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MSC in Anthropology at University of Lucknow
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Anthropology at University of Lucknow Lucknow?
This MSc Anthropology program at University of Lucknow delves into the multi-faceted study of humanity, encompassing biological, socio-cultural, archaeological, and linguistic aspects. It provides a comprehensive understanding of human evolution, societal structures, cultural diversity, and contemporary issues. The program is crucial in India, addressing the complexities of its diverse populations, tribal communities, and historical heritage, contributing to informed policy-making and social research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for science graduates with a background in Anthropology, Life Sciences, or related fields, eager to explore human diversity and societal dynamics. It also caters to those passionate about understanding human evolution, cultural patterns, and community development. Fresh graduates seeking careers in social research, NGOs, public health, or heritage management, as well as professionals aiming to enrich their understanding of human behavior, will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates gain robust analytical, research, and fieldwork skills, preparing them for diverse career paths in India. Potential roles include social scientists, community development officers, museum curators, forensic anthropologists, public health specialists, or researchers in government agencies like ASI, tribal affairs ministries, and ICMR. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in specialized roles within NGOs, research institutions, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Core- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extensive time to understanding the foundational theories and concepts in Physical, Social-Cultural, and Archaeological Anthropology. Engage in detailed reading of prescribed texts and critically discuss concepts with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
University library, Jstor, Departmental colloquiums, Online lectures from leading anthropologists
Career Connection
A robust theoretical grounding is vital for analytical roles, research positions, and provides the framework for all applied anthropological work.
Master Basic Methodological Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Excel in practical subjects like Physical Anthropology Practical and Prehistoric Archaeology Practical. Focus on accurate data collection, measurement, and identification techniques. Seek opportunities for minor observation exercises.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Anthropometric instruments, Archaeological toolkits (models), Basic statistical concepts
Career Connection
These hands-on skills are directly applicable in forensic labs, archaeological digs, and public health surveys, preparing you for roles requiring precise data collection.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore connections between Anthropology and other disciplines such as Biology, History, Sociology, and Environmental Studies. Attend guest lectures and workshops outside the department to broaden your intellectual horizon.
Tools & Resources
University event calendar, Academic seminars across faculties, Online interdisciplinary courses (e.g., NPTEL)
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary thinking fosters adaptability and problem-solving, highly valued in complex societal challenges, and can open doors to roles in diverse sectors like public policy, conservation, and CSR.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Research Acumen- (Semester 3)
Focus intensely on Research Methodology, mastering both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Design mini-research projects, practice questionnaire development, interview techniques, and data coding. Seek feedback on your research design from professors.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for basic data analysis, NVivo for qualitative analysis, Research ethics guidelines, Field diaries
Career Connection
Strong research skills are universally desired. This practice directly prepares you for roles as research associates, data analysts, or program evaluators in academic, government, and NGO sectors.
Strategic Elective Choice & Deep Dive- (Semester 3)
Carefully select elective subjects (e.g., Applied, Forensic, Public Health) based on your career aspirations. Dive deep into the chosen specialization through additional readings, case studies, and engaging with experts in the field.
Tools & Resources
Specialised journals (e.g., Journal of Forensic Sciences, Economic and Political Weekly for applied anthropology), Industry webinars, Guest speaker sessions
Career Connection
Specializing makes you a more targeted candidate. It signals clear career intent to employers in specific sectors like forensics, public health, or development.
Initiate Fieldwork & Data Collection- (Semester 3)
Begin preliminary fieldwork for your Semester 4 dissertation. This involves identifying a research problem, conducting literature reviews, and perhaps initial pilot data collection. Leverage departmental resources for guidance on fieldwork logistics.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation guidelines, Faculty supervisors, Field notes, Preliminary ethical clearance procedures
Career Connection
Early fieldwork experience builds resilience, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills, making you highly competent for hands-on research roles and project management.
Advanced Stage
Execute & Present a High-Quality Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate rigorous effort to your dissertation, ensuring comprehensive data analysis, clear articulation of findings, and adherence to academic standards. Practice presenting your research effectively to peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation software (Mendeley/Zotero), Presentation software, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece, demonstrating advanced research capability, independent thought, and presentation skills – crucial for academic and advanced research roles.
Network for Career Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Actively attend career fairs, alumni talks, and professional workshops. Connect with alumni and professionals working in areas of your interest. Leverage faculty networks for potential job leads or recommendations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University career services portal, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Anthropological Society), Departmental alumni network
Career Connection
Networking is critical for discovering hidden opportunities, gaining mentorship, and making direct connections that often lead to placements in competitive fields.
Develop Professional Communication & Ethics- (Semester 4)
Refine your written and verbal communication skills, essential for professional reports, presentations, and interviews. Understand and uphold ethical guidelines in all anthropological research and practice, especially when working with vulnerable communities.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking workshops, Professional writing resources, Ethical review board guidelines, Mock interviews
Career Connection
Excellent communication and ethical conduct are non-negotiable for success in any professional environment, enhancing your credibility and leadership potential across all career paths.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Anthropology / B.Sc. with Anthropology / Human Biology or B.Sc. in Life Science / Bio Chemistry / Botany / Zoology / Geology / Home Science / Food Science / Bio Technology or B.Tech (Bio Technology) / B.P.T. / M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. with 45% marks for General/OBC and 40% for SC/ST. 5% weightage will be given to candidates with B.A./B.Sc. with Anthropology / Human Biology.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANPC-101 | Anthropological Theories I | Core | 5 | History of Anthropology, Classical Evolutionism, Diffusionism and Culture Area, Historical Particularism, Functionalism and Structural-Functionalism, Culture and Personality School |
| ANPC-102 | Physical Anthropology | Core | 5 | Definition & Scope of Physical Anthropology, Human Origin and Evolution, Primate Evolution and Characteristics, Human Growth and Development, Human Variation and Adaptation, Forensic Anthropology Introduction |
| ANPC-103 | Social-Cultural Anthropology | Core | 5 | Nature & Scope of Social Anthropology, Culture and Civilization, Society, Community and Association, Marriage, Family and Kinship, Religion, Magic and Ritual, Economic and Political Anthropology |
| ANPC-104 | Physical Anthropology Practical | Core | 5 | Anthropometry and Somatometry, Osteometry and Craniometry, Dermatoglyphics (Finger and Palm Prints), Serology (Blood Groups), Human Somatotyping (Sheldon’s method), Casting and Moulding Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANPC-201 | Anthropological Theories II | Core | 5 | Neo-Evolutionism, Structuralism, Symbolic and Interpretive Anthropology, Cognitive Anthropology, Ecological Anthropology, Post-Modernism and Feminist Anthropology |
| ANPC-202 | Prehistoric Archaeology | Core | 5 | Nature & Scope of Prehistoric Archaeology, Geological Eras and Associated Faunal Remains, Dating Methods (Relative and Absolute), Paleolithic Cultures of India, Mesolithic and Neolithic Cultures of India, Chalcolithic Cultures and Indus Valley Civilization |
| ANPC-203 | Biological Anthropology | Core | 5 | Human Genetics, Population Genetics, Demographic Anthropology, Human Ecology and Adaptation, Nutritional Anthropology, Medical Anthropology |
| ANPC-204 | Prehistoric Archaeology Practical | Core | 5 | Identification of Prehistoric Tools, Drawing and Classification of Tools, Microscopic Examination of Artifacts, Pottery Analysis (Typology and Technology), Preparation of Site Report, Stratigraphy and Section Drawing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANPC-301 | Tribal Cultures of India | Core | 5 | Concepts of Tribe and Denotified Tribes, Distribution of Indian Tribes, Tribal Economy and Social Organization, Tribal Religion, Magic and Art, Tribal Problems and Development Programs, Tribal Movements and Acculturation |
| ANPC-302 | Research Methodology | Core | 5 | Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Interview, Observation, Questionnaire), Sampling Techniques, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Statistical Tools in Anthropology, Report Writing and Ethical Considerations |
| ANPE-303(A) | Applied Anthropology | Elective | 5 | Definition & Scope of Applied Anthropology, Development Anthropology, Industrial and Urban Anthropology, Rural and Action Anthropology, Anthropology and Planning, Anthropology in Administration and Policy |
| ANPE-303(B) | Forensic Anthropology | Elective | 5 | History & Scope of Forensic Anthropology, Human Skeletal Identification, Estimation of Sex, Age, Stature, Race Determination from Skeletal Remains, Trauma Analysis and Cause of Death, Forensic Odontology and DNA Fingerprinting |
| ANPE-303(C) | Public Health & Demography | Elective | 5 | Concepts of Health, Disease and Public Health, Epidemiology and Disease Patterns, Public Health Programs in India, Population Structure and Composition, Measures of Fertility, Mortality and Morbidity, Migration and Health Seeking Behavior |
| ANPC-304 | Research Methodology Practical | Core | 5 | Designing Questionnaires and Interview Schedules, Fieldwork Techniques and Data Collection, Data Coding and Tabulation, Application of Statistical Software (SPSS/Excel), Report Writing and Referencing Styles, Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANPC-401 | Population Studies | Core | 5 | Basic Concepts of Demography and Population Studies, Theories of Population Growth, Fertility: Measures and Determinants, Mortality: Measures and Determinants, Migration: Types and Impact, Population Policy and Family Planning in India |
| ANPC-402 | Anthropology of Religion & Social Change | Core | 5 | Religion in Anthropological Thought, Magic, Ritual, Myth and Witchcraft, Theories of Social Change, Modernization, Globalization and Cultural Contact, Social Movements in India, Tribe-Caste Continuum and Contemporary Issues |
| ANPE-403(A) | Bio-Social Dynamics of Indian Society | Elective | 5 | Indian Social Structure: Caste System, Jajmani System and Traditional Occupations, Social Mobility in India, Ethnic Identities and Regionalism, Health and Illness in Indian Context, Impact of Modernization on Indian Society |
| ANPE-403(B) | Nutritional Anthropology | Elective | 5 | Concepts of Nutrition and Malnutrition, Diet and Health Across Cultures, Cultural Aspects of Food Habits, Nutritional Assessment Methods, Food Security and Hunger, Public Health Nutrition Interventions |
| ANPE-403(C) | Anthropological Demography | Elective | 5 | Demographic Concepts and Theories, Population Structure and Composition, Measurement of Fertility and its Socio-Cultural Aspects, Measurement of Mortality and its Health Implications, Migration Patterns and Social Consequences, Population Policy and Family Welfare Programs |
| ANPC-404 | Dissertation & Viva-Voce | Core | 5 | Research Topic Selection and Rationale, Comprehensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Structure, Presentation Skills for Viva-Voce, Defense of Research Findings |
