Anthropology or Codology?

unclejunior

I was just wondering what everybody here thinks of Anthropology? I've been studying this subject for two semesters now and I think its the biggest load of rubbish Ive ever had to sit through.
We just finished off half a semester studying 'Design and Culture' and Ive learned absolutely nothing. I dont think Anthropology is really the study of anything at all really deserving it having its own title. I think its just an amalgamation of different subjects.
Having to sit through Design for six weeks was enough to make me puke. I can see why the students seem to think that its some sort of sophisticated subject by the way the lecturer uses the phrase 'so on and so forth' at the end of everything thats said. Anthropology is not a subject and people are wasting their time and money studying it. There are many other useful subjects that make sense and are far more useful than this absolute codology.

clouds

Change then?

I love the subject but never got the opportunity to study it.

If it doesn't interest you that's no sin - different strokes and so on and so forth - but no need to do down something just because you can't/can't be bothered to understand it!

unclejunior

clouds wrote: »

Change then?

too late im afraid. will just have to see it through

clouds wrote: »

I love the subject but never got the opportunity to study it.

If it doesn't interest you that's no sin - different strokes and so on and so forth - but no need to do down something just because you can't/can't be bothered to understand it!

i understand it alright. i understand that it has no purpose

squishykins

I thought there was actually gonna be a question there, is this just a moaning thread??

I know plenty of people who don't like it and have no patience for it, but is this really the place for that?

mystique150

Don't rule it out just yet. If this is something you think you can see through, you should be able to use that to your advantage in making legitimate and referenced criticisms in your essays for exams etc. The cynic in you may even enjoy the course by finding ways to beat them at their own game while you continue to get good results. Also, there are other skills that you are developing whether you know it or not such as the ability to think independently and critically. If its really not for you, give it up and start another course but if you have the ability and tenacity you should at least finish out the year and prove yourself in the exams. It will make life easier for you when you are applying for other courses etc. There are only a few weeks of classes left so no point in throwing in the towel now unless you are too lazy to study, which I doubt. Also you should be prepared to take a year out at this stage if you do not plan to continue with the degree. It will be next year before you can reapply through the CAO and you will have to pay fees to do first year on another course unless they are willing to let you transfer to Arts. You may also find that to be nonsense. Sounds like you need a solid course with definitive answers. Do you like science, chemistry perhaps? Look for something practical and logical.

Best of luck

mickstupp

Anthropology or Codology? Some would ask the same question about Psychology. Or Philosophy. Or English. Or anything else for that matter. Each to their own. Whether studying a thing is a waste of time or not usually depends on the person. Anyway, I jumped out of Anthropology as soon as I realised there'd be group work, so I didn't have time to form an opinion on the course content. And that's almost all you can form an opinion on, the content you've covered. And the way it's presented. If you don't like it, drop it after this semester. If it's single honours you're doing I think you can still transfer to Arts, keeping your other two first year subjects as long as your marks aren't rubbish. Just make sure you pass it though...

bmarley

I studied Anthropology at hons level for 3 years and loved it, enjoyed the subject much more than psychology and sociology (which I had studied prior to that). Having a degree in Anthropology is very useful both in this society and elsewhere.

Vickysg24

I'm first year anthropology too and to be honest I really enjoyed it at first until we had that Geertz Essay and Then I got put right off. I enjoyed The ethnography module but this design and culture has me totally bored!! Maybe we'll enjoy the next module a little more (Sex and the body) Who knows?! Trying to do the assignment now and don't even know where to start with it!!

bmarley

In the first year, you probably do not get much choice over modules and you probably will never enjoy them all. When you move onto second year, you will be able to narrow modules down to the ones you may have preferred. I always enjoyed the ethnography's myself and really got into the religion and politics modules. Stick with it, it'l all fall into place!

clouds

bmarley wrote: »

I studied Anthropology at hons level for 3 years and loved it, enjoyed the subject much more than psychology and sociology (which I had studied prior to that). Having a degree in Anthropology is very useful both in this society and elsewhere.

BMarley can you recommend any good reading? Something at a First Year level.

bmarley

clouds wrote: »

BMarley can you recommend any good reading? Something at a First Year level.

Sorry clouds, so out of touch with it all. I graduated in 1996 and have never made use of my degree as such with regards to employment. I'd imagine students are no longer studying the works of Margaret Mead.

Turtyturd

clouds wrote: »

BMarley can you recommend any good reading? Something at a First Year level.

I am in first year and this was the book we were given during the introductory reading.

http://www.amazon.com/Interpretation-Cultures-Basic-Books-Classics/dp/0465097197

I dunno if I would recommend it though as it is hard to get into and can be a bit off putting. Is there any particular aspect you're interested in?

unclejunior

bmarley wrote: »

I studied Anthropology at hons level for 3 years and loved it, enjoyed the subject much more than psychology and sociology (which I had studied prior to that). Having a degree in Anthropology is very useful both in this society and elsewhere.

so what is it you do now with your anthropology degree? are you interpretating cultures full time?

Ostrom

unclejunior wrote: »

so what is it you do now with your anthropology degree? are you interpretating cultures full time?

As much as a philosophy graduate responds to the 'philosopher required' adverts I'm sure.

These degrees are not typically used as training for specific jobs, but they do leave you open to take on a wide range of graduate courses - I doubt many enter with any intention of becoming a professional anthropologist (academic).

Strangely all those I graduated with in 07 are employed in reasonably well paid jobs. Some went into public service, private or contract research, media (research and consultancy), secondary and primary teaching, NGO work, law, administration, advocacy group work, sales, marketing. Most of these can be achieved with 1-2 years (or without any) graduate study.

The idea is that you gain a healthy curiosity and at least some skills - regardless of how impractical they may immediately appear - in analysis and presentation.

mickstupp

^On that note... once upon a time, working in various software companies, I remember guys getting hired for engineering positions who had their degrees in the likes of History and Philosophy.

There were a few reasons, first being that (at that time anyway) it was seen as important that a person could stick to one thing for a number of years and see it through to a successful end, didn't matter what it was. Software projects can last from a few weeks to a good few years. Having a degree shows you can dedicate yourself to something. Having one where you didn't have to repeat is much better. Having one with great marks... better still, because it shows you're dedicated and that there's a good chance they give you a job you'll give it your best.

Secondly, a degree in a subject like Philosophy or History, Ancient Classics, Anthropology too I assume, teaches very widely applicable skills like: an ability to deal with large volumes of information, being able to see the big picture and pull various relevant information strands into a coherent whole on relatively short notice, dealing with a great many different but related things all at the same time and being able to figure out a way to get them working together, efficiency, logical thinking, clarity, being able to pinpoint problems that someone with a narrower focus will often miss etc. etc. etc. (Although clearly you need to learn how to write shorter, grammatically correct sentences on your own time :rolleyes:)

To get a good degree, in any subject, requires you to be capable of a high level of organisation and dedication, as well as being able to learn for yourself, set and meet goals and deadlines. For those reasons, degrees in humanities are absolutely relevant to a vast number of industries and working environments. To a certain extent, you can't really learn it all off by heart and hope to get great marks in a humanities subject, there's a certain amount of thinking on your feet where memory alone won't get you through an exam. Well, it will, but not necessarily with great marks. My point is... as Efla said, you won't normally see a Philosopher Required job advert. But when employers see you've a degree that has taught a wide variety of skills, and you've done well, that looks damn good.

Of course finding a job opening is a whole nuther kettle of kippers...