Anthropology is the holistic study of humankind. The field is divided into two major areas of study:
First, the study of physical anthropology which draws on the theories and concepts of biological science in order to place humans in the taxonomy of living primates, and to explain the principles upon which Darwinian and modern evolutionary theory is based.
Second, the study of cultural anthropology, including archeology, linguistics, ethnography and ethnology. Archeology explores the artifactual evidence of the appearance of human culture and follows the evolution and diffusion of that culture in successive generations. Linguistics is concerned with the comparison of different language groups and their probable patterns of divergence. Ethnographers collect data from historical sources where possible, and by participant observation among the diverse cultural groups surviving to the present. This data is then studied by ethnologists to derive theories of human family, educational, religious economic and political behavior.
Students who complete the Introduction to Anthropology course at Snow College will be expected to demonstrate that they:
• know the major concepts of physical and cultural anthropology;
• understand the scientific theory of physical and cultural evolution.
Anthropology majors are employed in a variety of career fields. Anthropology majors are employed in but not limited to the following job fields: business and industry research, academic institutions, health professions, archeology, non-profit organizations, consulting, government agencies, communications, etc.
A career as a professional anthropologist, whether as a teacher or a researcher, is a long term commitment requiring the completion of at least a master’s degree if one seeks employment as a teacher at the 2-year college level, and a Ph.D. for employment in a teaching or research position at a 4-year college or university.
Government agencies and private foundations may fund projects in anthropology and hire qualified researchers and writers.
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