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THE MAJOR
The Anthropology
major is a department within the College
of Arts and Letters.
JMU
Concentrations:
Archaeology
Biological Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology
General Anthropology
Admission and Progression Standards for this major:
Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSANTH.shtml
Description
of Major:
Anthropology is offered as a major and minor at JMU. The Anthropology Program provides students with an excellent undergraduate education in the major sub-fields of anthropology: archeological, cultural, biological, and general anthropology. Students learn fundamentals of evolutionary theory, the fossil and genetic evidence for human evolution and the importance of human biology for understanding contemporary human populations, biological variation and disease. Students gain an enhanced comprehension of culture and different cultural systems and the methodological and theoretical basis for interpreting human cultural differences and similarities. An understanding of the cultural origins and development of humans by analyzing the materials remains of prehistoric and historic cultures is also taught to students. The anthropology major offers globally oriented courses that stress critical thinking, cultural and scientific interpretation, intensive reading, rigorous writing, application of learning and research techniques used by anthropologists to understand contemporary problems. The courses offered prepare students for graduate degree programs, which is usually required to work as a professional anthropologist. An undergraduate degree, however, provides graduates with a solid foundation to pursue options both in and outside the field of anthropology in either public or private sectors. A minor in Historical Archaeology is also offered by the Anthropology Program.
Tell
me more about this field of study.
Anthropology is the study of humankind. Anthropologists study the origin, development and functioning of human societies and cultures, as they exist now, or have existed throughout history. Many sciences study humans and their behavior (anatomy, medicine, psychology, sociology and economics, for example), but anthropology is the only field which studies humans both as biological and cultural beings. Anthropologists are concerned with the total complexity of social and cultural life, including religion and rituals, family and kinship systems, languages, art and music, symbolism and economic and political systems. This "holistic" approach has forged anthropology into a unique and diverse social science discipline -- a field of study that both draws from and contributes to the natural sciences, the humanities and other social sciences. Anthropology is divided into several sub-fields, each of which looks at humanity from a different, but related, perspective. Anthropologists use a variety of research methods, including archaeological excavation, anatomical analysis, and fieldwork, participating in the daily lives of the people being studied.
Tell
me more about specializations in this major.
There are four concentrations within the Anthropology Program at JMU; they are: Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and General Anthropology. In Cultural Anthropology there is a focus on the diversity of human cultures, both Western and Nonwestern, and is concerned with understanding and explaining the differences and similarities among the world's societies. Cultural anthropology is noted for its distinctive research method known as extended participant-observation in which the anthropologist lives the everyday lives of the people being studied. Archaeology is a sub-area of cultural anthropology that studies extinct societies by analyzing their material remains. Archaeologists attempt to understand how societies that no longer exist were organized and how this relates to contemporary societies. Biological Anthropology focuses on the evolutionary history of humans and biological variation among contemporary human populations. As such, biological anthropologists study human anatomy, genetics, human growth and adaptation, biological and cultural evolution and primate behavior. General Anthropology is a concentration offered to those interested in combining work in the different sub-disciplines, and for those who prefer to explore the breadth of anthropology.
What
common major or minor combinations from other departments
complement this major?
Some common combinations include Africana Studies, American Studies, Art, Asian Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Family Studies, Geographic Sciences, Geology, Historical Archaeology, History, International Affairs, Justice Studies, Latin American Studies, Modern Foreign Languages, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, and Women's Studies.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Students who do well in this program are drawn to broad questions about human nature and social organization, and are interested in exploring these questions through research and careful analysis. Good and have good writing, and strong analytical and oral communication skills help students do well in this program. Many of our majors see anthropology as crucial in helping humans understand, function in, and positively re-figure a culturally diverse and increasingly interconnected world.
CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.
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