T. A.

PAI MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (TAPMI), BENGALURU

ANTHROPOLOGY FOR MANAGERS (SOC 4021)

Programme: BBA (Honors)

Batch: 2022-2025/26
Term: 1
Course Name: Anthropology for Managers
Credits: 3 (45 sessions)
Course Instructor: Animesh Bahadur (Core)

PART 1
INTRODUCTION
In the globalized world, diversity is more the rule than an exception. The differences we encounter
range from biological to cultural origins to ideas and professions. In our encounter with these
differences, we try our best to be open minded but at times may fail to grasp the appropriate meanings
of things or miss out on the unique background. This course will capture the human journey from the
origin of our differences to the way we give meaning to the actions of those who are different from
us. Spanning the domains of biological anthropology, prehistoric archaeology, protohistory, social-
cultural factors and language, this course will help the participants appreciate the differences and
inculcate the spirit of inquiry and participation in things that have hitherto been avoided.

COURSE OBJECTIVES (CO)

To develop an understanding of and appreciation for human differences in the participants

To encourage the participants to directly explore the dimensions of human difference

To develop an appreciation for the impact of differences in the business and management context

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)

Through the learnings gained in this course, the student should be able to:
CLO 1: Understand and appreciate the differences as well as the essential unity of the humans

CLO 2: Develop confidence to participate in activities of a different community and practically

demonstrate the same

CLO 3: Appreciate the impact of the differences in the business and management context.

COURSE CONTENT
• Brief overview of biological differences and their physical impact
• The drive to create and the impact of the drive on the human existence
• Social-cultural dimensions and their relevance to life in general as well as in the work
context

PRESCRIBED TEXT BOOK

Ember, CR, Ember, MR & Peregrine, P (2021), Anthropology (15/e), New Delhi: Pearson
Education

OTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES

Will be handed out in due course of the program

POLICY ON PLAGIARISM:

There will be zero tolerance for plagiarism and those found doing so including all the members
of the group whether they actually got involved in the plagiarizing or not, will be given ‘DT’
(Detained) grading which means you have to repeat the course.

ASSESSMENT SCHEME AND WEIGHTAGE:

{a} END-TERM

Duration (in Open/close CLO Tested

Evaluation Weightage (%)
minutes) Book

40% Close book CLO1, CLO2 &

End-Term 120
CLO3

{b} OTHER ASSESSMENTS

Sl. Evaluation Unit of

Weight Time CLO
No. Type Evaluation
One by Session 15, second by
1 3 Quizzes Individual 25 % Session 29 and the last by -
Session 41
Details to be provided in the
2 Assignment 1 Group 15 % -
class

3 Assignment 2 Group 20% Details to be provided in class

PART 2: SESSION PLAN

Session Topic Pedagogy Reading
The Human Uniqueness
and Inheritance:
1 Introduction; Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 1

The evolutionary context

2 and the biological role in Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 3, Pp. 41-44
creative and thinking side
the homonid inheritance
and it impact on
3-5 technological progress. Lecture & Discussion Session 3: Textbook, Ch. 5
The biological basis of Session 4-5: Textbook, Ch. 6, 7
human survival and
change;
Genetics and congenital
6-7 factors in human Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 3, Pp. 44-60
difference.
Flawed application of
biological determinism
8-9 and its consequences with Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 4
special reference to race
and ethnicity.
Human, the Creator: The
urge to create and Session 10-12: Textbook, Ch. 7-9
10-13
innovate. Tools and Exercise & Lecture Session 13: Textbook, Ch. 10
community life.

Innovation and rise of

commerce in the
prehistoric context; the
move from micro
settlements to mega
14-15 achievements: the Video-based Textbook, Ch. 11
economic uniqueness of discussion
nomadic, agrarian, artisan
and civilizational life with
special reference to the
great civilizations
 Human Society: Society,
Community, Group and its Ch. 1 of MacIver, R.M. & Page, CH
various forms; the role of (2018), Society, Delhi: Surjeet
16-17 groups and communities Discussion and
Conceptual Inputs Publications
in shaping our lives
including contemporary Textbook: Ch. 21
business
Culture as a concept
18-19 Approaches to study of Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 9, Pp. 210-222
culture Textbook, Ch. 2

Identities, Hierarchy,
20-24 Differentiation and Lecture with Exercises Session 20-21: Textbook, Ch. 13, 18
Discrimination Sessions 22-24: Textbook, Ch. 17

Marriage and its

25-27 Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 19, Pp. 399-421
contemporary context
Textbook, Ch. 20

28-29 Family and its Diversity Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 19, Pp. 421-427

‘Legal Anthropology’ on ScienceDirect,

30-31 Law & Social Control Discussion based on
access:
unique cases
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/s
ocial-sciences/legal-anthropology
Political Organization &
32-34 Lecture & Discussion
Systems Textbook, Ch. 22

Exchange & Economic Lecture based on

35-36
System cases Textbook, Ch. 16

37-39 Religion & Belief System Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 23

Language and
40-41 Lecture & Discussion
Communication Textbook, Ch. 14

42 Arts & Aesthetics Lecture & Discussion Textbook, Ch. 24

43-44 Social-cultural Change Lecture Textbook, Ch. 12, Pp. 222-243

45 Summary of the Course Lecture NA

CLO and PLG MAPPING FOR THE COURSE

Addressed CLO
PLG Program Level Learning Goal by Course?
No.
(Yes / No)
Understanding and Application of Fundamentals
PLG 1 Traits: Demonstrate conceptual clarity and apply to real life Yes CLO 1
situations including in business settings
Problem Identification and Solution
Traits:
a) Demonstrate ability to identify a problem, critically assess
PLG 2 Yes CLO 2 & 3
various alternatives and suggest appropriate solution/decision
b) Demonstrate proficiency in use of data and technology in
problem solving and decision making.
Integrative and Critical Thinking
Traits:
a) Demonstrate the ability to identify inter-linkages among
PLG 3 functional areas within an enterprise and assess the impact of No -
external environment on its performance
b) Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the situation and
solution at hand
c) Demonstrate a global perspective in the business context.
Effective Communication
Traits:
PLG 4 a) Demonstrate proficiency in Oral and Written Communication No -
b) Demonstrate interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity in
communication.
Ethical Responsibility
PLG 5 Traits: Demonstrate awareness and assess impact of ethical No -
behavior on business
Leadership
PLG 6 Traits: Demonstrate capability to take leadership role in a business No -
situation

Assignment Details

The course will entail two projects. The first one will focus on physical and biological dimensions. The
second one, on social-cultural dimensions will focus on the use of more qualitative research.

Assignment 1: The purpose of the assignment is to understand the dual impact of nature and nurture
in our physical and biological response to work. The project will involve study of subjects with respect
to:
 1. The role of heredity, family history and environmental conditions in mental health.
2. Current food habits and family/traditional food habits and the consequences for health.
3. Unique health and physique issues (specific height, polydactyly, thalassemia etc) and the
challenges faced by the subject.

The assignment will involve collecting relevant data for at least five persons per student. The data
collected will have to be made into a report and presented to not just the academic guides and
evaluators but also to external evaluators if possible.

Assignment 2: The assignment will involve probing deep into a community and its economic situation.
The indicative topics are as follows:

1. Weavers and artisans in or near Bengaluru: Social structure, networks and market network.
2. Jogappas: Social system and economic dimensions.
3. Theatre artists and their work systems.
4. Classical dancers: community and their engagement and remuneration systems.

Based on the nature of the topic the concerned participants will have to work with a social
worker/activist or artist to better understand the social structure and economic system as operating
in the given community. The project will involve interaction of at least two months with the
community using qualitative research methods and will culminate in a report that has to be relevant
to the CSR Department of a reputed company working with the community studied in the project. The
process will be duly supported by linking the participants with experts in the domain as well.