Anthropology Department

Collage of images featuring archeological excavations, close up of a capuchin monkey eating in the wild, the interior of the Museo Charcas in Sucre, Bolivia and ancient cave art.

Anthropology is the study of what makes us human. Anthropologists take a broad approach to understanding the many different aspects of the human experience, which we call holism. Anthropology helps us understand the diversity in how people around the world use digital technologies, express their gender identity, create family, heal illness, and experience migration. Anthropologists also consider the past, through archaeology, to see how human groups lived hundreds or thousands of years ago. They consider what makes up our biological bodies and genetics, as well as our bones, diet, and health. Anthropologists contribute to the field of population genetics, examining genetic variation across cultural groups in the present and the past. They also compare humans with other animals (most often, other primates like monkeys and chimpanzees) to see what we have in common with them and what makes us unique. Even though nearly all humans need the same things to survive, like food, water, and companionship, the ways people meet these needs can be very different.

For example, everyone needs to eat, but people eat different foods and get food in different ways. Thus, anthropologists look at how different groups of people get food, prepare it, and share it. Anthropologists also try to understand how people interact in social relationships, from small-scale societies to social media platforms, and examine gender and sexual practices in a variety of cultural contexts. They look at the different ways people dress and communicate in different societies, and how knowledge and norms are produced within the U.S. from cultural institutions such as Silicon Valley and Hollywood. When trying to understand the complex issues of humanity, they keep in mind what they know about biology, culture, communication, and how humans lived in the past. (Source: American Anthropology Association)

Course Descriptions

Course Outlines

Learning & Professional Pathways

FACULTY

Department Chair
Dr. Wendy Fonarow

Full-Time Faculty
Eric Johnston

Adjunct Faculty
Sylvia Martin
Alix Williams
Andre Yefremian

Essential Links

Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree - Anthropology Learn about potential careers