Researching for roots

SEKKAPPAN V.AL.

DO people fascinate you? Are you curious about customs and rituals? Do the quirks of human behaviour excite you? Then, you can be assured you are made to be an anthropologist. "Anthropologist who?", you ask. Well, read on and find out.

Anthropology is a social science like sociology and history. The term 'anthropology' is derived from the Greek words anthropos (meaning human being) and logos (meaning discourse). Anthropology studies human beings. In particular, it concentrates on the study of their physical character evolutionary history, racial classification, historical and present-day geographic distribution, group relationships, and cultural history. In simpler terms, it can be described as study of the diverse peoples of the world.

It is mainly divided into two branches: Cultural anthropology, Physical anthropology. The former deals with the study of human culture in all its aspects and physical anthropology is the study of human physical character, in both the past and present.

There are several sub-divisions arising from these two branches. These include:

Socio-cultural anthropology,

Archaeological anthropology

Linguistic anthropology

Philosophical anthropology

To be an anthropologist requires certain special attributes. Since this is a people-oriented area, any aspirant must possess excellent communication skills. As an anthropologist, one may be called upon to interact with a tribal community one day and with young people the next. Hence, your language skills must be good. Knowledge of more than one language is an advantage.

If you plan to work in India, knowledge of additional Indian languages will help; but if you plan to pursue your career abroad, French or German will come in handy. Keen interest in people and places is required as is a good base in history and geography. You may have to interact with people whose cultural parameters are completely different from your own (such as a tribal community). Therefore, an open mind and an objective outlook are crucial.

One will require a postgraduate degree in anthropology to enter this area of work. Some universities regard anthropology as a science while others regard it as an arts subject. Hence, entry requirements vary.

At the undergraduate level, the following courses are offered: B.A. Anthropology, B.Sc. Anthropology, These programmes are of three years duration. For undergraduate courses, some colleges ask specifically for a science background.

At the postgraduate level, the following courses are offered: M.A. Anthropology, M.Sc. Anthropology. These programmes are of two years duration. Those with B.A./B.Sc. degrees in anthropology or any other social science are eligible to apply. Entry to postgraduate courses is through entrance exams. Few university departments offer M.Phil. and Ph.D.

Degree programmes and institutes

B.Sc. Anthropology

M.Sc. Anthropology

University of Delhi, Delhi-110007.

University of Calcutta, Calcutta-700073.

Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar-751004.

North Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793022 (Meghalaya)

B.Sc. Anthropological Physics

M.Sc. Anthropological Physics

Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502 (A.P.)

M.A. Anthropology

University of Delhi

University of Madras

Pondicherry University

With a master's degree in anthropology, one has several work opportunities which include: teaching, anthropological research, museology and developmental work.

Postgraduates in anthropology who have cleared the UGC-NET eligibility test can opt for teaching anthropology in colleges and universities. Another option is to undertake research in one area of anthropology.

The contribution of anthropologists is crucial in the field of developmental activity. Their knowledge of peoples, cultures and human behaviour becomes a valuable input in planning and executing developmental projects.

The government of India requires anthropologists for the Anthropological Survey of India. Colleges and universities, museums and archives, non governmental organisations (NGOs) and hospitals, require the services of anthropologists. Medical organisations such as the Indian Council for Medical Research, World Health Organisation and Department of Family Welfare employ anthropologists to work as social scientists. Human resource departments of corporate bodies also hire anthropologists.

Anthropologists working in government departments start with a salaryof Rs. 5000 per month. Those working in the private sector start with Rs. 6000 - Rs. 10,000 p.m. depending on the organisation. So if you are the type who enjoys observing people and pondering about the roots of human behaviour and culture, anthropology may well be your cup of tea.

Email: careercell@reynolds.india.com

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Hold your temper
Next     : Rock's bad guys are back