BA in Cultural Anthropology

Anthropology is the holistic, cross-cultural study of humanity that explores the multiple ways that humans create meaning in the world. Studying anthropology provides students with an understanding of the varied nature of past and present cultures, as well as a deeper awareness and appreciation of the world in which they live. Anthropology at Northeastern University specializes in cultural anthropology - the relationship of culture to the institutions, interpersonal relations, and practices that make up their social structure. Our program specifically focuses on how culture interacts with structures of inequality such as race, class, gender, and ethnicity, as well as with contemporary global issues such as poverty, illness, environmental degradation, and economic development. Our courses complement a wide range of interdisciplinary programs at Northeastern including, environmental studies, international affairs, African American studies, and women’s, gender and sexuality studies. A major in anthropology prepares students for occupations in government, business, and community organizations, in fields as wide ranging as international affairs, medicine, environmental protection, social services, education, historic preservation, law, and business. In addition, the major serves as excellent preparation for advanced academic and professional study in the social sciences. Anthropology: Learning Goals and Objectives - The anthropology major should demonstrate understanding of and facility with the following: The discipline of socio-cultural anthropology and its role in contributing to our understanding of societies and cultures worldwide, such that the student will have knowledge of: what anthropology is as a discipline; what anthropology is as practice. The role of ethnography in anthropology, such that the student will be able to: identify what constitutes ethnographic data and how it is generated and collected. Apply different theoretical concepts to current social phenomena; understand the social, political, and ethical implications of anthropological research. Critical thinking and effective communication skills, such that the student will be able to: identify key issues and key debates in anthropology; communicate effectively in oral and written work; Social engagement, whether in local, national, or international contexts, as evident in the student’s: choice of topic in applied or theoretical projects while matriculating; ability to make connections, identify similarities, and differences across cultures; engagement with issues of social justice and social inequality. Embedding contemporary cultures within their international, transnational, or global contexts to: describe and analyze how cultures have responded to the challenges of globalization in various times and places; demonstrate an understanding of the connections and differences between regions coded as west/non-west, developed/developing, colonial/postcolonial, north/global south.