Essays and Research Papers on Anthropology

A 5 page paper which discusses how the study of social anthropology helps us understand our own society and culture. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

(10 pp) Who was buried in the tomb below? In early 1977 it was thought to be Philip II, son of Amyntas, king of the Macedonians and Captain General of the united Greeks, created an understandable sensation, and aroused world-wide interest in this extraordinary personality - father of Alexander the Great, one of the greatest ...

This 5 page book review focuses on Margaret Mead's controversial work in the 1950's. Adolescence is explored in Samoa and the United States of America. No additional sources cited.

This 10 page paper provides an overview of the excavations at Catalhoyuk and the implications of these excavations, which have been viewed by many as the first urban setting. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 6 page paper explores this prehistoric civilization with a focus on the reasons for its demise. The Aryan invasion theory is discussed. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 11 page report discusses the ancient civilization of the Aztecs and their remarkable “Sun Stone” or calendar. In the Aztec system there are actually two Aztec calendars that are essentially independent of one another. However, both are on the “Sun Stone.” They reflect two different aspects of time which represent the two most important aspects of Aztec ...

A 6 page discussion of feminist anthropology, the approach to anthropology which entails an intent to overcome the traditional male-dominate biases which have previously existed in the field. Presents the work of Sherry B. Ortner as well as numerous other authors to illustrate the premises of feminist anthropology. Points out that even this ...

7 pages in length. Within the fundamental framework of human culture exists a dichotomy of anthropological applications that ultimately form man's existence and outlook. These divergent elements help bring to light the very essence of what it means to be part of a particular society based solely upon one's cultural understanding. It is ...

A 5 page review of the ethnographic account of fieldwork in medical anthropology. Working among malnourished children in West Africa Dettwyler experienced both professional and personal insight. Although sometimes criticized for her subjective approach to her subject, in reality Dettwyler provides both a a touching human account and a valuable ethnography. Her ...

This 3 page paper focuses on the importance of studying non-human primates and what can be learned from a trip to the zoo. The difference between studying animals in captivity and in their natural environment is touched on. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

(5pp) . It is easy to look at differences, whether they are between people or trees. It is more challenging to look for the elements that could be shared. Or we might also search for similar factors, or basic conditions that prompt the similarities. This discussion will examine two diverse groups of ...

(10 pp) Who was buried in the tomb below? In early 1977 it was thought to be Philip II, son of Amyntas, king of the Macedonians, and Captain General of the united Greeks. The discovery created an understandable sensation, and aroused world-wide interest in this extraordinary personality - father of Alexander the Great, one ...

This 5 page paper looks at the significance of population growth in developing and industrialized nations. The difference between urban and rural growth is discussed. A hypothetical country study, as provided by a student, is evaluated. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

An 18 page discussion of the religious beliefs of ancient Egyptian's belief. These beliefs revolved around the concept of an afterlife, an afterlife which in order for the soul to recognize the body required mummification of the mortal remains so that they were discernibly human. Provides an overview of Egyptian belief, preparation for ...

This 5 page paper looks at both sides of the controversial nature of museums. The paper supports the position that museums misrepresent ethnic communities around the world. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page summary and critical evaluation of the ethnological book. No additional sources are used.

A 28 page overview of the Spanish conquest and colonization of the Aztec people of central Mexico. Emphasizes the radical differences in cultural viewpoints between these two people, particularly their differences in regard to the use of natural resources. Notes that despite the obvious atrocities committed by Spain, and by men like Hernando ...

5 pages in length. When assessing the value of Table #5 with regard to racial and ethnic relations within the United States, one can readily comprehend a significant imbalance of cultural populations and their locations. Clearly, central cities and those near suburbs reflect the highest number of persons altogether, with the European white ...

A 3 page paper which addresses how the folklore of the Irish influences their culture. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 8 page paper argues that the competitive, strategic and somewhat 'warlike' aspects of the Russian culture are reflected in the inclusion of chess as a national pastime and an integral component to their military training. Bibliography lists 11 sources.

An 8 page discussion of behavioral evolution and the role of behavioral science in that evolution. Notes that behavioral changes occur over time on both an individual level and a cultural level. Compares these changes with biological evolution through the process of natural selection. Warns that while the intervention of behavioral science ...

A 5 page discussion of the meaning of the symbolic representation of the bull and the Virgin Mary in Spanish culture. Contends that the symbology of the Virgin Mary and the Bull could be said to collectively represent the traditional patriarchal hierarchy of Spanish culture, the Virgin Mary representing the ultimate model of womanhood ...

A 15 page paper that discusses flintknapping, in general, and tools found in North America, in specific. Included are the definitions and descriptions used in flintknapping and the earliest finds of knapped, or flaked, tools found in North America, including Canada and America. These artifacts suggest these regions were inhabited tens of thousands of years ...

A 6 page paper which discusses how Washoe, from Roger Fouts' "The Next of Kin," written with assistance along with Stephen Tukel Mills, is bilingual and bicultural. The paper also discusses how this challenges the powerful notion, and existence, of European ethnocentrism. No additional sources cited.

A 15 page paper discussing Samuel Hearne (1745-1792), John Henry Lefroy (1817-1890) and Sir John Franklin (1786-1847), all explores of the same region of extreme Northwest Canada. All had interest in the famed Northwest Passage, but finding the passage was more than only a passing interest for him. Each of the explorers had different motivations. Not ...