Anthropology subject report · May 2018

May 2018 extended essay reports Page 1 Social and Cultural Anthropology Overall grade boundaries Grade: E D C B A Mark range: 0-6 7-13 14-20 21-26 27-34 The range and suitability of the work submitted As in previous May sessions, a significant number of extended essays that were submitted for this subject were not relevant to social and cultural anthropology. Teachers sometimes even commented on the fact that the student had not previously studied anthropology or that the school did not offer this subject as part of the IB DP. Ma ny extended essays did not have an anthropological focus, and many students did not appear to have received clear instructions on what an anthropological secondary source is, or where/how to find one. As it is clearly stated in the social and cultural anth ropology chapter of the Extended Essay Guide “Social and cultural anthropology is not a “residual” category for essays that do not fit into any other subject. Students should not attempt to prepare an EE in social and cultural anthropology if they have not studied the subject formally”. Many research questions were too broad and unfocused, and/or did not employ even basic anthropological theories and concepts. Those that did incorporate anthropological theories or concepts frequently either misunderstood or misused them or alternatively, used older theories. A frequent case was a general reference to E. Tylor or F. Boas to provide a definition or theory of culture, as a nod to the discipline, without real knowledge or understanding. Very few extended essays demonstrated any awareness of contemporary theory in anthropology. While many candidates were able to describe some of the materials that were related to their research question . F ew were able to critically evaluate these materials in an appropriate and anthropologically informed manner. The most successful essays revealed students who were well informed about their topic, with their understanding solidly grounded in anthropological concepts and theory. One case was based on the role