What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the scientific study of the human species, both past and present.  Anthropologists seek to answer the fundamental questions about human nature, such as:  how did our kind evolve, and what are the resulting cognitive and physiological structures and behaviors shaping our lives as creative and social animals?  Such questions raise more specific questions about dynamic relationships between humans and the world in which we live, including our development, our social relationships, and the ways we plan for the future

The purpose of the undergraduate degree in anthropology at Boise State University is to provide a broad understanding of cultural diversity, human nature and human prehistory. A student with a degree in anthropology has acquired critical analysis skills, oral and written communication skills, “people” skills, and a great understanding of many different cultures that have many applications in public service, political activism, and the private sector. Awareness of the enormous variety of ways in which contemporary and ancient peoples have lived their lives provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our own civilization. In this sense anthropology is the most direct approach to a liberal arts education, offering a humanistic as well as a scientific perspective on humankind. In the words of a well-known anthropologist: “Anthropology is the most scientific of the humanities, and the most humanistic of the sciences.” Regardless of the career you choose to pursue, anthropology can enrich your understanding of yourself and of the society around you.

Nonetheless, students often ask, “But can I make a living at it?” Because of the exotic nature of some of the more well-known kinds of anthropological research, many students fail to realize that anthropology is a vigorous, accepted social science and a “marketable” general liberal arts degree. It is certainly equal, if not superior, to a degree in more familiar disciplines such as history, English, sociology and political science as preparation for careers in business, law, or medicine. The primary goal of the undergraduate program in anthropology at Boise State University is to provide a broad liberal arts education which enables the graduate to compete with anyone in the open job market. The skill of “seeing the world as others see it” is applicable in any situation dealing with people – especially people from diverse cultures. Thus, anthropology is an extremely appropriate degree for those interested in international business, diplomatic service, city planning, international or community development, social work, many kinds of medical work, and any other field dealing with culture change, social problems, or other societies. Past graduates from Boise State have used their background in anthropology in careers in medicine, law, special education, social work, community development and business, as well as, of course, anthropology. Students in archaeology have been very successful in finding positions with state and federal governments and private consulting firms.

Anthropology majors also increase their marketability by gaining experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. Additionally, students can add to their range of knowledge by taking courses within or outside their major that would give them specific information useful in their career field of interest.

Some students will want to continue into graduate school in anthropology or one of the related social sciences. The Anthropology program at Boise State University, with its emphasis on breadth, is particularly well-suited as preparation for graduate study. In addition, the close contact of students and faculty in the program allows the students to directly observe the process of anthropological research. Whether working in museums, government, universities or research agencies, anthropologists enjoy the intellectual and personal rewards of a field that is always surprising, ever changing, and constantly challenging as it probes further into the experience of “being human.”

 

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American Anthropological Association

Society for American Archaeology

American Association of Physical Anthropologist