Anthropology teaches students to think in a critical way, and it exposes them to a fundamental part of the Western intellectual tradition. But it also gives them a perspective on their own position in a world of cultural, physical, and political diversity. Anthropology seeks to understand the whole panorama of human existence in both geographic space and over long periods of time. It offers a backdrop against which students can understand their own cultures, traditions, and behaviors and provides them with sensitivity to understanding human biological and cultural similarities and differences.
Cultural Anthropologists focus on understanding humans through a comparative perspective, one that teaches students to be acute observers and analysts of human behavior.
Evolutionary anthropologists might study orangutans, observing behavior and collecting urine to assess their social structure.
Archaeologists might jump back a million years to probe the survival strategies, successes, and failures of the earliest humans.
Linguistic anthropologists might scrutinize conversation to learn more about the place of individuals in the family structure.
Other areas of anthropological study include forensic anthropology, business anthropology, visual anthropology, environmental anthropology, and museum anthropology. In addition to careers in teaching and research, students of anthropology can continue on to careers in the many industries that value the anthropologist's perspective and skills.
The Undergraduate Director, Professor Robert S. Scott, can provide interested students with information and guidance in planning a major or minor, and discuss how anthropology can contribute to various goals. Email for appointment:
Consider joining Lambda Alpha , the National Anthropology Honor Society. See Undergraduate Director for verification of your grades. Lifetime membership requires one-time fee of $25.00.
