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MA in Anthropology at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Anthropology at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This MA Anthropology program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on a holistic understanding of human societies, cultures, and biological diversity. It delves into Indian industry context by emphasizing tribal studies, developmental anthropology, and heritage management, crucial for navigating India''''s diverse socio-cultural landscape. The program distinguishes itself through its strong focus on fieldwork and applied aspects, preparing students for real-world challenges and contributing to India''''s development sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates in Anthropology, Sociology, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Economics seeking to deeply understand human behavior and societal structures. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring to careers in social research, development, and cultural heritage, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in ethnographic methods or transition into roles requiring cultural expertise within India''''s dynamic social sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in government organizations (e.g., Tribal Welfare, Rural Development), NGOs, research institutions, and cultural heritage bodies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. Career trajectories include social researcher, project coordinator, community development officer, ethnographer, or museology professional, aligning with the growing demand for social scientists in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Anthropological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational theories in social, biological, and archaeological anthropology. Actively participate in classroom discussions and form study groups to clarify concepts. Utilize the college library''''s resources and reputable online academic journals.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR, Anthropological journals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for critical thinking and forms the bedrock for advanced research and analytical roles in social science careers.
Develop Robust Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to research methodology courses, practicing different data collection techniques like observation, interviewing, and questionnaire design. Engage in small-scale field exercises. Seek feedback from professors on mini-project proposals and research ethics.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for basic data handling, Fieldwork manuals, Ethical guidelines
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is highly valued in development, NGO, and academic sectors for data collection and analysis.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond core anthropology, explore related subjects like sociology, history, and environmental studies. Attend guest lectures and workshops on interdisciplinary topics to broaden your perspective on India''''s complex social issues. This fosters a holistic understanding relevant for real-world problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (NPTEL, Coursera), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach enhances versatility, making you suitable for diverse roles requiring a broader understanding of societal challenges.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization through Electives and Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Choose Discipline Specific Electives like Tribal Studies or Developmental Anthropology strategically, aligning with your career interests. Actively participate in the Practicum/Field Work course, applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations and honing practical ethnographic skills in an Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Field diaries, Audio recorders, Photography equipment, Local community contacts
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and hands-on fieldwork experience are vital for roles in tribal welfare, rural development, and social impact assessment in India.
Seek Mentorship and Explore Research Areas- (Semester 3)
Connect with faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Discuss potential dissertation topics early on, even before Semester 4. This mentorship can guide your independent research and help you identify specific areas of contribution within Indian anthropology.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Research papers, Academic conferences
Career Connection
Strong mentorship and early research focus can lead to impactful dissertations, opening doors to advanced research or policy-making roles.
Participate in Academic Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively attend and, if possible, present at seminars, workshops, and conferences, even local ones. This practice improves presentation skills, broadens your network, and exposes you to current anthropological debates relevant to the Indian subcontinent and global issues.
Tools & Resources
College notice boards, Academic event calendars, Presentation software
Career Connection
Networking and public speaking skills are crucial for academic positions, policy advocacy, and leadership roles in various organizations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Undertake your Project Work/Dissertation with utmost dedication, focusing on a relevant and impactful socio-cultural issue in India. Ensure rigorous data analysis, ethical considerations, and clear, concise writing. This is your flagship output demonstrating research capability.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation management software, Statistical analysis tools
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation is a strong portfolio piece for research jobs, PhD applications, and showcases problem-solving abilities to employers.
Prepare for Specific Career Paths- (Semester 4 & Post-Graduation)
Identify your preferred career path (e.g., civil services, NGO sector, academic research, heritage management) and tailor your final semester''''s efforts accordingly. Prepare for competitive exams (UPSC, OPSC for civil services), develop a professional CV/resume, and practice interview skills.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Mock interview platforms, Professional networking sites (LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation directly impacts placement success and helps in securing roles in India''''s competitive job market.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio showcasing your best academic papers, fieldwork reports, project work, and any presentations or publications. Include ethnographic photographs or visual materials if applicable, especially for roles in museology or visual anthropology. This demonstrates practical skills and achievements.
Tools & Resources
Digital portfolio platforms, PDF converters, Professional headshots
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio significantly enhances your appeal to potential employers in cultural institutions, research organizations, and development agencies.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A./B.Sc. in Anthropology with not less than 45% marks in aggregate or any graduate with Anthropology as an optional subject or a graduate with Sociology/History/Political Science/Psychology/Economics with not less than 50% marks in aggregate.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTHC101 | History and Theories of Anthropology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Anthropology, Evolutionary Theories, Diffusionism and Functionalism, Structuralism, Postmodernism in Anthropology |
| ANTHC102 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods (Observation, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| ANTHC103 | Biological Anthropology | Core | 4 | Human Evolution and Primates, Human Genetics and Variation, Palaeoanthropology and Hominid Fossils, Human Growth and Development, Concept of Race and Racism |
| ANTHC104 | Archaeology | Core | 4 | Aims and Methods of Archaeology, Dating Techniques, Prehistoric Cultures (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic), Neolithic and Chalcolithic Cultures, Indus Valley Civilization |
| ANTHAEC105 | Human Rights & Values | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Values and Ethics, Role of State and Society in Human Rights |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTHC201 | Social Anthropology | Core | 4 | Culture, Society and Community, Family, Marriage and Kinship Systems, Economic Organization, Political Organization and Social Control, Religion and Rituals |
| ANTHC202 | Ecological Anthropology | Core | 4 | Human Ecology and Environment, Culture and Environment Interaction, Adaptation and Subsistence Strategies, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Environmental Problems and Anthropological Perspectives |
| ANTHC203 | Population & Health Anthropology | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Demography, Fertility, Mortality and Migration, Population Structure and Dynamics, Health, Disease and Medical Systems, Nutritional Anthropology and Public Health |
| ANTHC204 | Indian Anthropology | Core | 4 | Caste System in India, Tribes of India and their Classification, Indian Village Studies, Little and Great Traditions, Sanskritization and Modernization |
| ANTHAEC205 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources and Conservation, Climate Change and Global Warming, Environmental Management and Ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTHC301 | Visual Anthropology & Museology | Core | 4 | Visual Media in Anthropology, Ethnographic Film and Photography, History and Types of Museums, Collection, Documentation and Conservation, Exhibition Design and Museum Management |
| ANTHC302 | Applied Anthropology | Core | 4 | Applied and Action Anthropology, Development Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology Applications, Corporate and Business Anthropology, Public Policy and Anthropology |
| ANTHDSE301 | Tribal Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Tribal Situation in India, Tribal Economy and Social Organization, Tribal Administration and Policy, Tribal Development Programs, Tribal Movements and Integration |
| ANTHC303 | Practicum / Field Work | Core | 4 | Fieldwork Techniques and Ethics, Data Collection in Field Settings, Ethnographic Writing, Case Study Analysis, Fieldwork Report Preparation |
| ANTHSEC301 | Research and Publication Ethics | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Philosophy of Science and Ethics, Scientific Misconduct and Plagiarism, Publication Ethics, Open Access Publishing, Copyright and Intellectual Property |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTHC401 | Contemporary Anthropology | Core | 4 | Post-structuralism and Reflexivity, Globalization and Transnationalism, Diasporic Communities, Indigenous Rights and Self-determination, Anthropology of Development and Advocacy |
| ANTHDSE401 | Developmental Anthropology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Theories of Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Displacement and Rehabilitation, Role of NGOs in Development, Participatory Development Approaches |
| ANTHDSE403 | Human Growth and Nutrition | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Concepts of Growth and Maturation, Factors Affecting Growth, Nutritional Status Assessment, Dietary Patterns and Malnutrition, Food Security and Health |
| ANTHPROJ401 | Project Work / Dissertation | Core | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Dissertation Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva-Voce Examination |
| ANTHC402 | Public Archaeology & Heritage Management | Core | 4 | Archaeology and Public Engagement, Heritage Conservation Principles, Site Management and Interpretation, Cultural Tourism and Development, Legal Frameworks for Heritage Protection |
