Most of the time when I am asked what my degree is, I usually get two reactions. The first is it is immediate acknowledgement and excitement because the person knows what it is and how incredibly awesome it is. The second is a blank stare followed by a rapid change of topic. Personally, it is usually pretty funny.
Anthropology is the study of (ology) humans (anthro) including the past and present. There are four subfields of anthropology:
*Biological: This is also known as physical anthropology, but has been renamed to include both morphology and genetics. For more information on biological (physical) anthropology, click here.
*Cultural: The study of cultures including religion, demography, ethnography, etc. Additional information on cultural anthropology can be found by clicking here.
*Linguistics: The study of language. More fascinating information can be found on linguistics by clicking here.
*Archaeology: Arguably the most known discipline in anthropology, thanks to Indiana Jones, archaeology involves excavating sites to learn more about people from that area. Findings may include artifacts, burials, and skeletons. Information on archaeology can be found by clicking here.
With all this information given, what it boils down to is anything that involves humans, anthropologists study. It encompasses a very wide range of topics that might surprise you. For example, comparative studies of primate behavior and ecology provide are routinely used to provide insight into humans.
If you have any questions about anthropology, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you.
Note: I do not at all claim to be an expert of anthropology but I am passionate about learning and stimulating learning, discussion, and questions. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in December 2012 in Anthropology. My coursework includes: Neandertals, Human Biological Variation, Primate Behavior and Ecology, Human Evolution, Sociology of Disaster, Medical Anthropology, and History of Anthropological Thought.
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