A Student’s View of Anthropology
A Guide for Undergraduates
Basically, What is Anthropology?
What Type of Person will find satisfaction in Anthropology?
What Constitutes an Education with Emphasis on Anthropology?
What Can I Learn from Cultural and Social Anthropology?
What Can I Learn from Archaeology?
What Can I Learn from Biological Anthropology?
SOUNDS GOOD?...BUT...What About a Job?
How Can I Enter the Program?
Basically, What is Anthropology?
Webster says...
Anthropology (an-thro-pó-lo-gy): 1) the science that deals with the origins, biological and cultural development, physical characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind; 2) the study of humanity's similarity to and divergence from other animals; 3) the science of human beings and their works, in all times and places.
What Type of Person Will Find Satisfaction in Anthropology?
The undergraduate major in Anthropology is not for everyone. There are many, however, who derive great satisfaction from extending their knowledge of humankind, opening up new vistas and just throwing fresh light on some old ideas. Now, isn't this the hallmark of a truly educated person? Oh, yes! It would help if you like to do independent research and take part in departmentally sponsored field trips and study tours, both locally and outside the USA.
What Constitutes an Education with Emphasis on Anthropology?
The anthropology program can be described in terms of the following general areas of study:
- Archaeology
- Biological Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
...and each has its special lessons to give...
What Can I Learn from Cultural and Social Anthropology?
One sure-fire way to expand your horizons is to get involved in the study of the many people and cultures of the world. You will discover many new approaches to understanding people and their behavior. Such topics as these may turn you on:
Cognitive Anthropology, Cultural Ecology, Culture Change, Economic Anthropology, Ethnoart, Folklore, Kinship, Medical Anthropology, Peasant Society, Political Anthropology, Tribal Peoples and Cultures, Urban Anthropology...
to name a few...
What Can I Learn from Archaeology?
DIG THIS!! Understand the common cultural roots of all humankind, how and why these cultures changed, through an examination of their material remains. Cover such topics as:Old and New World Prehistory, Archaeological Methods and Techniques, Maya Archaeology, South American Archaeology, Zooarchaeology
What Can I Learn from Biological Anthropology?
HUMANS!!
This leads to all sorts of discoveries relating to the biological underpinnings of culture and society. A few topics you may want to swing with:
The Primates, Human Evolution and Human Paleontology, Human Variation, Growth and Development, and Human Osteology
SOUNDS GOOD?...BUT...What About a Job?
Anthropology as an undergraduate area of concentration has potential value for a variety of career paths. Many of our majors will go on to study for advanced degrees in Anthropology programs at FAU and around the world in preparation for research and teaching positions.
But remember, Anthropology is one of the social sciences and as such has comparable career opportunities at the pre-professional level in the field of public service, in education and in the business world. In addition, Anthropology is a suitable major for law and medical programs. Our curriculum is designed to provide for the needs of today's students who have different purposes for studying Anthropology and varied goals in mind.
How Can I Enter the Program?
For a starter, contact the Registrar's Office or Anthropology Department to see if you meet the minimum entrance requirements. For information on the faculty, please click here.