Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Anthropologists study global human experience, combining social, cultural, biological, archaeological, and linguistic approaches within a single discipline. Anthropological questions and topics are very diverse. We examine, for example, the meanings of Arab hip-hop, the social nature of suffering, how political and legal structures shape emotional life in South Asia, the relationship between culture and human rights, the globalization of armed conflict, art and cultural ownership, indigenous rights in contexts of environmental destruction in South America, the cultural and evolutionary shaping of human physiques, the global flows of "World Music," nationalist uses of archaeology, the consequences of bilingualism, local experiences of post-conflict intervention in Africa, and the intersection of transnational diasporas with U.S. notions of "race." While in the past anthropology was typically the study of non-Western societies, today anthropologists also work "at home" -wherever in the world that "home" is. Our course offerings reflect both our global approach and our concern with domestic and local issues. They also reflect the longstanding anthropological practice of combining a concern with "local voices" with the need to situate those voices socially, historically, and politically. Tufts is distinguished for its public anthropology initiative, in which faculty and students focus on key public concerns and/or engage with communities and audiences outside the academy. Anthropology at Tufts provides students not only with a strong background in critical thinking, analysis, and writing, but also with first-hand experience through field research. The combination of disciplinary breadth, global and local understanding, hands-on research, and public engagement makes a major in Anthropology an extremely strong preparation for graduate school and a wide range of careers. A major in Anthropology will enable you to develop the following skills: Analysis and interpretation of present and past human actions Methods for ethnographic research, including ethical and critical considerations A capacity for critical thinking through engagement with ethnographic, textual, and media material Scientific analysis, including techniques for interpreting archeological and/or human biological data Collaborative, team-based approaches to research and analysis Writing skills, including developing an argument Thinking internationally and globally Understanding concepts of locality, place and diversity In-depth knowledge of a specific region Intellectual engagement with a range of diverse audiences and communication with those from different backgrounds Understanding the meanings and uses of the concept of "culture" Knowledge of the history of the discipline Anthropology majors from Tufts have gone on to careers in the following areas: Health-related professions Law International development Humanitarian Assistance Human rights International diplomacy Forensics Museums Cultural resource management Journalism Documentary production Advertising Education Government Social work Community organizing Graduate study and academic careers in anthropology