Introduction to Anthropology and Its Branches

What the resources cover

The page is a set of community-made study materials on the opening ideas of anthropology. The mind map Anthropology defines the discipline as the science devoted to the study of ancient and modern human beings and their lifestyles, and lists its main areas, starting with physical anthropology. Understanding Culture, Society and Politics looks at the diversified human society and at social, political and cultural behaviour.

Where to start

Begin with the broad maps. Read Anthropology first, then Anthropology Theories, which covers nineteenth century evolutionism and cultural evolution, and materialism in the early twentieth century. Next, open Being Human: The Body and Language, which moves through biology, culture, evolution, body modification, race and language, with examples such as tattoos, scarification and foot binding.

1. Skim one overview map.
2. Read a map on theories or on studying culture.
3. Check yourself with a quiz.
4. Revisit the gaps with flashcards.

Using quizzes and maps together

Try Anthropology - Chapter 1 Quiz after the overview maps. It opens with the idea that anthropology is the study of humankind in all times and places. Wrong answers show you which map to reread. The map Chapter 3: Studying Culture covers ethnography and fieldwork, and it pairs well with the flashcards CA Lec 5, which include fieldwork and research techniques.

For vocabulary, the Anthropology Final deck has terms such as ethnography, Kula ring and Potlatch. Anthropology Terms Quiz #2 covers evolution terms such as gene flow and natural selection. The map Rabbit-Proof Fence & Anthropology links a film to evolution and culture.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Foundations of Anthropology strand in the Anthropology subject. It is the entry point before more specialised topics.

Pick a map that matches your course, then build your own flashcards from what you find hard.