Anthropology is a very broad discipline, which allows for the distinctive, comparative,
cross-cultural study and creation of unique perspectives for understanding societies and cultures around the world. The formal definition of anthropology is "the study of human
species and immediate ancestors", as defined by Gezon and Kottak in their text, Culture. This definition is by no means the only one available, and students and scholars of anthropology may offer different definitions or interpretations if ever asked. For the purposes of this blog and to remain consistent with course material, definitions will come from Dr. Boston's course materials and texts.
The discipline of anthropology began as one meant to study nonindustrialized cultures that had limited interactions with "Western" cultures, but the discipline has grown and developed over the decades to one that is considered the comparative science
that extends to all societies-ancient and modern, simple and complex.
Anthropology is a holistic discipline that covers four fields:
- Cultural (study of human societies and cultures)
- Linguistic (study of language from an anthropological perspective)
- Biological/physical (study of human biological diversity both in the past and present, including but not limited to the study of primates, hominids, and modern populations)
- Archaeological (study of past human cultures through their material remains)
Anthropologists study humans from one or more of these various different fields. For example, I focus my studies and research on bioarchaeology, which utilizes approaches in biological/physical anthropology as well as archaeology. I chose this approach as I believe it allows more flexibility and a great understanding in the study of humans in the past, particularly from biological and cultural perspectives.
Anthropology is a rich discipline that allows for the holistic study of humans, societies, and cultures. The applications of anthropological perspectives and methods are numerous and invaluable not just to anthropologists but anyone working with humans. In other words, anyone and everyone can learn something from studying and using anthropology in their daily lives, and many already are. It is my hope that as you read these posts you will not only learn more about anthropology but gain a better understanding of the world around you and the utility of anthropology in your daily lives-professional or personal.
30 comments:
I was never really interested in Anthropology until I started taking these classes. Paleoantology was the only thing I really knew anything about. My son, since he was two, has wanted to dig up dinosaurs so I became interested in it. But these classes have taught me so much. If I ever got into Anthropology, I think I would enjoy archaeology the most. When I was a kid I used to dig up lots of things. I never kept any because my mother hated it when I brought stuff home from my ramblings through the woods. I would enjoy learning more about how to date things and find out how far we could really go back when we put our minds to it.
I'm actually really excited for this class, I didn't even know that Linguistic Anthropology was a thing but now that we've gone over it it makes sense as to why it is. This has really expanded my view of the subject.
-Mauricio Carrizales
We have an Anthropological Linguistics course that is going on this term. If you are so inclined you may want to investigate enrolling in it. Open enrollment ends on Friday at 5 pm.
I have taken both physical and cultural anthropology classes. Although i liked them both, Cultural anthropology peeked my interest a little more. Learning about different cultures opened my eyes that almost everyone is the same. The cultural aspects of this relatively new field is exciting in that the people are living examples of what happens in remote areas with what resources they have. I think that high school students should have a basic cultural anthropology class aside what is learned in history class. I truly feel we would have less prejudices and a better understanding of people as a whole. Maybe a better world would be the end result.
this was my first time taking anthropology and it is very interesting finding out how we started and what our ancestors looked and how they adapted to the environment and the basics on how to date and understand how it works.
I have been wondering in Linguistic Anthropology is it the study of how we evolved speech patterns and why? And how much can be learned from what little we have today in cultures and languages. Why and how did we evolve our linguistic skills to come out of grunts and moans to the vocal patterns we know today? A few questions that could be answered even today.
Well, linguistic anthropologists can study that, although it is not a primary area of study among linguistic anthropologists. Physical anthropologists focusing on morphological changes in hominid species, as well as some neuroscientists do study this subject. As for why we evolved speech, it is believed to be genetic actually. The FoxP2 gene is associated with the ability for humans to speak. :)
When I first enrolled in Anthropology 101, I was expecting a simple college course: one in which introduces it's students to different cultures and their ways of life. As I completed the course, in which I am a few weeks out from doing so, I realized that Anthropology is much more involved in the study of human beings, the genealogy of such ancestors, and their biological makeup. By taking this course, I have learned not only the biological makeup of a human being, but also the cultures in which we are a part of. Anthropology is so much more.:)
I didn't even know what anthropology was until I took this class with Dr. Boston. I just knew I needed this class as a pre-requisite class for when I transfer over to Arizona State in the fall of 2017. She really knows what she is talking about and is super enthusiastic about the subject. She has definitely opened my eyes to anthropology and has taught us that there are so many different fields of anthropology that I had no idea existed!
I didn't expect too much from the anthropology course I took. But I learned that Anthropology is actually a very broad field with legitimate applications in our modern society.
Before this course, I had no formal understanding of anthropology nor its breadth. Personally, cultural anthropology through the impositions of its Western 'founders' have been an experience rich with insight and awareness. Within the context of 'race' and 'ethnicity', particularly in U.S. society and its influence over politics/policy, have been at times painful to confront...but ultimately rewarding and empowering.
I can now say I have a newfound appreciation for anthropology as a whole--not only through the benefits it extends to our everyday interactions, but also its offering of answers pertaining to our 'human condition' and collective history.
Before you class I and no clue what anthropology even meant. It was suggested by my guidance counselor as part of my degree requirement and even when she said it the first thing I thought of was archeology. As I'm nearing the end of this course I realize now that there is so much more than just anthropology.
Anyone can be enriched by taking an anthropology class, especially cultural anthropology. This subject allows you to look outward and learn about others. It's a study of humans, so we also learn about ourselves.
In my opinion anthropology is a necessary course in education. It has exposed me to countless cultures around the world and has challenged me to dive deeper into my own culture. I have a better understanding on evolution and how modern humans came about. I have definitely taken from both anthropology 101 and 102 and believe that every human should study in this field to some extent to have a better understanding on our own origins.
Before taking anthropology I was planning on graduating in the previous semester. However, I am glad that took SA 202 to fill out my course 8 section I have learned some interesting things about the history of anthropology and different cultures. Its neat to see how are surroundings have changed over time.
I agree that anthropology helps when dealing with people even if you aren't an anthropologist. When being put in this class I didn't know if this class would help at all, but learning about other cultures is always a good idea.
I didn't even know what anthropology was until I took this class with you Dr. Boston
Have you ever thought about being any of the other types of anthropologists? How does it make you feel to study other humans?
-Tiffany Heavens
Excellent questions, Tiffany. I have always said that if I could go back in time and restart my undergraduate career I'd probably have focused on sociocultural anthropology. The reasons include a few different employment options (I would be content asking people why they drink vodka and get paid doing that), as well as research opportunities where I could study specific subcultural communities (i.e. hang out with my friends). But ultimately as a Biological Anthropologist I'm pretty adept in two other subfields (archaeology and sociocultural anthropology), and I am transitioning to more archaeology at this point in my career, which enables me to take on more sociocultural research, too. :)
As for how does it make me feel to study humans it makes me feel like I'm learning a big secret that not everyone is in on. As we discussed in the chapter on culture we make our own culture. We manipulate it. We can control it in some respects. Maybe not for everyone, but once you realize that the expectations provided to you are culturally dictated you have a bit more freedom to do as you please. There is nothing wrong with choosing to stick with the culturally prescribed paths that are expected, but you recognize that you have a choice and that can be very liberating and frustrating.
Out of these four fields in anthropology cultural, linguistic, biological/physical, and archaeological which one do you think is the most demanding in the work force as an anthropologist? -Alexander Taylor
Honestly, all of them, although the demand varies year to year. In times of economic booms archaeology can be in higher demand than sociocultural and biological. Demand is typically always there.
If you could go back, would you still become a Physical Anthropologist/Bioarchaeologist or out of the
four fields, which would you become?
I am super excited to get s further insight on each of the four careers.
--Kimberly Wilbers
Kimberly, I already answered this, so please review the previous response. :)
I came all the way to the first post I know I'm weird Dr.Boston. However great start introducing one of the interesting subjects I've ever learned about in education. I wanted to know how many different types of anthropologist there are because its such a broad field and I know an anthropologist can just study one thing so would it be classified as its own anthropology. I hope I didn't ask a weird or confusing question. -Malachi Brewer
When I was first got this class I honestly didn't know what to expect or what I will be learning. I'm happy that I did get this class because it's amazing and extremely interesting. I love reading more about the human life, bones,etc. - Alexis Buford
I'm really glad i took this class and hope others choose to as well because the things we go over are very controversial and probably mind blowing to you. You get a lot of new viewpoints you probably thought you'd never have.
It is interesting to think how deep the study of anthropology reaches within the multiple disciplines or emphasis. Thinking it was just about the study of human movements, this post proves to me that anthropology can be much more such as physical or biological. There's many choices under the umbrella of anthropology.
-Chyann Taylor
I think this was the perfect time for me to read the post. When I was in grade school, the only field of anthropology I knew was archaeological. Now, I have spent this semester learning about cultural anthropology and I have forgotten that this is not the only field. I am not sure if I have heard of linguistic anthropology before now, so I am glad to have seen these four fields compared.
Briana Jones
Before taking this course I had never heard of the term Anthropology. I have heard of all four fields but never knew how they connected and referred to anthropological perspective of study. The more I see viewpoints and how they can be used I can definitely see where these anthropological perspectives can be used in my daily life. These viewpoints have really opened my eyes to a new perspective.
How credible would you say Gezon and Kottak are. Out of the four fields I think the one I relate to the most is linguistic. I just find it fascinating. In the future I want to become a psychologist. But mostly a child psychologist so I think that the field/area of linguistic, could really help me out in the future.
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