Learning Goals in the Anthropology Major

The What: Human Diversity

Anthropology students can articulate, orally and in writing, significant trends in the history of anthropological thought, the cultural contours of several world areas, and significant topics and issues in contemporary anthropological research.

With the introductory courses, 102 and 104, students will learn to express key concepts and findings in the fields of archaeology and socio-cultural anthropology. From 201 students will gain an appreciation of the history of anthropology, enabling them to grasp the significance of contemporary anthropological study.
After other 200-level courses, students will be able to describe and analyze the cultures and societies of specific world areas, such as South America (234), Central America (232), Native North America (202), the Caribbean (260), and Europe (280).
When students enroll in 300- and 400- level courses they will explore key issues and themes in the study of human society and culture, such as our relationship to the environment (307), the role of language in everyday life (226), health and illness (319), food and drink (350), and the relationship of material culture to race, gender, class, and ethnic identity (390).

The How: Methods

Anthropology students can describe and employ appropriate methods of data collection and analysis.

Anthropology students learn the basics of archaeological and socio-cultural methods in the introductory courses.
Through one of seven designated courses students will gain experience with the tools, techniques, and methods of at least one of the following areas of anthropological concern: ethnobotany (308), applied anthropology (380), social-cultural anthropology (411, 431, 450), urban ethnoarchaeology (482), and archaeology (383, 396, 406).

Making a Difference: Applying Anthropology

Anthropology majors can apply relevant concepts and methods to issues and topics of contemporary and/or historical importance.

Using a holistic and comparative perspective, students can provide fresh perspectives to such timely issues as development, human rights, migration, ownership of cultural property, gender and sexuality, and the cultural context of health, illness, and medical care.
Through internships and courses with an internship component (such as 406) students gain hands-on experience with anthropological perspectives and methods.
The options of individual study and honors thesis enable students to explore a topic of interest under the direction of a professor.
Students can gain experience in anthropological research by participation in project-intensive courses (such as 396, 450, and 482) and ongoing faculty-led research.
Anthropological perspectives will enhance student experience in study away and certificate programs.

Tool for the Future: Skills, Perspectives, and Scholarship

Through anthropology coursework students will develop skills and perspectives that will serve them well in the future. While grounded in the discipline, these skills will serve students in other fields, in graduate school, and in employed work.

Students can communicate effectively in a variety of written and oral formats as well as digital media.
Students are able to describe and analyze human societies and cultures, using appropriate methods and concepts.
Students can bring an informed and critical perspective to a range of timely issues in an increasingly interconnected world.
With the training provided by an anthropology major or minor, students will be well equipped to pursue graduate school or professional training.