Anthropology
WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?
At its very broadest, the field of anthropology is the study of humankind and culture. How did we evolve? How did we develop language and culture? And how do cultures today differ from those existing 50 years ago, 100 years ago, or 1,000 years ago? As one of the social sciences, anthropology looks at evidence—human behavior, artifacts, and speech patterns, among other things—and draws conclusions about how a group or culture developed and how those groups differ one from the other.
There are at least five major areas of study that fall under the category of anthropology. These include:
- Social anthropology—Studies the role social groups play in cultures.
- Cultural anthropology—Examines group customs, social mores, and attitudes.
- Physical or biological anthropology—Studies human physical development, evolution, and differences.
- Linguistic anthropology—Examines how language shapes culture.
- Archaeology—Studies and documents the material remains of historical and pre-historical people to draw conclusions about past cultures.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
A degree in anthropology is a liberal arts degree, and as such, it emphasizes the development of skills you will use your entire life— skills such as research, writing, critical thinking, and problem solving. These are skills that you'll see stressed throughout your general education curriculum as well as in your major. Typically, anthropology majors pursue classes in most of the different areas of anthropology, including cultural and physical anthropology and archaeology. But you also might take additional science classes in chemistry and biology. Here are some examples of classes you might take:
- Cultural Anthropology
- Introduction to Physical Anthropology
- Introduction to Archaeology
- Statistics
- World Cultures
Many anthropology programs offer field experience opportunities, giving you the chance to work hands-on in a museum, participate in a dig, or conduct independent research on a project of your own choosing.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY?
Because an anthropology degree provides a foundation in the liberal arts, it can serve as a starting point for a career in communications, business, education, or government. Most jobs directly related to the field of anthropology, however, require post-graduate study in anthropology, museum studies, or archaeology. Some of those jobs include anthropologist, archivist, curator, ethnologist, archaeologist, art conservator, historian, or paleontologist.