🌏 IBDP Social and Cultural Anthropology (SL and HL) – Comprehensive Course Summary

📌 Subject Overview

IBDP Social and Cultural Anthropology explores human societies and cultures in-depth, focusing on kinship systems, identity formation, and social transformation. The course emphasizes qualitative research methodologies and cross-cultural comparisons to understand diverse cultural practices.

🌟 Key Features

• 📚 Ethnographic Studies: Detailed analysis and interpretation of ethnographic research.

• 🤝 Cultural Relativity: Promotes viewing cultures free from ethnocentric biases.

• 📝 Fieldwork Skills: Develops proficiency in qualitative research and field investigations.

🎯 Aims and Objectives

• Cultural Diversity: Understand the role of cultural diversity in shaping human experiences.

• Societal Analysis: Critically analyze social organization and interpersonal interactions within societies.

• Anthropological Research: Conduct rigorous qualitative anthropological research.

📖 Course Structure

Standard Level (SL)

Core areas include:

• Social organization

• Identity formation

• Dynamics of power

Higher Level (HL)

Covers all SL content plus:

• Advanced theories of social change

• Global dynamics analysis

• Extended comparative ethnographic studies

📌 Key Topics Explored

• 👪 Kinship and Family: Exploring diverse kinship systems across cultures.

• 🚻 Gender Roles: Examination of gender construction and roles in various cultures.

• 🎎 Rituals and Beliefs: Analysis of rituals and their role in social cohesion and identity.

📝 Assessment Structure

• 📑 Paper 1 (SL 30%, HL 25%): Critical analysis of ethnographic texts and themes.

• ✍️ Paper 2 (SL 50%, HL 35%): Extended-response essays exploring anthropological concepts.

• 📖 Paper 3 (HL Only 20%): Advanced theoretical perspectives and research methodology analysis.

• 🔍 Internal Assessment (IA, SL & HL 20%): Independent fieldwork-based research project.

🛠️ Key Skills Developed

• 📋 Qualitative Research: Mastery in conducting interviews, observations, and maintaining detailed field notes.

• 🔎 Cultural Analysis: Competence in interpreting cultural practices and symbols.

• 🌐 Comparative Studies: Skills to compare and contrast cultural practices across societies.

📚 Example Ethnographic Studies

• 🌴 Margaret Mead’s Gender Studies in Samoa: Exploration of gender norms and cultural expectations.

• 🐔 Clifford Geertz’s Analysis of Balinese Cockfighting: Insight into symbolic and social structures within Balinese society.

🔄 SL vs HL Differences

• 📘 Extended Research: HL includes comprehensive theoretical analyses.

• 📚 Comparative Depth: HL involves detailed comparative studies of ethnographic texts.

🌍 Global Issues Explored

• 🌎 Cultural Preservation: Impacts of globalization on indigenous cultural practices.

• ⚖️ Social Inequality: Examination of power dynamics influencing social stratification.

🎓 Career and Academic Relevance

Career Opportunities

• Anthropologist

• Sociologist

• International Development Specialist

• Cultural Consultant

Academic Pathways

• Anthropology

• Cultural Studies

• Linguistics

• Ethnography

✅ Summary

IBDP Social and Cultural Anthropology fosters deep cultural understanding, equips students with critical analytical abilities, and develops robust qualitative research skills, preparing students effectively for impactful roles and further academic studies in social sciences.