The main goal of Anthropology is to understand objectively the reasons for both similarities and differences among humans, their behaviors and ideas. Using the central concept of culture, a system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and material objects that members of a society use to cope with their world, anthropologists investigate and gather data on the human condition.
The anthropology major focuses on four main subdisciplines to provide a well rounded perspective and are the basics for the degree:
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Cultural anthropology seeks to
understand and describe each culture in its own perspective and in
comparative perspective. Cultural anthropologists gather data through
first-hand field study in other cultures and do cross-cultural comparative
studies which provide insight and understanding of the modes and patterns
of human life. |
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Archaeology is the "cultural
anthropology" of the human past. It uses scientific field work and
laboratory techniques to investigate past human societies and the
processes and effects of cultural evolution through the study of material
remains. |
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Physical anthropology focuses on
anatomical, physiological and genetic differences in past and contemporary
human populations, and analyzes their cultural implications. |
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Anthropological linguistics studies the interrelationships between human culture and language with special focus on unwritten languages, emphasizing the diversity of world languages and non-verbal human communication. |
Utilizing ethnographic, ethnological and ethnohistorical tools, as well
as information supplied by these four subdisciplines, the anthropologist
comparatively studies cultures and the processes of human development.
These findings have many practical uses.
Students interested in an Anthropology major with coursework designed
for a focus in cultural,
applied, and
linguistics, can discuss course options with
the specified advisor for each focus.
