

B-SC-HONS in Anthropology at University of Delhi


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Anthropology at University of Delhi Delhi?
This Anthropology program at University of Delhi focuses on the holistic study of humanity across time and space, encompassing biological, social, cultural, and archaeological perspectives. It delves into human origins, diversity, societies, and cultural practices with a strong emphasis on empirical research and critical thinking. The program prepares students for diverse roles, especially in development, public health, and research, meeting a growing demand for culturally sensitive professionals in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from science backgrounds seeking entry into research, social sciences, or development sectors. It also suits individuals passionate about human behavior, societal structures, and cultural heritage, wishing to pursue careers in NGOs, government agencies, or academia. Specific prerequisite backgrounds typically include 10+2 with a strong science foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in fields like social research, museum curation, public health, rural development, and human resources. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Growth trajectories include roles as research associates, project officers, or policy analysts in Indian and international organizations. Professional certifications in areas like data analysis or project management can further enhance career prospects.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Anthropological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp the foundational theories and concepts in social-cultural and biological anthropology. Engage actively in lectures, participate in discussions, and clarify doubts immediately. Utilize library resources for additional reading.
Tools & Resources
Departmental library, JSTOR, Academic journals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for all advanced studies and forms the bedrock for critical analysis in future research and applied roles.
Develop Effective Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a consistent study schedule, focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning, and practice writing descriptive answers. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics and share insights.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, online academic forums, time management apps
Career Connection
Effective study habits lead to academic excellence, which is often a key criterion for postgraduate admissions and competitive job applications.
Engage in Early Field Exposure- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities for introductory field visits or observation studies, even if informal, to connect classroom learning with real-world anthropological phenomena. This could involve visiting local museums, cultural sites, or community events.
Tools & Resources
University field trip notices, local cultural institutions, community events
Career Connection
Early exposure helps build practical understanding and informs career choices in fields requiring fieldwork, such as development or archaeological surveys.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Practical Research Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on developing proficiency in both qualitative (ethnography, interviews) and quantitative (surveys, statistical analysis) research methods. Actively participate in practical sessions and methodology workshops.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, NVivo (if available), field journals, interview guides
Career Connection
Strong research skills are indispensable for roles in social research, policy analysis, and any academic pursuit, highly valued by Indian research organizations.
Explore Interdisciplinary Subjects- (Semester 3-5)
Strategically choose Generic Electives (GEs) that complement Anthropology, such as Sociology, Psychology, Economics, or Environmental Studies. This broadens your perspective and enhances problem-solving abilities.
Tools & Resources
Other department''''s course catalogs, academic advisors
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach makes graduates versatile, opening doors to roles in diverse sectors like public policy, urban planning, or health management.
Seek Internships and Volunteer Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for internships or volunteer roles with NGOs, cultural heritage organizations, or government departments (e.g., Anthropological Survey of India). This provides invaluable practical exposure and networking.
Tools & Resources
University career services, NGO websites, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Internships offer real-world experience, build professional networks, and significantly enhance employability for placements in development, social work, and research.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate significant effort to your research project/dissertation. Choose a topic of genuine interest, conduct rigorous fieldwork, and apply advanced analytical techniques. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, statistical software, university research ethics board guidelines
Career Connection
A well-executed research project demonstrates independent research capability, a critical asset for higher education and research-intensive careers in India.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 6-8)
Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to connect with faculty, researchers, and alumni in Anthropology and related fields. Actively participate in professional associations.
Tools & Resources
Professional associations (e.g., Indian Anthropological Society), university alumni network, academic conferences
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborative projects, crucial for navigating the professional landscape in India.
Prepare for Higher Education or Placements- (Semester 6-8)
For higher studies, research relevant Master''''s/Ph.D. programs and prepare for entrance exams or statement of purpose. For placements, hone interview skills, build a strong CV, and explore specific job roles in applied anthropology sectors.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET preparation guides, career counseling services, mock interviews
Career Connection
Proactive preparation ensures a smooth transition to either advanced academic pursuits or direct entry into the workforce, maximizing post-graduation opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Science stream) or equivalent with a minimum aggregate percentage as per University of Delhi admission guidelines.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 176 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-01 | Introduction to Social-Cultural Anthropology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Anthropology, Branches of Anthropology, Culture and Society, Family, Marriage and Kinship, Economic and Political Anthropology |
| DSC-02 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | Core | 4 | Scope of Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution, Primatology, Human Genetics, Paleoanthropology |
| GE-01 | Generic Elective I (Student''''s Choice from a Basket) | Elective (Generic) | 4 | Varies based on student''''s choice from a basket of courses offered by other departments. |
| AECC-01 | Environmental Science | Compulsory | 2 | Introduction to Environmental Studies, Ecosystems, Natural Resources, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues |
| VAC-01 | Constitutional Values | Value Addition | 2 | The Constitution of India, Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties, Constitutional Amendments |
| SEC-01 | Digital Literacy | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Basics of Computer Systems, Internet and Web Browsing, Office Productivity Tools, Cyber Security Basics, Digital Communication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-03 | Prehistory and Archaeology | Core | 4 | Archaeological Concepts and Methods, Dating Methods, Paleolithic Cultures, Mesolithic and Neolithic Cultures, Chalcolithic Cultures |
| DSC-04 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Principles of Growth and Development, Stages of Human Growth, Factors Affecting Growth, Growth Assessment, Ageing |
| GE-02 | Generic Elective II (Student''''s Choice from a Basket) | Elective (Generic) | 4 | Varies based on student''''s choice from a basket of courses offered by other departments. |
| AECC-02 | MIL Communication | Compulsory | 2 | Communication Process, Types of Communication, Barriers to Communication, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills |
| VAC-02 | Ethics & Culture | Value Addition | 2 | Introduction to Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Cultural Relativism, Ethics in Indian Traditions, Contemporary Ethical Issues |
| SEC-02 | Prakriti (Basic Science Course) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Scientific Method, Biological Principles, Physical Principles, Chemical Principles, Interdisciplinary Science |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-05 | Anthropological Theories | Core | 4 | Evolutionism, Diffusionism, Functionalism, Structuralism, Postmodernism |
| DSC-06 | Human Ecology: Biological and Cultural Dimensions | Core | 4 | Concepts of Human Ecology, Human Adaptation, Ecosystems and Culture, Environmental Impact, Cultural Ecology |
| DSC-07 | Research Methods in Anthropology | Core | 4 | Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Ethnography, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis |
| GE-03 | Generic Elective III (Student''''s Choice from a Basket) | Elective (Generic) | 4 | Varies based on student''''s choice from a basket of courses offered by other departments. |
| VAC-03 | Art of Being Happy | Value Addition | 2 | Foundations of Well-being, Mindfulness and Meditation, Emotional Intelligence, Building Positive Relationships, Purpose and Meaning in Life |
| SEC-03 | Yoga: Philosophy & Practice | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Introduction to Yoga, Asanas and Pranayama, Meditation Techniques, Yoga for Health, Ethical Principles of Yoga |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-08 | Biological Diversity and Human Variation | Core | 4 | Concept of Race and Racism, Human Polymorphisms, Genetic Markers, Adaptation to Environment, Human Population Genetics |
| DSC-09 | Anthropology of Religion and Ritual | Core | 4 | Theories of Religion, Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism, Magic and Witchcraft, Indigenous Religions, Religious Pluralism |
| DSC-10 | Indian Anthropology | Core | 4 | Historical Development of Indian Anthropology, Caste System, Tribal India, Rural and Urban Anthropology in India, Anthropology of Health in India |
| GE-04 | Generic Elective IV (Student''''s Choice from a Basket) | Elective (Generic) | 4 | Varies based on student''''s choice from a basket of courses offered by other departments. |
| VAC-04 | Emotional Intelligence | Value Addition | 2 | Understanding Emotions, Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Motivation, Empathy and Social Skills |
| SEC-04 | Swachh Bharat | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Sanitation and Hygiene, Waste Management, Public Health, Community Participation, Sustainable Practices |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-11 | Human Genetics | Core | 4 | Principles of Mendelian Genetics, Chromosomal Aberrations, Molecular Genetics, Population Genetics, Genetic Disorders |
| DSC-12 | Applied Anthropology | Core | 4 | Scope of Applied Anthropology, Development Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, Business Anthropology, Environmental Anthropology |
| DSE-01 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include: Forensic Anthropology, Tribal Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, etc. (chosen by student). |
| DSE-02 | Discipline Specific Elective II (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include: Medical Anthropology, Anthropology of Visual Culture, Nutritional Anthropology, etc. (chosen by student). |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-13 | Palaeoanthropology | Core | 4 | Human Evolutionary History, Primate Evolution, Hominin Evolution, Fossil Evidence, Early Human Cultures |
| DSC-14 | Urban Anthropology | Core | 4 | Urbanization and Anthropology, Urban Social Structure, Informal Economy, Urban Planning, Global Cities |
| DSE-03 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include: Linguistic Anthropology, Development Anthropology, Anthropology of Tourism, etc. (chosen by student). |
| DSE-04 | Discipline Specific Elective IV (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include: Population Anthropology, Human Rights and Anthropology, Disaster Anthropology, etc. (chosen by student). |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-05 | Discipline Specific Elective V (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include advanced topics in social, biological, or archaeological anthropology (chosen by student). |
| DSE-06 | Discipline Specific Elective VI (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include advanced topics in applied or theoretical anthropology (chosen by student). |
| RP-01 | Research Project I / Dissertation I | Project | 12 | Research Design and Methodology, Literature Review, Data Collection Planning, Ethical Considerations, Proposal Development |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-07 | Discipline Specific Elective VII (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include advanced topics in cultural, biological, or archaeological anthropology (chosen by student). |
| DSE-08 | Discipline Specific Elective VIII (Student''''s Choice) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Options include advanced topics in applied anthropology or interdisciplinary studies (chosen by student). |
| RP-02 | Research Project II / Dissertation II | Project | 12 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Thesis Development, Viva Voce Preparation, Contribution to Anthropological Knowledge |




