How to Write an Anthropology Essay
- 1). Decide upon some possible topics. Make a list of possible topics and see what would work in the page parameters you are assigned. Use your textbook as a possible resource, but do not neglect other possibilities such as topics briefly mentioned in class or topics that relate anthropology to your personal interests. Check with your instructor about your list of topics to see if they meet the requirements of the assignment.
- 2). Collect library and Internet resources. Take copious notes related to your topic. Create an outline consisting of your introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs, and code your notes to indicate where you may use quotes and paraphrased passages. Document page numbers, authors and other bibliographic information as you do your research. Make sure each section will have equal coverage, and do not neglect counterarguments and other perspectives or viewpoints, as anthropological research work is about presenting a balanced argument.
- 3). Let your thesis statement come organically from your new research materials and what you know about anthropology so far from class. Remember, a strong thesis identifies the topic, the central argument of the paper and the specific points that will be presented in the body of your paper. You may either start your essay with your thesis or else use the thesis statement as the final sentence in your first paragraph.
- 4). Leave space to write your introduction paragraph later. Focus your first draft efforts on presenting the body paragraphs. Create topic sentences that clearly present the main topic for each paragraph. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence. Next, describe the issue at hand and its connections to your thesis. Weave and incorporate your research material and coursework into your essay. Describe the issue clearly, thoroughly and objectively. Leave your argument and biases until the end of each section.
- 5). Repeat for each body section. Remember to include relevant cultural examples, scientific experiments and anthropologists famous for work in this subject area. Use anthropological terms like ethnocentrism, cultural relativity, etic, emic and fieldwork as relevant. You must cite each item that is not common knowledge or that you only learned after doing research on the topic.
- 6). Finish the body paragraphs and add a counterargument or rebuttal section. Identify any weak points in the essay or controversy surrounding the topic and discuss them. Acknowledge how more research needs to be done, or how this is only one interpretation of the cultural group or issue.
- 7). Write your conclusion reaffirming your thesis statement and briefly highlight the body paragraph topics. Go back and write an introduction to bring your reader into your essay. Make your introduction mirror your conclusion, as this helps cohesively tie your essay together.
- 8). Add a works cited or reference page using the citation style your professor requires, whether MLA, APA, ASA or AAA, the latter being the official guide for the American Anthropological Association. Do not forget to proofread and edit your final anthropology essay.
