Department of Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University strives to provide the very best undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department stresses an open, critical, and diverse intellectual forum for examining and coming to understand the processes, constraints, and possibilities for what it means to be human today and what being human has meant prehistorically and historically.  In both its undergraduate and graduate programs, Anthropology Department faculty members take mentorship seriously and students have ample opportunity for close interaction and collaboration with faculty.

Basically, What is Anthropology?   

  Webster says...   

Anthropology (an-thro-pó-lo-gy): 1) the science that deals with the origins, biological and cultural development, physical characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind; 2) the study of humanity's similarity to and divergence from other animals; 3) the science of human beings and their works, in all times and places.   

  What Type of Person Will Find Enjoy Studying Anthropology?   

Many students derive great satisfaction from extending their knowledge of humankind, opening up new vistas and throwing fresh light on some old ideas. It also is great for those who like to do independent research and take part in departmentally sponsored field trips and study tours, both locally and outside the USA.   

The anthropology program can be described in terms of the following general areas of study:   

1. Archaeology   

1. Biological Anthropology   

1. Cultural Anthropology   

...and each has its special lessons to give...   

  What Can I Learn from Cultural and Social Anthropology?   

One sure-fire way to expand your horizons is to get involved in the study of the many people and cultures of the world. You will discover many new approaches to understanding people and their behavior. We offer classes and research connections in many areas:   

Cultural ecology, culture change, ethnoart, folklore, kinship, Medical Anthropology, peoples and cultures around the world, urban anthropology...   

to name a few...   

  What Can I Learn from Archaeology?   

DIG THIS!! Understand the common cultural roots of all humankind, how and why these cultures changed, through an examination of their material remains. Our classes and research connections allow you to explore topics like   

Prehistory around the world, archaeological methods and techniques, Mayan archaeology, South American archaeology, European archaeology, zooarchaeology …  

and so much more!  

What Can I Learn from Biological Anthropology?   

HUMANS!!   

Learn about discoveries relating to the biological underpinnings of culture and society. A few topics our courses and research connections cover include   

Human evolution, human variation, growth and development, and human osteology   

SOUNDS GOOD?...BUT...What About a Job?   

Anthropology as an undergraduate area of concentration has potential value for a variety of career paths. Many of our majors will go on to study for advanced degrees in Anthropology programs at FAU and around the world in preparation for research and teaching positions.   

But remember, Anthropology is one of the social sciences and as such has comparable career opportunities at the pre-professional level in the field of public service, in education and in the business world. In addition, Anthropology is a suitable major for law and medical programs. Our curriculum is designed to provide for the needs of today's students who have different purposes for studying Anthropology and varied goals in mind.   

Here's some information about our alumni, taken from  Steppingblocks :