Anthropology

Overview

Anthropology is the study of the human condition, past and present. The Anthropology BA program from Skidmore College concentrates on three sub-areas within anthropology: cultural anthropology, which studies the ways of life of different groups and communities in the present; archaeology, which studies the human past through its physical remains; and biological anthropology, which focuses on the adaptations, variability and evolution of humans and their living and fossil relatives. By exploring the complexities of culture, social action and biology, our students investigate and appreciate human diversity. In the support of a liberal arts education, we encourage students to develop interdisciplinary interests by bridging anthropology with the natural and social sciences, humanities, and arts, and to explore those interests through coursework, individual research projects, internships, and study abroad experiences. Through studying the breadth and scope of the human experience, students become responsible, informed global citizens.

In the course of their studies, anthropology students will acquire the following skills:

• Use anthropological concepts and ideas to think critically, challenge cultural generalizations and stereotypes, and productively engage cultural difference;
• Understand contemporary anthropology in the light of its history;
• Employ methods of data collection, conduct data analysis, and write evidence-based reports and papers;
• Employ theoretical concepts in writing;
• Follow the writing conventions in anthropology;
• Integrate visual information in papers and reports;
• Effectively deliver oral presentations;
• Relate the anthropology major to current world issues; and
• Relate the anthropology major to life after Skidmore.