What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the comparative systematic study of humanity, with the goal of understanding our evolutionary origins, our distinctiveness as a species, and the great diversity in our forms of collective existence across the globe through space and time. The name anthropology derives from the Greek words for man and study, “anthropos” and “logos.” Combined, these words translate to the phrase “study of man.”   Anthropologists share a vision to cultivate and advance the understanding of humans and our ancestors in the evolutionary past and modern-day present.

Anthropology is a vital component of the liberal arts curriculum, inspiring students to question their assumptions through a scientific lens while gaining anthropological knowledge and insight through theory, research methods and application. Alfred Kroeber described the field of anthropology as, “The most humanistic of the sciences and the most scientific of the humanities."

One of the goals of anthropology is making what is unfamiliar to us become familiar by considering the many facets of biological evolution and domains of the human experience.  In contrast, anthropology also seeks to make what we identify as familiar become unfamiliar by challenging our own assumptions and perspectives.  As an academic discipline, anthropology explores the fascinating questions of: Who are we?  What unites us? Where did we come from?  Why are we here?  Why do we think the way we do?  How did we evolve?

Anthropology as Form:

What Do Anthropologists Study?

The discipline of Anthropology is typically divided into five subfields: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Medical Anthropology.  Each subfield offers a unique approach to the discipline within the holistic anthropological method.

Archaeologists study the ancient and recent human past by examining material remains in the fossil record to answer questions about human history, evolution and culture.  Biological anthropologists study human and non-human primates in terms of their biological and demographic characteristics.  They may specialize in primatology, paleoanthropology, human variation, medical anthropology and forensic anthropology.  Cultural anthropologists comparatively investigate how people live, organize, govern and create meaning in social patterns and practices.  Linguistic anthropologists study how languages and other systems of communication contribute to our understanding of culture. Medical anthropologists study the factors influencing health and well-being.  

Anthropology as Function

Anthropology addresses real world problems, including areas of study ranging from the effects of climate change on non-human primate communities to understanding violence and processes of urbanization in the Global South. My goal is to help prepare students to be dynamic life-long learners and seekers, revealing a new perspective on the richness of our shared humanity.  

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

I believe as a biological anthropologist and teacher, it is my responsibility to support students by accomplishing three learning objectives: (1) Provide a theoretical framework in all subfields; (2) Explore anthropological issues by cultivating an understanding in past and present relationships between human ancestors, non-human primates and their environments; (3) Disseminate knowledge by evoking each student’s understanding of the human experience through human diversity and biological evolution. I equip students with theoretical and methodological tool kits, spark students to ask questions from an anthropological perspective and propel students forward in their pedagogical or vocational futures.

The social sciences are not a collection of facts, but rather a gritty exploration into what makes us human. In our ever-growing global society, the anthropological journey makes us more aware of the relativity of our own practices and representations.  This allows us to appreciate the fundamental similarities that all humans share using both scientific and humanistic lenses.  Introducing students to each subfield will provide a balanced view while contextualizing the academic underpinnings contributing to contemporary anthropological discourse. 

My courses appeal to anthropology and non-anthropology majors alike by showing students how anthropology is an awe-inspiring field of study. I utilize every student’s worldview as a vehicle for applying anthropological paradigms while developing analytical thinking and writing skills. I have three benchmarks for measuring that my learning objectives are being met: (1) Students can distinguish anthropology from other academic disciplines; (2) Juxtapose the subfields of anthropology; and (3) Understand the range of applications where anthropology addresses real-life problems.  

I am committed to forging an alliance between teaching and research by creating an invigorating and challenging learning environment. I achieve this by applying my extensive field and teaching experience to stimulate academic inquiry. This is particularly important to develop critical thinkers, effective writers, capable problem-solvers and future leaders.

It is my great honor and privilege to be a part of every one of my student's academic and professional journeys. There is nothing more rewarding than to see students pursue further study in Anthropology or wherever their passions take them. I sincerely wish to thank my current and former students for this valuable opportunity and inspiring me to be a better teacher, anthropologist, and seeker. Renowned cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead encapsulated the function of anthropology as a field of inquiry when she wrote, “Anthropology demands the open-mindedness with which one must look and listen, record in astonishment, and wonder that which one would not have been able to guess.”  

STATEMENT OF MENTORING A DIVERSE STUDENT BODY

The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology states, “The scientific community holds ‘do no harm’ to be a core, guiding principle. We believe that ‘do some good’ is an additional disciplinary aspiration since it emphasizes positive action, outcomes, and changes in priorities. Anthropologists can, do, and should try to ‘do some good’ for the organizations and communities with whom they work, as well as their sponsors, consumers, employees, colleagues, students, and/or humanity as a whole. At the same time, we must be mindful of possible competing demands as we seek potential solutions. ‘Do some good’ is followed naturally by the questions ‘for and as understood by whom?’”

Talented students face barriers every day which attempt to prevent them from reaching their full potential based on their ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and disabilities. Diversity makes us all stronger and advances society as a whole. My voice is one of inclusion and unity in the classroom and in the field.  

What Can I do With a Degree in Anthropology?

Anthropologists are employed in both public and private sectors, including colleges and universities, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, businesses and health/human services.  According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of anthropologists is expected to grow 19% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations.”  These numbers suggest that anthropology is a robust career choice, growing at a significantly higher rate than the 11% growth forecast for all occupations.

Check out the American Anthropological Association and the Anthropology Careers and Employment (ACE) job board for resources and information.

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