Program Overview

Applied anthropology is the application of anthropological methods and theories to contemporary issues at the national and international level. Applied, or practicing, anthropologists utilize a variety of ethnographic, quantitative methods and cross-cultural skills to understand and address social and global problems. Applied anthropologists are committed to creating the conditions of social change that improve the lives of people.  This option is focused on providing students with a strong foundation in using ethnographic methods and anthropological theories to address social issues and to answer research questions.  Students gain practical experience while learning about the ethics of practice and the various settings in which applied anthropologists work.  The program offers training in mixed methods as well as opportunities in visual anthropology. 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students should develop:

• An understanding and appreciation of human biological, linguistic, and cultural diversity, especially those features that separates humans from other species.
• An appreciation and awareness of the origin of both cultural and human
• biological diversity through time.
• A positive appreciation of the diversity in contemporary and past societies and cultures.
• An understanding of the three main anthropological approaches to the
• study of humanity: cross-cultural comparison, holism, and evolutionary theory, and the uses of each.
• Familiarity with anthropological literature and data sources, and a knowledge of how to critically access such information.
• Knowledge of the methodologies used to collect and assess critically anthropological data.
• The ability to present and communicate appropriately in at least one of the
• subdisciplines of anthropology.
• Knowledge of the history of anthropology (theoretical approaches) and the major current issues in the subdisciplines.
• An understanding and appreciation for the role of anthropology in the workplace and the real world.