Anthropology Is...
Anthropology is a broad discipline with a holistic approach to the study of humans and human experience. There are four major subfields within anthropology:
Archaeology is the recovery and interpretation of biological and cultural remains to better understand both past and current human activities, social and political organization, and the rise and fall of societies. Archaeologists work with ancient populations as well as those who lived in the more recent, historical past.
Cultural Anthropology (also referred to as Social Anthropology) is the study of socially learned traditions, practices, and beliefs within societies. Through comparative and critical analysis cultural anthropologists seek to understand the social, cultural, and economic dynamics of social relationships and the impact and consequences of large-scale processes such as globalization.
Linguistics is the study of the structure, development, dissemination and use of language within specific cultural settings.
Physical Anthropology (also referred to as Biological Anthropology) is the study of humans as biological animals, their physical variability, processes of disease and nutrition, and evolution. Physical anthropologists also study non-human primates and their behavior.
Finally, anthropology is a major that prepares individuals to pursue a broad range of career opportunities. The skills and theoretical knowledge gained through the study of anthropology can be applied across a wide range of careers including governmental agencies, both local and international businesses, cultural resource management, laboratory assistant, and public relations. Combining anthropology with other courses of study as double majors further enhances career possibilities and professional development.
