What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is a holistic study of man across space and
time. It studies both biological aspects as well as
cultural. It touches upon almost every aspect of man.
But from UPSC perspective you don’t have to study any
aspect in detail.
Who can take up Anthropology?
People from any background can easily take it up and get
a good grip of it within 4 months.
People usually are in doubt when it comes to choosing
this subject, as the common perception is that a
background in biology is a must. But this is not TRUE.
10th standard knowledge of Biology is sufficient. All
one has to know are basics of Cell, Gene, DNA, etc.
rest can be easily studied.
Cultural part of Anthropology is very easy to understand
and remember.
What are the advantages of Anthropology?
Anthropology is very easy to understand.
Average score is more compared to many other subjects.
Limited syllabus and books.
New research work is not happening at a fast pace
compared to other subjects, in India. Even if there is
some progress being made, it is not inculcated into the
exam pattern.
Questions are direct and repeat every couple of years.
Hardly 1-2 questions (10 markers) are out of the box.
In KPSC, Anthropology is around 60% of UPSC syllabus.
So your burden is hugely reduced. Scoring is also high.
Challenges in Anthropology?
Though the concepts are extremely easy to understand,
the biggest challenge is remembering the complicated
tribal names, anthropologists and the books they have
written.
The examples should be relevant and correctly matched.
Otherwise, it will have a negative impact.
Classroom Programme:
We can divide this into two – teaching and Tests.
In Classroom teaching, all topics will be dealt in a holistic
manner. This subject will not only be taught from exam point
of view but also in a more practical sense which will enable
the student to be more aware of one’s surrounding. We
clearly divide the issues taught in the class into ones
which is relevant for exam and the ones relevant to
understand the subject better (but not required for exam).
Also, at Gnanadhare Academy we believe that UPSC optional
preparation is not just about attending classes, taking down
some notes and going back. We believe that writing practice
in the form of tests should go in parallel with the
classroom teaching. So in our classroom program, students
will be writing tests regularly where there will be short
tests of one hour each. The syllabus will be minimum of two
chapters for each test. This has its own advantages –
students getting motivated to write the tests as it has
lesser topics to be covered and the chapters will be studied
more in detail. At the end they will write full length tests
so that they increase their speed.
The tests that the aspirants write will have one to one
feedback. This will give them a very clear picture as to
where they are going wrong and will help them to correct.
Study materials will be given for few topics and for others
students will be made to write in class.
Duration : 4 months.