Anthropology AS/A Level

Anthropology is the study of people throughout the world, their evolutionary history, how they behave, adapt to different environments, communicate and socialise with one another. The study of anthropology is concerned both with the biological features that make us human (such as physiology, genetic makeup, nutritional history and evolution) and with social aspects (such as language, culture, politics, family and religion). Whether studying a religious community in London, or human evolutionary fossils in Africa, anthropologists are concerned with many aspects of peoples’ lives: the everyday practices as well as the more dramatic rituals, ceremonies and processes (such as witchcraft or magic, tattoos or Royal weddings) which define us as human beings. A few common questions posed by anthropology are: how are societies different and how are they the same? How has evolution shaped how we think? What is culture? Are there human universals? By taking the time to study peoples’ lives in detail, anthropologists explore what makes us uniquely human. In doing so, anthropologists aim to increase our understanding of ourselves and of each other.

Anthropology A Level has been developed with the Royal Anthropological Institute, which gives it considerable status.

1. contemporary – looking at what it means to be human in societies around the world today
2. relevant – to current debates about citizenship, diversity and multi-culturalism in the UK and beyond
3. complementary – enhances other A Level studies by developing critical thinking skills.

At AS, the specification offers students the chance to grapple with fundamental questions of human life, and in the process to develop skills of critical enquiry, sensitivity and an appreciation of topical debates and issues:

1. Unit 1: Being Human: Unity and Diversity
2. Unit 2: Becoming a Person: Identity and Belonging.

At A2, the specification gives students the opportunity to explore issues in a global as well as local context, and also to apply their knowledge and understanding of anthropological principles to a small-scale investigation on an anthropological topic of their choice:

1. Unit 3: Global and Local: Societies, Environments and Globalisation
2. Unit 4: Practising Anthropology: Methods and Investigations.

Anthropology has a globally comparative cross-cultural perspective and subject matter, including the study of non-industrial societies. It also requires the study of biological aspects of human diversity and unity. It is a subject which will combine well with a range of other subjects to give a broad programme of study.

Further information can be obtained by looking at the Royal Anthropological Institute’s education website www.discoveranthropology.org.uk

Cost: books approximately £50, less for the second year.