BA - Anthropology

Course Overview

This program explores human societies, cultures, and their development. Students examine social structures, cultural practices, and human evolution through courses in archaeology, ethnography, and biological anthropology, preparing for diverse careers in academia, research, and beyond.

Duration:
The BA Anthropology course typically spans 3 years and is divided into 6 semesters.

Syllabus:
BA Anthropology provides students with an in-depth study of human societies, cultures, and biological diversity across time. The course emphasizes both social and biological aspects of anthropology, covering topics such as cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Below is a typical semester-wise breakdown:

Semester 1:

  • Introduction to Anthropology

  • Physical Anthropology: Human Evolution and Variation

  • Social Anthropology: Concepts and Theories

  • Archaeological Anthropology 1: Prehistoric Cultures

  • Language Paper 1

  • Elective: Anthropology of Religion

Semester 2:

  • Cultural Anthropology: Structure and Function of Society

  • Biological Anthropology: Human Genetics

  • Anthropological Research Methods

  • Archaeological Anthropology 2: Stone Age and Early Civilizations

  • Language Paper 2

  • Elective: Anthropology of Gender

Semester 3:

  • Indian Anthropology: Tribes, Castes, and Communities

  • Human Ecology: Biological and Cultural Adaptations

  • Linguistic Anthropology: Language and Culture

  • Ethnographic Research Methods

  • Elective: Economic Anthropology

Semester 4:

  • Medical Anthropology: Health and Society

  • Theories in Social and Cultural Anthropology

  • Indian Archaeology: Protohistoric and Historic Periods

  • Fieldwork and Dissertation Proposal

  • Elective: Urban Anthropology

Semester 5:

  • Forensic Anthropology

  • Applied Anthropology: Development and Social Change

  • Anthropology of Development and Globalization

  • Anthropology of Kinship and Family

  • Project/Dissertation Work

Semester 6:

  • Anthropology of Art and Symbolism

  • Political Anthropology: Power and Authority in Society

  • Social Institutions: Marriage, Family, and Kinship in Comparative Contexts

  • Dissertation/Project Presentation

  • Elective: Anthropology of Human Rights

Average Fees:
The average fees for BA in Anthropology in India range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Exams to Attend:

  • Admission is typically merit-based, though some universities may conduct entrance exams such as CUET for Central Universities.

Top 10 Ranking Institutions in India for BA Anthropology (Combined Rankings):

  1. University of Delhi, New Delhi

  2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

  3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

  4. Panjab University, Chandigarh

  5. University of Calcutta, Kolkata

  6. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar

  7. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad

  8. Gauhati University, Guwahati

  9. Presidency University, Kolkata

  10. North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala for BA Anthropology:

  1. University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  3. Calicut University, Calicut

  4. Kannur University, Kannur

  5. Farook College, Calicut

  6. St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam

  7. Sacred Heart College, Thevara

  8. St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Calicut

  9. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram

  10. St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam