Anthropology Minor
This minor introduces the student to anthropology, the comparative and holistic study of people. It explores the biological, social, and cultural aspects of our species in the past, present, and future. Anthropology attempts to integrate knowledge of human beings and their activities at the highest and most inclusive level. Anthropologists study the patterning of human behaviors, as well as the conditions under which they arise, persist, or disappear, in the belief that the knowledge gained from this perspective may be applied to the solution of problems of everyday life in different cultures. It provides global information and thinking skills critical to succeeding in the 21st century in business, research, teaching, advocacy, and public service.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Requirements (20 credits) | ||
| ISANTH-110 | Cultural Anthropology | 4 |
| ISANTH-111 | Archaeology and Physical Anthropology | 4 |
| Select three 300-level or above ANTH/ISANTH electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Objective: Apply an Anthropological perspective to social and cultural phenomena
- After completion of introductory anthropology courses, students will be able to define anthropology and distinguish it from other disciplines in the social sciences.
- Upon completion of introductory anthropology courses, students will demonstrate the ability to use anthropological concepts to understand important ways in which peoples and cultures in the world vary from each other and are similar.
- Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to recognize the value of anthropology.
- Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental ways in which cultures are similar and different from each other.
- Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to demonstrate their awareness of basic theoretical explanations for cultural similarities and differences.
- Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of how to do cultural anthropological research.
Objective: Apply an Anthropological perspective to human evolution.
- After completion of the introductory anthropology courses, students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the biological and cultural changes and adaptations that occurred in Homo sapiens sapiens and their primate precursors to form humankind as it now exists.
Objective: Examine one's own life and values using these perspectives.
- Introductory and advanced students will demonstrate the ability to think reflexively about their particular worldview(s) from a variety of perspectives so they can better understand their orientation to the world.
Objective: To develop a basic understanding of ethnographic and archaeological methods.
- Advanced students will demonstrate a rudimentary ability to collect and analyze ethnographic data
- Advanced students will demonstrate a basic understanding of how archaeological data are collected and analyzed.
Objective: View social and cultural phenomena with an informed global and cross-cultural perspective.
- Students will be able to identify, interpret and compare diverse cultural beliefs and customs.
- Students will be able to challenge ethnocentric notions and practices that lead to gross inequalities of opportunity and treatment in social life.
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of particular cultures, including non-Western cultures, as adaptive and meaningful systems.
Objective: Understand the centrality of gender, race, class, and culture in different societies.
- Introductory students will demonstrate a recognition of the importance of global, multicultural, and gender-sensitive perspectives.
- Students will be able to discuss the significance of race, class, gender, and culture as organizing concepts in anthropology.
Objective: Understand and evaluate anthropological theory and research.
- Students will be able to apply theory to explicate cultural phenomena.