WBCHSE HS Anthropology study plan

Define anthropology and distinguish its four main branches, then write a one-page comparison table showing subject matter, methods and key questions of each branch

Outline the primate order: list prosimians, monkeys, apes and humans with two distinguishing anatomical traits for each group

Explain the comparative method in primatology by describing how studying chimpanzee and bonobo social behaviour informs understanding of early hominins

List the main fossil hominin groups in chronological order from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens with approximate dates for each

Identify five anatomical markers of bipedalism (foramen magnum position, pelvis shape, femur angle, foot arch, spine curvature) and state what each indicates

Compare the Out-of-Africa and multiregional models of modern human origins, citing genetic and fossil evidence for each

Explain human variation using the concepts of cline, adaptation and acclimatisation, giving one example each for skin colour, body build and high-altitude or cold adaptation

Distinguish race as a social category from biological variation, listing three scientific arguments against typological race concepts

Describe the ABO, Rh and sickle-cell polymorphism examples and explain how natural selection maintains them

Summarise the scope of human growth and development studies (ageing, nutrition, secular trends) in physical anthropology

Classify stone tool types by technology (Mode I to Mode V) and match each mode to a culture period

Sketch and label ten tool types including handaxe, cleaver, scraper, blade, burin, microlith, polished celt and bone harpoon

Construct a comparative chart of the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods with subsistence, tools, habitation and art for each

Explain the three-age system and its limitations, and distinguish relative from absolute dating

Describe the working principles of radiocarbon dating, potassium-argon dating, thermoluminescence and dendrochronology, noting the material each can date and its range

Define family and distinguish nuclear, extended, joint and matrifocal forms with one ethnographic or Indian example for each

Classify marriage forms by number of spouses, residence rule and descent rule, and explain bride price, dowry and cross-cousin marriage

Draw a kinship diagram using standard symbols and abbreviations for at least three generations, then explain descent, residence and terminology systems

Explain the relationship of anthropology with sociology, psychology, history and biology, giving one shared method and one difference for each

Compare magic, religion and science using the frameworks of Tylor, Frazer and Malinowski, and define animism, totemism and taboo

Explain social organisation concepts: band, tribe, chiefdom, caste and class, with one example of each from Indian or world ethnography

Describe rites of passage and the sacred-profane distinction, applying them to one Indian festival or life-cycle ritual

Map the major tribal communities of India by state, listing at least ten groups with one distinctive cultural feature each

Identify the main tribal communities of West Bengal (for example Santal, Munda, Oraon, Toto, Lodha, Rabha, Lepcha) with their districts and languages

Explain the constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes, including Articles 244, 275 and 342, and the Fifth and Sixth Schedules

Evaluate tribal welfare programmes including Tribal Sub-Plan, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, MSP for minor forest produce and PESA, noting objectives and reported outcomes

Analyse the causes of tribal displacement due to mining, dams and industry, and explain the provisions of the Forest Rights Act

Define applied anthropology and distinguish it from action anthropology, giving examples from health, education and tribal development

Explain anthropological perspectives on health and disease using the culture-bound syndrome and medical pluralism concepts

Describe how anthropologists contribute to environmental and development studies, including participatory appraisal and impact assessment

Design a fieldwork plan: state a research question, choose a sampling method, prepare an interview schedule and a consent note

Practise participant observation and write field notes distinguishing observation from inference

Compare questionnaire, interview, schedule, case study and genealogical methods, listing strengths and limits of each

Explain the ethics of fieldwork: informed consent, confidentiality, reciprocity and avoidance of harm

Describe how to structure a project report with introduction, objectives, methodology, findings, discussion and references

Revise all seven domains using a one-page summary sheet per domain listing key terms, thinkers and examples

Solve two full-length practice papers under timed conditions and score them against the marking scheme

Re-sketch the ten tool types and the kinship diagram from memory without notes

Recite the dates of major hominin fossils, culture periods and key Indian tribal welfare legislation

Compile a personal error log of weak areas and re-read only those sections in the final two days