisis in the Middle East, and the UN has been recruiting anthropologists to help them to tackle AIDS in Africa through a better understanding of local ideas about health and illness. Anthropology goes well with any Humanities or Social Science subjects, but particularly well with Archaeology, Sociology and World Development though it is also popular with scientists. Anthropology is very useful if you are thinking about working in careers where you deal closely with people – for example, it goes very well with Medicine. It also gives you a good understanding of the human body and is compatible with subjects such as PE. Understanding different cultures and how humans construct themselves socially is a very good skill to have if you are considering working with the general public, for instance: Teaching The Medical profession Law Counselling Social Services Criminal Justice System
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