Undergraduate - Area of study Anthropology

Anthropology is the comparative study of different ways of life - it seeks an 'insider' perspective on alternative ways of being in the world. To interpret human behaviour, anthropologists ask questions not just about what people do, but about why they do it, what they mean by it, what motivates them to do it and what people value in diverse societies and cultures. Anthropologists are playing an increasingly important role in the modern world; wherever human diversity is an issue, anthropologists are called upon to provide their expertise. In fields as diverse as journalism, climate change, mining, dispute-resolution and peace-building, social policy, indigenous issues and development aid, anthropologists are called upon to contribute their specialised knowledge and understanding.

Anthropologists generally gain this knowledge and understanding experientially, by immersing themselves in the lives of others. They usually select and approach a group of people following a distinct way of life with a collective identity of some kind, often based on religious, political, social or economic factors. Using a method known as fieldwork, anthropologists observe the lives of others by living with them, sharing in their experiences, and discussing their perspectives to gain a detailed understanding of their cultural world. The social contexts in which anthropologists conduct fieldwork are extremely varied, but what anthropologists share is a commitment to exploring and understanding different ways of life and diverse cultural perspectives, so as to illuminate these for others. Anthropology thus enables us to develop an understanding of cultural difference, but it also helps us reflect on our own cultural world from an altered perspective.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the major, students will be able to:

• critically analyse, apply and communicate an advanced level of understanding of the content, methods of investigation and theoretical frameworks of anthropology, and utilise the research skills gained from exposure to this and other disciplines
• advocate for the need to appreciate difference in problem-solving at all levels of social organisation
• demonstrate the critical ability to analyse truth claims and evidence, and utilise training to adapt skills and knowledge in different contexts
• engage responsibly in professional practice cooperatively with others, demonstrating a capacity to accommodate the world view of others and achieve agreed outcomes through the use of highly developed oral and written communication skills
• devise time management practices to manage competing demands, engage in professional development and demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning.