Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human – past, present, and future – anywhere in the world. It is global and it is local.
Careful record-keeping, attention to details, analytical reading, and clear thinking are taught by anthropological courses. Social ease in strange situations, critical thinking, and strong skills in oral and written expression are cultivated by anthropological training. Using a range of social, behavioral, biological, and other scientific research methods, anthropology majors learn to supplement statistical findings with descriptive data gathered through participant observation, interviewing, and ethnographic study.
What is an anthropologist?
An anthropologist is a trained observer who knows the importance of collecting data, in listening and watching what others are doing, in reflecting on what has actually as well as apparently occurred, in researching the context, in applying various explanatory models, and in adopting a broad perspective for framing an understanding. Whatever the topic of research, anthropologists share a particular holistic vision that requires using a repertoire of methods in order to forge a deeper understanding of situations. This holism characterizes the best anthropology and imparts the perspective for which the profession is valued.
Dr. Maureece Levin shares what it means to be an anthropologist:
Dr. Maureece Levin and Anthropology
Uploaded by UALR on 2023-10-20.
Jobs for Anthropology Majors
While the job market for academic anthropologists is relatively steady, demand for anthropologists is increasing in other areas. View the list of careers some of our graduates have held.
The American Anthropological Association, the largest professional organization of anthropologists in the U.S. keeps track of members who are in the news. Explore the career paths of anthropologists.
Anthropology Learning Outcomes
By graduation, anthropology majors should be able to:
- do anthropology: raise anthropological questions, develop strategies to find answers, gather data, contextualize knowledge, and analyze results.
- apply anthropological theory and knowledge to develop informed decisions, claims, and/or conclusions
- be comfortable with and knowledgeable of the guiding concepts of the discipline, including mechanisms and processes of evolution, implications and explanations of biological and cultural diversity, dynamics of cultural change, and rejection of ethnocentrism.
- present ideas coherently and effectively in written and spoken form, appropriately using the vocabulary, concepts, and cognitive skills of the discipline of anthropology.
- be engaged with the community/world by using their anthropological background to act responsibly and ethically in an increasingly complex world.
The UA Little Rock anthropology program prepares students to “Do Anthropology,” at a reasonable undergraduate knowledge level, meaning we want our students to be comfortable and confident to:
- Think Like an Anthropologist
- Act Like an Anthropologist
- Speak Like an Anthropologist
