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Anthropology as a discipline bridges the gap between the humanities,
the sciences, and the social sciences. The four-field approach includes
the major subdisciplines of ethnology/ethnography (cultural anthropology),
anthropological linguistics, archaeology, and physical (biological) anthropology.
Cultural anthropology may be further subdivided into such areas as economic
anthropology, psychological anthropology, philosophical anthropology,
and social organization and kinship, to name just a few. In recent years,
the fields of medical anthropology and applied anthropology have transcended
the traditional four-field approach.
Anthropology's major themes include cross-cultural comparisons and a focus
on non-Western cultures. Central to its perspective are the concepts of
culture, evolution, and history. Its cultural theory covers every area
of socio-cultural reality, that is, it is concerned with all aspects of
human existence.
Its methodology is built upon the notion of participant
observation, the practice of the anthropologist observing people for extended
periods of time in the environments and settings in which they reside,
and participating directly in activities whenever possible. By virtue
of its interdisciplinary character and its emphasis on cross-cultural
comparisons of "sociocultural reality," anthropology has a central
role to play in liberal arts study.
The aims of the anthropology program are to introduce students to the
anthropological perspective and the basic conceptual tools of the discipline
and to offer courses in a range of content areas for the general student.
In addition, the anthropology program has emphasized interdisciplinary
connections and approaches.
Anthropology courses are a part of a number
of programs, including Latin American Studies, Women's Studies, and International
Relations. Because of the limit of faculty, the program is not now in
a position to offer an anthropology major that covers the field adequately.
However, the department has developed a joint major in sociology and anthropology,
a minor in anthropology and offers opportunities for students to develop
interdisciplinary majors with anthropology and other fields.
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