Research Paper (Anthropology) Term Paper Guide Anth 3AC Spr ✓ Solved

Research Paper（Anthropology) Term Paper Guide Anth 3AC Spring pages

You are required to write an academic research paper in anthropology, comparing and contrasting two texts by anthropologists. The central focus of your paper should be the analysis of how these two anthropologists approach a similar research topic. The paper must be approximately 3 pages, double-spaced, with a bibliography.

Choose two academic texts—either journal articles or books published by reputable academic publishers—that are authored by anthropologists or are likely to be read by anthropologists. Ensure that the texts are not ones already assigned in class, although you may draw on class readings for your discussion. Use resources such as the anthropology journals listed on page 3 of the syllabus or through Google Scholar to find suitable texts. If unsure whether a source qualifies, consult your instructor, Adrian.

Consider exploring articles from the "Annual Review of Anthropology" for comprehensive literature reviews on your chosen topic, which can help identify additional relevant sources. Use a consistent citation style, preferably the one most common in your discipline, and cite all ideas that are not your own to avoid plagiarism.

Follow these steps to complete your paper:

• Read your selected articles thoroughly to understand their main points, organization, evidence, and theoretical frameworks. Take detailed notes and consider creating concept maps or bubbles to visualize the arguments.
• Create a comparison chart to note similarities, differences, and patterns between the two articles.
• Think about alternative perspectives or arguments these articles do not address but could. Determine what evidence and methods (ethnography or others) would support these new arguments, and consider applicable theories.
• Formulate a thesis that relates the two articles to concepts discussed in class, explaining their relationship within broader theoretical or conceptual frameworks.
• Draft an outline that presents your thesis, supporting evidence, and the logical progression of your argument, considering your audience’s intelligence and possible ignorance.
• Write a comprehensive first draft, aiming to over-include content to allow for later refinement. Avoid internal censorship during writing and focus on capturing your ideas broadly.
• Read your draft aloud to identify unclear sections and eliminate unnecessary content. Clarify sentences, especially avoiding passive constructions with "to be" verbs, and ensure proper punctuation and logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.
• Seek feedback from a trusted editor—this could be your instructor, a peer, or someone with strong writing skills—and use their input to polish your paper.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Comparing Anthropological Approaches to Cultural Exchange: A Comparative Analysis of Malinowski and Boas

Introduction

Anthropology, as a discipline, offers diverse perspectives on understanding human societies and cultural phenomena. Malinowski and Boas, two influential figures in anthropology, approached the study of culture and social relations through different theoretical lenses. This paper compares their approaches to the topic of cultural exchange, revealing how their methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and interpretations diverge and converge.

Malinowski’s Approach

Bronisław Malinowski emphasized participant observation and immersive fieldwork, advocating for a detailed ethnographic approach to understanding indigenous societies. His concept of functionalism aimed to explain social institutions as mechanisms that fulfill essential needs. In his studies of Trobriand Islanders, Malinowski examined exchange practices, notably the Kula ring, emphasizing the social and economic functions of gift-giving and reciprocity. His analysis highlighted how these exchanges reinforced social bonds and cultural values, asserting that exchange practices serve as central components of social cohesion.

Boas’ Approach

Franz Boas, often considered the father of American anthropology, emphasized historical particularism and cultural relativism. He challenged the prevailing evolutionary models, advocating for detailed, context-specific studies of cultures. Boas examined language, customs, and art, emphasizing the importance of understanding each culture on its own terms. In studies of North American indigenous communities, Boas paid close attention to the nuanced meanings of exchange and material culture, linking them to historical and environmental factors. His approach fostered an appreciation for the diversity of cultural expressions and the complexity of social relations.

Comparison and Contrasts

While both Malinowski and Boas prioritized empirical data collection, their theoretical focuses differed significantly. Malinowski’s functionalism sought universal principles underlying social institutions, including exchange, emphasizing their role in social integration. In contrast, Boas’ emphasis on historical contextualism highlighted the variability and uniqueness of exchange practices across cultures. Malinowski's approach often involved interpreting exchange as serving societal needs, whereas Boas aimed to document the specific cultural meanings without broad generalizations.

Both scholars recognized the importance of detailed fieldwork, but their analytical lenses shaped their interpretation of exchange practices distinctly. Malinowski viewed exchange through a functionalist lens, emphasizing social cohesion, while Boas focused on historical and cultural specificity, acknowledging the diversity of exchange practices worldwide.

Implications for Contemporary Anthropology

Modern anthropological research continues to reflect these foundational perspectives. Structural functionalism, influenced by Malinowski, underscores the interconnectedness of social institutions, whereas cultural relativism, championed by Boas, encourages sensitivity to local contexts. Integrating these approaches can provide a more holistic understanding of cultural exchange, combining functional analysis with historical and cultural specificity.

Conclusion

The comparative analysis of Malinowski and Boas underscores the evolution of anthropological thought regarding social exchange. Their differing methodologies and theoretical orientations contribute valuable insights, illustrating how diverse approaches can enrich our understanding of complex human phenomena. Bridging functionalist and relativist perspectives offers a comprehensive framework for examining cultural exchange in contemporary anthropology.

References

• Malinowski, B. (1922). Argonauts of the Western Pacific. Routledge.
• Boas, F. (1911). The Mind of Primitive Man. The Free Press.
• Harris, M. (1968). The Rise of Anthropological Theory. Routledge.
• Leach, E. (1961). Rethinking Anthropology. Routledge.
• Firth, R. (1973). Themes in Economic Anthropology. Routledge.
• Worsley, P. (1970). The Myth of the Noble Savage. Routledge.
• O'Flaherty, M. (1984). The Conflict of Interpretations: Essays in History, Philosophy, and Anthropology. University of California Press.
• Carrier, J. G. (1995). Gifts and Commodities. Routledge.
• Kuper, A. (2003). Culture: The Anthropologists’ Account. Harvard University Press.
• Evans-Pritchard, E. E. (1940). The Nuer. Oxford University Press.