“Anthropology is the study of humans, past and present.” (American Anthropology Association). Anthropologists study how we became human, and the many ways that people around the world and throughout time have solved the common problems of living on earth: how to make a living; how to organize our society; how to understand the world we live in and our relationships to each other, to nature, and to the supernatural; how to pass on knowledge to future generations; and how to manage interactions with other groups. Anthropologists also seek to apply their knowledge and research methods to solving contemporary human problems.
The Sociology and Anthropology program contributes to a solid foundation for a wide range of occupations in which knowledge of human behavior, social relationships and institutional practices is important.
Minor in Anthropology
Students who minor in anthropology are required to take ANT 131 Cultural Anthropology, either ANT 130 Human Evolution and Variation or ANT 132 Introduction to Archaeology, and four electives (18 credits). The program must be planned with a departmental advisor.
Self-designed Major
Students may design a course of study that leads to a major in Anthropology. To investigate this option more thoroughly, students should consult with Professor Amy Gazin-Schwartz.