Essays and Research Papers on Anthropology

An 8 page paper that outlines the prevallence of totem poles in the cultures of the Native American Pacific Northwest. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 10 page overview of the Sacred Pipe, how it came to be, how in many cases it has been taken from the people. Gives an example of a recent repatriation of the Sacred Pipe to the Northern Cheyenne. Includes details regarding the ritualistic use of the pipe and of the care that goes into ...

5 pages in length. Mesopotamia and Egypt shared some common features that encouraged their initial growth and continued development overtime, which also served to contribute to their unique characters. In determining the similarities that demonstrated how the inhabitants utilized their environment, there are myriad considerations one can assess; after all, developing any congregation of ...

A 9 page comparison of the cultures of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Presents information about their similarities in geographical considerations, and material and mythological cultures. Relates the importance of this region as the cradle of civilization. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page research paper on how we understand other cultures. The writer describes the concept of culture, the fact that experience is the only way to understand one another, and the use of nonverbal cues and situational frameworks help us to understand one another. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page paper discussing the definition of culture and the factors which interacted to result in cultural change in relation to pre 1500 Asia and its interface with the European world. No bibliography.

Communication as expressed by clothing is explored in this 6 page paper. The fact that clothing is a nonverbal communicator is discussed in terms of its use in business practice as well as in daily life. Different styles of dress by generation and subculture is also pertinent to the paper as well as clothing as ...

Using 3 relevant sources, this 5 page essay discusses how similar apes and humans are from a socio-psychological perspective. Author makes the argument that apes should be treated just as humanely as ourselves.

A 12 page paper that provides an analysis of the issues that differentiate culture and also demonstrate similarities. This paper is based primarily on the work of Deborah Root, but also focuses on other anthropological perspectives on the progression of cultural norms. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 12 page paper that provides an overview of McGuigan's work and then also considers the implications of his work through a critique in terms of its application. Bibliography lists no additional sources.

A 6 page look at mankind's burning need to know. The question of whether or not the answers to our questions, i.e. the body of knowledge which we refer to as science, has left us no room for future wonderment. No bibliography.

A 6 page anthropological study of a family event. This event is Christmas Eve and although not all of the family attend this function every year, this particular study concerns itself with a time when all 15 members of the family are present. It is a ritual which primarily revolves around the dominant male figure, ...

A 6 page analysis of three documentaries which examine primitive cultures-these are, 'Dead Birds,' 'Onka's Big Moka,' and 'Cannibal Tours.' The writer shows how each reveals something dark about human nature rather then the innocence which modern man would like to fantasize exists in such societies.

This 2 page paper examines the Kawelka tribal people of Papua, New Guinea in terms of their gift giving ritual featured in the 1976 film, The Kawelka: Ongka's Big Moka. Specifically discussed is what civilized man can learn by observing a supposedly uncivilized culture. No bibliography.

This 2 page research paper analyzes the documentary film, Cannibal Tours (1987), based upon the cultural exchange between a group of German tourists and the natives living along the Sepik River of Papua, New Guinea. Specifically discussed are how director Dennis O'Rourke makes effective use of humor and irony in recounting the ethnographic tale. No ...

This 2 page paper examines the 1964 ethnographic film, "Dead Birds," which features the primitive Dani tribe of Western New Guinea and its relevance in the study of cultural anthropology. No bibliography.

This 6 page report discusses the ways in which societal beliefs and prejudices are often echoed in the ostensibly “objective” view of the anthropologist commenting on the situation, individual, or other culturally-affected phenomenon. The works of Theodora Kroeber (“Ishi”), Barbara Myerhoff (“Number Our Days”) and Renato Rosaldo (“Culture and Truth”) are used as the ...

A 6 page overview of careers available in anthropology. Stipulates that the student with the most well-rounded academic background is more likely to obtain employment than is a student whose academic coursework was limited to anthropology. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page research paper that begins by giving the pertinent details to an interview with a member of a minority culture—in this case a Jewish mother—for the purposes of exploring health concerns connected with cultural differences. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

5 pages in length. When one speaks of the evolution of culture, it can readily be argued that the primary component in determining the various contributions rests almost completely upon man's brain size at that time. The significance of such philosophy greatly lends itself to the study of human cultural behavior, in that without prior ...

In the minds of many people, nationalism and religious fundamentalism have become very much aligned with political systems of the postmodern world. This 7 page paper argues that both religious fundamentalism and nationalism are important contemporary political phenomena that have interest to those seeking to understand world politics in the postmodern era. Bibliography lists 11 sources.

A 5 page comparison of two classic anthropological accounts and the differences in their ethnographic styles. Outlines the contents of each account, detailing economics and non-utilitarian and ceremonial aspects of each group, and compares and contrasts the ethnographic methods used to record those accounts. Concludes that Malinowski's constant interruptions of his narration of Trobiand life to insert his ethnographic ...

This eight-page-paper describes the Turkish culture. It presents a discussion on the Harris realities of the Turkish prisons and the treatment of juvenile offenders as well as the lighter side of the culture including the pop music. Bibliography lists five sources.

In 8 pages, the author discusses the role of burial data in reconstructing the social structure and social organization of past societies. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

An 11 page overview of Tibetan culture. Discusses the environmental and political factors which have shaped this culture and discusses the changes over time. The author provides substantial details of traditional culture and subsistence patterns as well as details regarding traditional gender roles. Discusses the changes these cultural aspects have experienced as ...