Organization profile

Organisation Profile

The fundamental goal of anthropological research is to examine micro-level social life as well as global-level phenomena from a comparative point of view, thereby continuously expanding the boundaries of the researcher’s previous competence.

In the teaching of anthropology at the University of Helsinki a strong emphasis is placed on the tradition of fieldwork research through which modern anthropology is connected to the central questions and issues of sciences concerned with culture, society and human behaviour. The early stages of anthropological studies focus on research traditions and the philosophical and theoretical questions which have been asked throughout the history of the discipline. The purpose of this part of the programme is to ensure that every student becomes acquainted with the research fields of modern anthropology, its research methods and ethnographic studies across the globe.

The study of anthropology at the University of Helsinki comprises three academic degrees. The Bachelor of Social Science typically takes three years with a total of at least 180 ECTS; this includes introductory and intermediate courses in social and cultural anthropology and an additional 50-60 ECTS in minor subjects. The Master of Social Science degree comprises 120 ECTS of advanced studies, ethnographic fieldwork and a written thesis based on empirical findings; it is expected to take approximately two years. The most important element of the Doctoral degree is approximately one year of fieldwork resulting in a supervised dissertation, with an additional 50 ECTS of coursework or supervised literature reports connected with the candidate’s ethnographic sphere of inquiry. This should take approximately four years.

A major part of the expertise accruing from anthropological studies is the competence to work in a wide range of different fields and professional environments, along with the ability to come up with solutions to unpredictable problems in any situation. In addition to finding positions in diverse research initiatives, anthropologists are employed in international organizations and government administration, as cultural experts in the corporate world and have found niches in fields such as journalism and other communication media. Anthropologists are required as teachers both in universities and other educational institutions, and are in particular demand in non-government organizations, museums and welfare bodies.

International and National Collaboration Publications and projects within past five years.

Profiles

Siru Aura

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Person: Extern

Petra Autio

petra.autio@helsinki.fi

Social and Cultural Anthropology
Academic Disciplines of the Faculty of Social Sciences - Grant-funded researcher

Person: Visiting scholar, UH

Eeva Berglund

eeva.berglund@helsinki.fi

Social and Cultural Anthropology
Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS)
Environmental Policy Research Group (EPRG)
Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences - Supervisor for doctoral programme

Person: UH

Perpetual Crentsil

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Person: UH

Phaedra Douzina-Bakalaki

phaedra.douzina-bakalaki@helsinki.fi

Social and Cultural Anthropology - Postdoctoral Researcher
Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences - Supervisor for doctoral programme

Person: Teaching and research personnel

Projects 2003 2023

5 Not started
15 Active
20 Finished

Teahcers' use of the digital learning environment at the Meilahti Campus

Pyörälä, E., Repo, S., Siirilä, S., Wilenius, H. & Heickell, H. M.

20/03/2019 → 30/04/2020

Project: Research project

The Role of Religion in Contemporary Ethical Self-Making

Gross, T.

01/01/2019 → 31/12/2021

Project: Research project

New regimes of commodification and state formation on the resource frontier of Southeast Asia

Lounela, A., Tammisto, T. & Ranta, K.

01/10/2018 → 31/08/2021

Project: Research project

The Morality of Success among the Emerging Black Middle Class in South Africa

Pietilä, T. & Abraham, I.

01/09/2016 → 31/08/2020

Project: Research project

Transit, Trade and Travel in Europe’s southeastern peripheries: How the Mediterranean's relative position is shifting

Green, S.

01/09/2016 → 31/08/2020

Project: Research project

Publications 1991 2020

Running for success: Marathon boom and middle class bodies in Estonia

Gross, T., 2020, (Accepted/In press) In : East European Politics & Societies. xx, x, p. xx-xx

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

Differentiated citizenship, displacement, and materiality in state–citizen relations in Ahmedabad

Salmi, J. J., May 2019, Jyväskylä: Jyväskylän yliopisto. 237 p.

Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis › Monograph

Open Access

Dwelling in Political Landscapes: Contemporary Anthropological Perspectives

Lounela, A. (ed.), Berglund, E. K. (ed.) & Kallinen, T. P. (ed.), 2019, Helsinki: Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura. 293 p. (Studia Fennica Anthropologica; vol. 2019, no. 4)

Research output: Book/Report › Anthology or special issue › Scientific › peer-review

Open Access

Editorial

Green, S. & Laviolette, P., Feb 2019, In : Social Anthropology. 27, 1, p. 3-5 3 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › Scientific

Erasing memories and commodifying futures within the Central Kalimantan landscape

Lounela, A. K., 2019, Dwelling in Political Landscapes: Contemporary Anthropological Perspectives. Lounela, A., Berglund, E. & Kallinen, T. (eds.). Helsinki: Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura, p. 53-73 21 p. 3. (Studia Fennica Anthropologica; vol. 2019, no. 4).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Scientific › peer-review

Open Access