What is Anthropology?

What is anthropology?

Anthropology is broadly defined as the study of human diversity. As a discipline, it is comprised of four distinct subfields:

• Cultural anthropology, concerned with existing societies
• Linguistic anthropology, dealing with variability in language and the role of language in culture
• Archaeology, studying past societies through material and written remains
• Biological anthropology, focusing on human evolution and the interaction between culture and human biological variability

In addition to these four traditional subfields, one of the emerging trends in the field is a focus on Medical anthropology:

• Medical anthropology and Global Health is concerned with medicine and health at a more global scale, with less of a physical approach than Biological anthropology.

Where can I get information on majoring/minoring in anthropology?

• Most up-to-date information is available through this website.
• Students should consult the Undergraduate Handbook for a complete source of information for majoring/minoring in anthropology.