Program Overview

Introduction to Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humankind, a multidisciplinary endeavor that crosses the usual divides between social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. The discipline of anthropology is often divided into different subfields, including:

• Archaeology, which uses the material evidence of archaeological sites and artifacts to reconstruct past societies and interpret their behaviors
  • This subfield focuses on understanding human history and cultural development through the analysis of material remains
• Biological anthropology, which seeks to understand humankind from a biological perspective, including the study of human origins, primate relatives, and human biological diversity
  • This subfield explores the biological aspects of human existence, including evolution, genetics, and physiology
• Cultural anthropology, which describes and compares living human cultures in order to understand human cultural diversity
  • This subfield examines the diverse ways in which humans live, interact, and create meaning in different cultural contexts
• Linguistic anthropology, which studies different systems of human communication in order to understand how culture is shared and maintained
  • This subfield investigates the role of language in shaping human culture and identity
• Medical anthropology, which takes a holistic approach to understanding health, illness, disease, sickness, and healing
  • This subfield considers the social, cultural, and biological factors that influence human health and well-being

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Anthropology offers the following undergraduate degrees and minors:

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology (Culture & Language), which includes a concentration in culture and language studies
• Minor(s) in:
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Religious Studies
  • Sustainability

Program Details

The Department of Anthropology provides a comprehensive education in the field of anthropology, with a range of courses and programs that cater to different interests and career goals. The undergraduate programs are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human culture, biology, and society, as well as the theoretical and methodological tools necessary for a career in anthropology or related fields.