Anthropology

Anthropology is dedicated to developing an understanding of what makes us human by exploring not only our common humanity but also the things that make us different. Through the specific perspectives and methods of socio-cultural, archaeological, and biological anthropology, students learn how the human experience (past and present) is constituted through the interaction of social, cultural, political, material, historical, environmental, and biological factors. Anthropology strives for a holistic understanding of humankind and, depending on the questions
asked and the methods employed, anthropological knowledge ranges across the humanities and social and natural sciences.

The undergraduate major in Anthropology emphasizes how topics and issues central to the human experience such as migration, gender, power, health, kinship, race and identity are examined and understood through diverse anthropological methodologies. In upper division courses, students explore particular socio-cultural, archaeological and biological perspectives on such issues in greater depth, and these courses may specifically engage perspectives from two or more subfields. Other courses may consider a range of topics within a specific geographical area, while acknowledging certain limitations to the area studies configuration of knowledge.

Undergraduate majors in Anthropology develop critical skills in thought, written and oral expression and the application of knowledge, as well as a valuable understanding of human cultural diversity. In an increasingly globalized world in which interaction with people of diverse cultures is becoming the norm, developing a cross-cultural understanding about the complexities of human societies past and present is what makes Anthropology an ideal education for the 21st century. A bachelor’s degree in Anthropology is valuable preparation for a career in law, medicine, education, business, government, museums and various areas of nonprofit, public and international service, including public policy and cultural resource management. The Anthropology program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in any subfield of anthropology. By offering undergraduate majors opportunities to work with faculty research and apply knowledge and skills to local communities, agencies, and business through service learning and internships, students are further prepared for advanced study and successful careers.

Programs

• Anthropology, B.A.  
• Anthropology Minor  

Anthropology Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students majoring in Anthropology will:

1. Possess and apply fundamental anthropological knowledge, including terminology, concepts, intellectual traditions, and theoretical approaches;
2. Identify and analyze common topics of research shared by the sub-fields of anthropology;
3. Understand ethics and responsibility in the practice of anthropology and in our roles as citizens;
4. Recognize and appreciate what it means to be human and how ethnographic, archaeological, and biological knowledge contribute to that understanding;
5. Understand both qualitative and quantitative research methods as they apply to anthropological inquiry;
6. Possess skills to communicate anthropological knowledge effectively through writing, oral presentation, and data presentation in various formats for diverse audiences.