Social Anthropology

The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences. Ruth Benedict

Degree programme objectives

Social anthropology study program considers the changes of cultural and social processes, which human cultures use and live to make daily life meaningful. It draws students attention to most important theoretical and methodological concepts of this discipline. Prior to signing up for the program, most students have not met anthropology. Due to this fact the bachelor degree is designed as an overview of this discipline. All current fields of anthropological interest are covered by the program, including up-to-date literature, which pushes the discipline and its thinking forward. Compulsory subjects stand for critical reflection of all key areas of human life – such as kinship relations, religion, economics and politics. Theories and Methods of research anchor the study program in European anthropological tradition and current trends of social sciences. The students are future experts in qualitative analysis of cultural and social systems, such as local variations of adaptation onto wider society and culture. At this level of study, it is possible (with the approval of the teacher) to carry out ones own longitudinal anthropological fieldwork, which forms the basis for Bc. thesis or Master study proposal, be it at this university or elsewhere. We believe the critical analysis of current social events to be the key ability of our graduates, who are likewise able to draft and condust a field research in praxis.

Study plans

Social Anthropology

full-time, major

Social Anthropology

full-time, minor

Social Anthropology

full-time, single-subject

Studies

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Objectives
Social anthropology study program considers the changes of cultural and social processes, which human cultures use and live to make daily life meaningful. It draws students attention to most important theoretical and methodological concepts of this discipline. Prior to signing up for the program, most students have not met anthropology. Due to this fact the bachelor degree is designed as an overview of this discipline. All current fields of anthropological interest are covered by the program, including up-to-date literature, which pushes the discipline and its thinking forward. Compulsory subjects stand for critical reflection of all key areas of human life – such as kinship relations, religion, economics and politics. Theories and Methods of research anchor the study program in European anthropological tradition and current trends of social sciences. The students are future experts in qualitative analysis of cultural and social systems, such as local variations of adaptation onto wider society and culture. At this level of study, it is possible (with the approval of the teacher) to carry out ones own longitudinal anthropological fieldwork, which forms the basis for Bc. thesis or Master study proposal, be it at this university or elsewhere. We believe the critical analysis of current social events to be the key ability of our graduates, who are likewise able to draft and condust a field research in praxis.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:
- The graduate has theoretical knowledge and research abilities to be able to identify important and interesting research topics in his own society and abroad.
- The graduate is able to understand the nature of a qualitative research . S/he asks critical questions and searchers for answers through qualitative research.
- The graduate is able to design a research project, to ground it theoretically in current literature, decide its timetable and budget, while realizing possible ethical problems which are linked to the project.
- The graduate is able to manage an on-going project as well as design his own. S/he brings to his employer innovative possibilities of problem-solving, as well as gain financial support from various donators.
- The graduate is able to use and apply his/her knowledge about the nature of social relations, social institutions and social acting in all areas of social life.
- The graduate has substantial knowledge of up-to-date topics of interest in anthropology and is able to credit them to relevant theory and methodology. She is able to analyse critically current issues, relevant for day-to-day life in a society.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
The graduate finds employment in any national or international NGO, which requires understanding of current social issues, such as migration, ethnic relations, migrant integration, minority issues, forming symbolic communities etc. S/he may also find employment in the government sector, dealing with similar issues, including public service, teaching or media. Private sector also offers several suitable positions, such as foreign business consultant – be it inside the Czech market for foreign firms or vice versa. Last but not least – there is a possibility of full academic carrier.
Practical Training
No practical training required at Bc. level of study.
Goals of Theses
Bachelor thesis has between 72 000 and 90 000 characters, including the title page, footnotes, annotation, content, bibliography and index. In most cases, it has no character of independent primary research and report (if so, an assigned academic must give his/her approval). Students may work with research already published, as well as use other literature and secondary sources. The thesis proves the ability to work critically with academic texts, use correct theoretical concepts and theories and use these for appropriate answers of their own research questions. The guidelines are available in Directive FSS No. 5/2024 State Final Examinations, Final Theses and their Defences.
Access to Further Studies
After completion of the Bachelor's studies, it is possible to continue further studies in any Master's degree programme (after satisfying the admission requirements). The Master degree in Sociology offers at the moment a possibility to concentrate on Social Anthropology as a part of their degree.