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SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY

INTRODUCTION


The Extended Essay in Social Anthropology should enable candidates to develop and demonstrate an awareness of what makes a distinctively anthropological approach to a study of a particular group, society or topic. It is further expected that candidates will learn what is involved in transforming the products of their own research into a coherent anthropological presentation.

CHOICE OF TOPIC

The topic chosen must allow a distinctively anthropological approach, as identified in the subject assessment criteria. Extended essays based on student-run field trips are encouraged. An essay which analyses a particular theme or issue is also acceptable provided that it offers evidence of the candidate's own analysis and interpretation. The title should indicate a specific focus and problem(s), with reference, if appropriate, to a particular case study.

The following examples are intended a guidance only.

Ethnic diversity in Bangkok: the economic basis of group identity and difference rather than Ethnic groups in Bangkok.

Meed versus Freeman: the anthropological issues rather than Anthropological issues.

TREATMENT OF THE TOPIC

Explicit reference should be made to anthropological concepts and theory and their application to the investigation. The discussion should make reference to methodological issues appropriate to the investigation. Theoretical conclusions should be clearly related to the ethnographic or fieldwork data presented. Explicit reference should be given of anthropological reading.
When fieldwork is undertaken, the student should:

go beyong a superficial description to investigate underlying patterns and causes (analysis)
show recognition of the methodological problems involved in the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic data
show sensitivity to those being questioned and studied
pay explicit attention to ethical issues

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

J To what extent does the candidate include explicit evidence of anthropological reading?

Achievement Level

0 There is no evidence of the use of anthropological sources or reading

1 The candidates includes some evidence of anthropological reading, although the references are not explicit and many are either obscure or irrelevant.

2 The candidates includes explicit evidence of anthropological reading, although some references may not be strictly relevant.

3 The candidates includes clear and explicit evidence of relevant anthropological reading.

K To what extent does the candidate demonstrate the application of anthropological concepts and theory to specify material and issues?

Achievement Level

0 There is no reference made to either anthropological concepts or theory.

1 The candidate shows minimal knowledge of anthropological concepts of general relevance to the material and/or issues. No reference is made to anthropological theory.

2 The candidate demonstrates some knowledge of anthropological concepts and/or theory of relevance to the research question. However this knowledge is not applied to the materials/issues presented.

3 The candidate demonstrates the application of anthropological concepts and theory to material and/or issues of relevance to the research question, but a critical perspective is lacking.

4 The candidate demonstrates application of anthropological concepts and theory to material and issues of relevance to the research question, and places this in a critical perspective.


L To what extent does the candidate show recognition of methodological issues involved in the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic or fieldwork data?

Achievement Level

0 There is no reference to methodological issues of any kind.

1 There is some attempt to recognise methodological issues in general, but these issues lack relevance to the investigation.

2 The candidate recognises some of the methodological issues involved in the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic or fieldwork data as used in the investigation.

3 The candidate clearly recognises, and makes explicit reference to, methodological issues relevant to the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic or fieldwork data.

M To what extent does the candidate demonstrate an ability to move beyond description to recognise underlying patterns and causes?

Achievement Level

0 There is not attempt to move beyond description to identify underlying patterns.

1 The candidate has tried to move beyond description to identify underlying patterns, but there is no link between them.

2 The candidate has moved beyond description to identify underlying patterns, however there is no attempt of explanation.

3 The candidate demonstrates an ability to move beyond description to recognise underlying patterns and causes, but these are not linked to wider anthropological issues.

4 The candidate clearly demonstrates an ability to move beyond description to recognise underlying patterns and causes, which are linked to wider anthropological issues.
IB Homepage Extended Essay Homepage General Guidelines General grading criteria Subject grading criteria

J	To what extent does the candidate include explicit evidence of anthropological reading?
Achievement Level
0	There is no evidence of the use of anthropological sources or reading
1	The candidates includes some evidence of anthropological reading, although the references are not explicit and many are either obscure or irrelevant.
2	The candidates includes explicit evidence of anthropological reading, although some references may not be strictly relevant.
3	The candidates includes clear and explicit evidence of relevant anthropological reading.

K	To what extent does the candidate demonstrate the application of anthropological concepts and theory to specify material and issues?
Achievement Level
0	There is no reference made to either anthropological concepts or theory.
1	The candidate shows minimal knowledge of anthropological concepts of general relevance to the material and/or issues. No reference is made to anthropological theory.
2	The candidate demonstrates some knowledge of anthropological concepts and/or theory of relevance to the research question. However this knowledge is not applied to the materials/issues presented.
3	The candidate demonstrates the application of anthropological concepts and theory to material and/or issues of relevance to the research question, but a critical perspective is lacking.
4	The candidate demonstrates application of anthropological concepts and theory to material and issues of relevance to the research question, and places this in a critical perspective.

L	To what extent does the candidate show recognition of methodological issues involved in the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic or fieldwork data?
Achievement Level
0	There is no reference to methodological issues of any kind.
1	There is some attempt to recognise methodological issues in general, but these issues lack relevance to the investigation.
2	The candidate recognises some of the methodological issues involved in the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic or fieldwork data as used in the investigation.
3	The candidate clearly recognises, and makes explicit reference to, methodological issues relevant to the collection, evaluation and presentation of ethnographic or fieldwork data.

M	To what extent does the candidate demonstrate an ability to move beyond description to recognise underlying patterns and causes?
Achievement Level
0	There is not attempt to move beyond description to identify underlying patterns.
1	The candidate has tried to move beyond description to identify underlying patterns, but there is no link between them.
2	The candidate has moved beyond description to identify underlying patterns, however there is no attempt of explanation.
3	The candidate demonstrates an ability to move beyond description to recognise underlying patterns and causes, but these are not linked to wider anthropological issues.
4	The candidate clearly demonstrates an ability to move beyond description to recognise underlying patterns and causes, which are linked to wider anthropological issues.