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MASTER-OF-SCIENCE in Anthropology at Central University of Odisha
Koraput, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Anthropology at Central University of Odisha Koraput?
This M.Sc. Anthropology program at Central University of Odisha focuses on holistic understanding of human existence, covering biological, social, cultural, and archaeological dimensions. Rooted in rich Indian societal contexts, it emphasizes indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary challenges. The program aims to equip students with analytical skills vital for research and community-oriented roles in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in social sciences, life sciences, or related fields, seeking to understand diverse human societies and their evolution. It also suits individuals passionate about social research, cultural preservation, tribal welfare, or public health in Indian contexts, preparing them for academic or development sector careers.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social researchers, field investigators, tribal welfare officers, cultural heritage managers, and NGO program coordinators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10 LPA in government or development sectors, contributing significantly to social policy and community development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Anthropological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental theories and terminologies in social, biological, and archaeological anthropology. Actively participate in class discussions and regularly review notes to build a strong conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Peer study groups, Online academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly for Indian context), NCERT books for basic social sciences
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for advanced research and analytical roles in any anthropological domain, enabling deeper insights into societal issues in India.
Develop Strong Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on Research Methods and Practicals. Actively engage in field visits, data collection exercises, and basic statistical analysis. Practice ethnographic writing and observation skills.
Tools & Resources
SPSS for basic statistics, Open-source qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo free trials), University research ethics guidelines, Local community interaction
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for field investigators, project assistants, and researchers in NGOs, government agencies, and academic institutions across India.
Engage with Indian Anthropological Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Supplement textbook knowledge with readings on Indian anthropological perspectives, especially on caste, tribe, village studies, and indigenous health. Attend webinars or seminars on Indian social issues.
Tools & Resources
Books by M.N. Srinivas, G.S. Ghurye, André Béteille, Journals focusing on Indian social sciences, Public lectures by eminent Indian anthropologists
Career Connection
Provides an India-specific lens, critical for roles in tribal welfare, rural development, policy analysis, and cultural resource management in the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization through Electives- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives that align with your career interests, whether it''''s medical, tribal, visual, or forensic anthropology. Dive deep into the chosen field through independent readings and mini-projects.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals, Online courses (e.g., NPTEL for related subjects), Departmental faculty mentorship for specific areas
Career Connection
Specialization enhances employability for targeted roles in health organizations, tribal development projects, media, or forensic labs within India.
Seek Fieldwork and Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3)
Actively look for short-term fieldwork opportunities, NGO internships, or research assistant positions during semester breaks. These practical experiences are invaluable for skill application.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Department networks with NGOs and government agencies, Online platforms like Idealist.org for social sector internships in India
Career Connection
Hands-on experience is critical for job readiness, providing networking opportunities and a practical understanding of anthropological work in Indian communities.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3)
Attend departmental guest lectures, workshops, and seminars. Connect with visiting scholars, alumni, and professionals in the field through LinkedIn or university events.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni portal, Professional associations like Indian Anthropological Society
Career Connection
Builds valuable contacts for future internships, job referrals, and mentorship, crucial for navigating the professional landscape in India''''s social sector.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Treat the dissertation as a capstone project. Choose a relevant topic, conduct rigorous fieldwork, analyze data meticulously, and write a high-quality research report. Seek continuous faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Research software (SPSS, R for quantitative; NVivo for qualitative), Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, University writing center for academic writing support
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases research capabilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving, highly valued by research institutions, PhD programs, and development organizations in India.
Prepare for Post-M.Sc. Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Begin preparing for NET/JRF exams if an academic career is desired, or prepare compelling CVs and cover letters for development sector jobs. Practice interview skills and presentation techniques.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET preparation guides, Career counseling services, Mock interviews, Online job portals (Naukri.com, government job sites)
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success, whether for higher education or entry into the job market, aligning with aspirations for government jobs or NGO work in India.
Develop Grant Writing & Advocacy Skills- (Semester 4)
Learn the basics of writing project proposals and grant applications. Understand how to advocate for social causes based on anthropological insights. Attend relevant workshops.
Tools & Resources
Workshops on proposal writing, Examples of successful grant applications, Understanding of government schemes (e.g., tribal welfare, rural development) in India
Career Connection
Essential for future roles in NGOs, CSR divisions, and international development agencies in India, where securing funding and influencing policy are key.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Sociology/Psychology/History/Economics/Political Science/Geography/Archaeology/Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Zoology/Botany/Agriculture/Geology/Environmental Science/B.Sc. Nursing/Home Science/Medical Science (MBBS)/Dental Science (BDS)/Ayurvedic Medicine (BAMS)/Homeopathic Medicine (BHMS)/Integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. (in Social Science Stream) or any other equivalent discipline with 50% marks in aggregate for general category and 45% for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PWD candidates from a recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AN 401 | Introduction to Anthropology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Anthropology, Sub-disciplines of Anthropology, Relationship with other Sciences, History of Anthropological Thought, Major schools of thought, Concept of Culture and Society |
| AN 402 | Social Anthropology | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Social Anthropology, Kinship and Marriage, Family and Descent, Economic Organization, Political Organization, Religion and Belief Systems |
| AN 403 | Biological Anthropology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution and Primates, Human Genetics and Variation, Races of Humankind, Growth and Development, Paleolithic Cultures |
| AN 404 | Archaeological Anthropology | Core | 4 | Aims and Scope of Archaeology, Methods of Dating, Prehistoric Cultures, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Cultures, Megalithic Culture, Conservation of Archaeological Sites |
| AN 405 | Research Methods in Anthropology | Core | 4 | Scientific Research Design, Data Collection Techniques, Sampling Methods, Fieldwork Tradition in Anthropology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Ethics in Anthropological Research |
| AN 406 | Anthropology Practicals | Core | 4 | Anthropometric Measurements, Osteology and Bone Identification, Primatological Observations, Serological Tests (Blood Grouping), Fieldwork Techniques Application, Museum Visit and Artefact Study |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AN 407 | Theories in Social Anthropology | Core | 4 | Classical Evolutionism and Diffusionism, Functionalism and Structural Functionalism, Structuralism and Interpretive Anthropology, Symbolic Anthropology, Feminist Anthropology, Post-Modernism in Anthropology |
| AN 408 | Human Genetics | Core | 4 | Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Cytogenetics and Human Chromosomes, Genetic Disorders and Syndromes, Molecular Genetics |
| AN 409 | Indian Anthropology | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Society, Caste System in India, Tribes in India, Village Studies and Rural India, Religious Pluralism and Diversity, Social Movements and Change |
| AN 410 | Cultural Ecology & Economic Anthropology | Core | 4 | Human Ecology and Ecosystems, Adaptation and Environment, Modes of Production, Distribution and Consumption, Reciprocity and Redistribution, Market Exchange Systems |
| AN 411 | Applied Anthropology | Core | 4 | Scope of Applied Anthropology, Anthropology of Development, Health and Education, Environment and Conservation, Forensic Anthropology Applications, Human Rights and Advocacy |
| AN 412 | Biological Anthropology Practicals | Core | 4 | Dermatoglyphics Analysis, Somatometry and Somatoscopy, Anthropometry Techniques, ABO Blood Grouping, Genetic Data Analysis, Craniofacial Measurements |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AN 501 | Advanced Social Anthropology | Core | 4 | Identity and Culture, Globalisation and Transnationalism, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Anthropology of Gender, Digital Anthropology, Culture and Power |
| AN 502 | Advanced Biological Anthropology | Core | 4 | Molecular Anthropology, Human Genome Diversity, Epigenetics, Nutritional Anthropology, Demography and Population Dynamics, Human Growth and Development |
| AN 503 | Anthropology of Religion | Core | 4 | Origin and Functions of Religion, Sacred and Profane, Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism, Magic and Witchcraft, Religious Specialists and Institutions, New Religious Movements |
| AN 504 | Medical Anthropology | Core | 4 | Health and Illness in Cultural Contexts, Ethnomedicine and Traditional Healing, Public Health and Nutrition, Disease Ecology, Health Disparities, Medical Pluralism |
| AN 505 | Anthropology Practicals & Fieldwork | Core | 4 | Advanced Data Analysis (Qualitative/Quantitative), Fieldwork Design and Implementation, Ethnographic Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Examination, Community Engagement Techniques |
| AN EL 1 | Tribal Studies | Elective | 4 | Definitions and Characteristics of Tribe, Tribes in India: Distribution and Classification, Tribal Economy and Society, Tribal Administration and Governance, Tribal Development Issues, Culture Change among Tribes |
| AN EL 2 | Visual Anthropology | Elective | 4 | History of Visual Anthropology, Ethnographic Film and Photography, Media and Representation, Ethics in Visual Research, Digital Storytelling, Visual Data Analysis |
| AN EL 3 | Urban Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Theories of Urbanization, City as a Social System, Urban Planning and Development, Slums and Urban Poverty, Migration and Urban Adaptation, Culture in Urban Contexts |
| AN EL 4 | Anthropology of Development | Elective | 4 | Theories and Models of Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Displacement and Resettlement, Role of NGOs in Development, Gender and Development, Participatory Development Approaches |
| AN EL 5 | Anthropology of Education | Elective | 4 | Culture and Education, Socialization and Enculturation, Indigenous Education Systems, Education in Tribal Societies, Educational Policy and Practice, Learning and Cognition |
| AN EL 6 | Forensic Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Human Skeletal Anatomy, Estimation of Age, Sex, Stature, Cause and Manner of Death, Forensic DNA Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Legal Aspects of Forensic Anthropology |
| AN EL 7 | Nutritional Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Food Systems and Culture, Dietary Practices and Beliefs, Malnutrition and Food Insecurity, Nutritional Assessment Methods, Public Health Nutrition Interventions, Food Taboos and Health |
| AN EL 8 | Population Studies | Elective | 4 | Demography and Population Theories, Fertility and Mortality, Migration Patterns, Population Structure and Composition, Family Planning and Policies, Health Demography |
| AN EL 9 | Gender and Society | Elective | 4 | Sex and Gender Distinction, Gender Roles and Stereotypes, Feminist Theories, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Patriarchy and Matriarchy, Gender and Development |
| AN EL 10 | Environmental Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Conservation and Sustainability, Climate Change and Adaptation, Environmental Justice, Resource Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AN 506 | Dissertation/Project Work | Core | 8 | Research Proposal Development, Extensive Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Ethnographic Writing, Presentation and Viva Voce, Academic Report Formulation |
| AN EL 1 | Tribal Studies | Elective | 4 | Definitions and Characteristics of Tribe, Tribes in India: Distribution and Classification, Tribal Economy and Society, Tribal Administration and Governance, Tribal Development Issues, Culture Change among Tribes |
| AN EL 2 | Visual Anthropology | Elective | 4 | History of Visual Anthropology, Ethnographic Film and Photography, Media and Representation, Ethics in Visual Research, Digital Storytelling, Visual Data Analysis |
| AN EL 3 | Urban Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Theories of Urbanization, City as a Social System, Urban Planning and Development, Slums and Urban Poverty, Migration and Urban Adaptation, Culture in Urban Contexts |
| AN EL 4 | Anthropology of Development | Elective | 4 | Theories and Models of Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Displacement and Resettlement, Role of NGOs in Development, Gender and Development, Participatory Development Approaches |
| AN EL 5 | Anthropology of Education | Elective | 4 | Culture and Education, Socialization and Enculturation, Indigenous Education Systems, Education in Tribal Societies, Educational Policy and Practice, Learning and Cognition |
| AN EL 6 | Forensic Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Human Skeletal Anatomy, Estimation of Age, Sex, Stature, Cause and Manner of Death, Forensic DNA Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Legal Aspects of Forensic Anthropology |
| AN EL 7 | Nutritional Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Food Systems and Culture, Dietary Practices and Beliefs, Malnutrition and Food Insecurity, Nutritional Assessment Methods, Public Health Nutrition Interventions, Food Taboos and Health |
| AN EL 8 | Population Studies | Elective | 4 | Demography and Population Theories, Fertility and Mortality, Migration Patterns, Population Structure and Composition, Family Planning and Policies, Health Demography |
| AN EL 9 | Gender and Society | Elective | 4 | Sex and Gender Distinction, Gender Roles and Stereotypes, Feminist Theories, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Patriarchy and Matriarchy, Gender and Development |
| AN EL 10 | Environmental Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Conservation and Sustainability, Climate Change and Adaptation, Environmental Justice, Resource Management |
| OE XXX | Open Elective from Other Departments | Elective | 4 | Varies based on student choice from a pool offered by other departments, Interdisciplinary topics, Skill Enhancement, General knowledge, Complementary studies |
