Anthropology Syllabus 2025: Semester Subjects, Electives, Books, Specializations

Social/Cultural/Socio-Cultural Anthropology

Subjects include:

• Concepts of Society

• Individual and Society

• Types of Groups

• Social System

• Structural Functionalism

• Social Conflict

• Community

• Survey Research and Field Work

Prehistoric/Archaeological Anthropology

Students learn about humans in prehistoric times and examine how people from ancient civilisations physically differ from people now.

Subjects include:

• Cultural nomenclature

• Absolute and relative dating methods

• Geo-chronological methods

• Typology

• Types of prehistoric tools

• Prehistoric ages in India and Europe

• Prehistoric climate changes

• Types of geoclimatic events

Linguistic Anthropology

The different language structures and forms of languages worldwide are focused on. Their origins and relation to other languages are also included.

Subjects include:

• Nature of human language

• Language as a system

• Verbal communication

• Non-verbal communication

• History and theory of linguistics

• Language evolution

• Language endangerment

• Language and identity

• Language ideologies

Physical/Biological Anthropology

Focuses on the biological aspects of anthropology. Includes study of blood, DNA, genetics, and other traits in human culture.

Subjects include:

• Human Genetics

• Human Evolution

• Human Development and Growth

• Human Variation

• Organic evolution theories

• Primate Behaviour

• The concept of race

• Life sciences

• Earth Sciences

Sustainable Development

The struggles of balancing both environment wellness and development are explored. It is important to keep future generations in mind when developing. Climate change is talked about and how to generate new resources.

Psychology for Health and Well Being

This course teaches about the importance of mental well-being, stress management, ways to enhance health, and promoting mental health in the society at large, along with appropriate intervention.

Disaster Management

Students learn about the different types of disasters, their classification, how to prepare for disasters, steps to take to respond to disaster, recovery from disaster, climate change, and more.

Gender Sensitisation: Society and Culture

This elective focuses on the plight of women. Women's condition and status in society are taught how to raise societal awareness regarding gender issues, marriage, family, motherhood, gender issues at work, media's portrayal of gender, etc.

1

Introduction to Anthropology

Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Students learn about the basics of evolution and the origins of mankind. The distinction between primates and non-primates is made, and racism is explored.

Introduction to Cultural and Social Anthropology

This subject explores the origin of social anthropology and its relation to cultural anthropology, societal institutions, vital theories, and the importance of fieldwork.

2

Archaeological Anthropology

Archaeological Anthropology

Students learn about the different dating methods, prehistoric periods and their corresponding techniques and tools.

Fundamentals of Human Origin and Evolution

The branch of palaeontology is introduced. The evolution of humans is studied major events that occurred and the process of hominisation.

3

Biological Anthropology

Tribes and Peasants in India

This course educates students about India's various peasants and tribes, their problems, their welfare, and other contemporary issues.

Human Ecology: Cultural and Biological Dimensions

The aim here is to teach basic human ecology concepts, theories and models on the human-environment relationship, adaptation, human impact, etc.

Biological Diversity in Human Populations

The major races of the world are explored with an emphasis on India, effects of inbreeding, details on demography, etc.

4

Social Anthropology

Research Methods

Various research methods are taught (secondary and primary), ethical concerns, and origins of research.

Theories of Culture and Society

Students learn about the different classical theories, contemporary theories, their role in anthropology, etc.

Human Growth and Development

The physical changes in humans are studied, and the importance of nutrition, environmental stressors, etc.

5

Anthropology

Anthropology in Practice

Students learn how to use their knowledge practically, areas where they can work, and better lives.

Human Population Genetics

Population genetics is discussed, as well as mating patterns, genetic disorders, and the Hardy-Weinberg law.

6

Forensic Anthropology

Anthropology of India

Indian society is the focus: key concepts, their civilisation and culture, the difference between castes and tribes, structural basis, and more, are learnt.

Forensic Anthropology

Techniques for analysing human skeletal remains, reconstructing a biological profile, etc., are taught.

Visual Anthropology

• Visual Culture

• Digital media and photographs

• Theories of representation

• Cinema studies

• Ethnographic films

• Anthropology of Aesthetics and Art

• Trends and contexts

Students learn about the traditional and experimental methods of using audio-visual media. Photo elicitation and analysis of images is also taught.

Forensic Anthropology

• History and scope of forensic anthropology

• Human skeletal biology

• Making estimations from bones

• Serology

• DNA Profiling

• Facial Reconstruction

• How to identify living persons

The techniques and methods involved in solving cases are explored, and the latest developments are made. They also learn how to collect DNA material at a crime scene.

Medical Anthropology

• Medical Anthropology in India

• Diseases and illnesses

• Maternal and child health

• Mental health

• National Health Policy

• Tribal health and medicines

• Involvement of priests, shamans, sorcerers, witchcraft, etc.

The basics of diseases, illnesses, and health are taught here. The various methods to measure one’s health are detailed and better understand health policies and programmes available in India.

Business Anthropology

• Consumer behaviour

• Organisational culture

• Cross-cultural marketing

• Market anthropological theory

• Health care organisations

• Globalisation

• Communication networks and information technology

• International Trade

The business and market context in terms of anthropology is studied. This is particularly useful for future dealings with NGOs. They also understand ethical concerns when being an outsider and as an insider.

Sociocultural Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology: appreciating cultural diversity

Conrad Phillip Kottak

An introduction to Cultural Anthropology and how cultures vary across the world.

Biological Anthropology

Biological Anthropology: The Natural History of Humankind

Craig Stanford, John S. Allen, Susan C. Anton

Main areas include human biology, the human fossil record, and primate behaviour. It also includes contemporary discoveries made.

Social Anthropology

Applications in Computing for Social Anthropologists

Michael Fischer

Introduces new and varied methods of interpreting and organising data, and research activities are done by others.

Archaeological Anthropology

Archaeology: The Basics

Clive Gamble

Growth in human evolution, material culture, and politics in the past are covered.

Research Methodology

Methods in Social Research

Paul K. Hatt, William J. Goode

Improves response and comprehension skills. It contains several writing and thinking exercises, multiple-choice questions, and reading sections.

Human Genetics

Genetics and the Origin of Species

Theodosius Dobzhansky

One of the oldest books outlines Darwin's theory of evolution. Includes natural selection, mutation and speciation.

Physical Anthropology

The Study of Population: An Inventory and Appraisal

Philip M. Hauser, Otis Dudley Duncan

Summary of demography, ranging from beginnings in history to potential subjects for the future.

Forensic Anthropology

Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology

Linda L. Klepinger

Examines forensic anthropology in historical context, skeletal markers, trauma, ethics, etc. Contains both theory and practical basics.