L2A - Is Anthropology a Good Optional Subject for UPSC?

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Is Anthropology a Good Optional Subject for UPSC?

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Deciding on the optional subject for UPSC is one
of the major concerns for aspirants. They waste
half of their preparation time wondering which
subject will benefit them the most. Since your
subject is the one where you have the discretion
to choose whatever subject you want to study, you
should make a wise choice and doesn't get misled
by anyone. An optional subject should help you
in scoring well, without taking much of your
preparation time. Are you also Abhilash, who is
confused about deciding his/her optional subject
for UPSC preparation? If yes, then you are in the
right place, because, unlike Abhilash's case, we
are here for your help.
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What is Anthropology? Anthropology is the study
of what makes us human. In other words, it is the
scientific study of humanity, which is mainly
concerned with human biology, human behaviour,
cultures and societies in the past and present.
Anthropologists take broad approaches to
understand the different aspects of human
behaviour. They study the past of the human
species, how they lived hundreds and thousands of
years ago? What things were important to them?
Etc. anthropologists also study the biological
components of our body, like our genes, bones,
health, etc. Anthropology is a vast area of a
subject that studies everything about humans from
their past to biological, social and cultural
aspects.
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• Four Subfields of Anthropology
• Anthropology has been divided into four subfields
  so that each subfield can be studied in a
  detailed manner. Even though these subfields are
  different from each other, there are some
  similarities between them as well.
• For instance, each subfield employs research
  methodologies, applies theories, formulates and
  tests the hypothesis, and develops an extensive
  set of data.
• Archaeology Archaeologists study the human
  culture through the things made by humans like
  pottery, paintings, and tools, etc. They analyze
  the location of houses, burials of deaths to
  understand the daily lives of people.
• Archaeologists are mainly concerned with
  explaining discrepancies and similarities between
  different human societies across time and space.

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• Biological Anthropology These types of
  anthropologists are mainly concerned with
  understanding how humans adapt to different
  environments, how they catch diseases, what are
  the causes of early human deaths and the
  evolution of humans in comparison to other
  animals.
• Cultural Anthropology Sociocultural
  Anthropology is the study of how people in
  different places live and perceive the world
  around them. It studies how people of different
  geographical locations interact with each other.
• Linguistic Anthropology Linguistic Anthropology
  is the study of different ways in which people
  communicate with each other throughout the globe.
  It studies how one language is linked to another.
  

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• Why Choose Anthropology as an Optional Subject?
• Well, every subject has its own pros and cons and
  saying that anyone subject is better than others,
  wouldnt be completely right. As it has been
  rightly said no subject is easy or difficult, it
  all depends on us that how we take it.
• But yes, we can also not simply overlook the fact
  that one subject may offer better advantages over
  the other when it comes to exams like UPSE/CSE.
• In an anthropology paper, the questions are
  generally asked direct, which means less time
  will be spent in understanding the questions.
• Anthropology is considered one of the most
  scoring subjects.

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• Since the subject is scientific in nature, it
  becomes easier for the students to make the
  answers more appealing by flowcharts and
  diagrams.
• The syllabus is relatively shorter, which can be
  completed in just 4 months.
• The subject is quite interesting in nature and
  easier to grasp.
• The subject overlaps with other subjects hence
  half of your topics will automatically be
  covered.

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• Why Choose L2A?
• The only disadvantage of taking Anthropology is
  the limited availability of guidance. But at L2A
  we have made sure that you get the proper
  guidance of the subject and we focus on
  conceptual clarity of the subject, which is the
  key factor for scoring well.
• Highly structured L2A anthropology classes have
  helped in transforming the lives of many
  aspirants.
• L2A anthropology test series will help in
  qualifying for the exam with flying colours.
• You will get the finest study material at L2A.

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• We focus on in-depth coverage of the syllabus.
• Timely completion of the syllabus with vast
  acumen and experience of our teachers.
• If you still feel the need to get more assurance
  about the quality of education we provide, you
  can also check L2A Toppers testimonials to be
  sure of your choice.