Cultural Anthropology Eötvös Loránd University

Overview

During the Cultural Anthropology programme of Eötvös Loránd University students will learn about theories and approaches, main research topics and results of cultural anthropology. The program particularly focuses on fieldwork research. The students of the program make participant observations in micro communities to attain the cultural anthropological skills and obtain anthropological experience. The students write and defend their thesis from interpretations of their fieldwork research. Each student chooses a fieldwork supervisor who will permanently consult with them about their fieldwork experiences and research results.

Critical anthropological thinking and fieldwork experiences help the students understand the differences and difficulties of social interactions, cultural and intercultural communication and their significances in a sensitive and interpretative way.

Cultural knowledge is the basis of international communication and cooperation.

This program enables students to master:

• types and global characteristics of cultural diversity;

• theories and concepts related to complex and traditional cultures;

• history, theories and methods of cultural anthropology;

• basic professional anthropological directions;

• widely accepted, accepted professional-specific problem-solving techniques for their independently designed and implemented research or scientific work;

• ethical norms of cultural anthropology.

Strength of program

The Department of Cultural Anthropology has a special friendly atmosphere. The students and professors have free and fraternal professional relationship. We see cultural anthropology as “profession and mission”. Consequently, cooperation between students and professors is very strong at our department. We organize discussions together, edit publications and take part in numerous activities.

The students also have the opportunity to work in research groups. Richard Papp, Associate Professor of our department, and his former students have set up the Anthropology of Religion Research Group. The members of the research group constantly discuss their research experience and results.  The Anthropology of Religion research group also organizes visits to different religious communities in Hungary for the students of the program.

Career paths

One of the main strength of the program is the great variety of courses, covering several areas of cultural anthropology. Our graduates will have a broad knowledge in many areas of cultural anthropology. Besides offering introduction and basic foundation in many areas, some of the subjects lead to up-to-date research results.

Most of the teachers of the program have international teaching experience and they regularly give classes also at foreign universities. Young anthropologists, bringing in freshness and new momentum, are also involved in the program. Our instructors all have scientific degrees and good research record. Examples show that graduating from our program is a very good starting point for doctoral or (at a later stage) postdoctoral studies.

The program has a special friendly atmosphere. The students and professors have free and fraternal professional relationship. The cooperation between students and professors is very strong.

Job examples

• Academic researcher 

• Market researcher 

• International aid/development worker 

• Social researcher 

Also work in the public and not-for-profit sectors, all branches of the Civil Service, local government, charities, central government bodies, universities, international organizations, museums and voluntary organizations.