Specializations in Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology
The study of cultural variation among human societies, focusing on social practices, beliefs, and the impact of globalization.
Physical Anthropology
The study of the biological and physiological aspects of humans, including human evolution, genetics, and primatology.
Archaeology
The examination of human history through material remains, artifacts, and cultural landscapes to understand past societies.
Linguistic Anthropology
The study of how language influences social life, culture, and identity, as well as the relationship between language and human behavior.
Medical Anthropology
The exploration of health, illness, and healthcare systems through a cultural lens, including the impact of social factors on health.
Economic Anthropology
The investigation of economic systems, practices, and behaviors within various cultures, emphasizing non-Western economies.
Political Anthropology
The study of power structures, governance, and political organization in different societies, including anthropological perspectives on politics.
Visual Anthropology
The use of visual media and methods to study and document cultural practices, beliefs, and interactions within societies.
Environmental Anthropology
The investigation of the relationship between humans and their environments, focusing on ecological anthropology and sustainability.
Urban Anthropology
The study of urban living and the cultural dynamics within cities, addressing issues like migration, globalization, and social networks.
Ritual and Performance Studies
Exploration of cultural rituals and performances as expressions of social and communal identity, meaning-making, and tradition.
Gender Anthropology
The study of gender roles, identities, and relations in different cultures, including feminist anthropology and queer studies.
Cognitive Anthropology
Examination of how cognitive processes are influenced by culture, including perception, memory, and the understanding of cultural knowledge.
Indigenous Anthropology
The study of Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and social practices, often aimed at promoting cultural preservation and rights.
Forensic Anthropology
The application of anthropological methods to legal contexts, including the identification of skeletal remains and analysis of trauma.
Anthropological Theory
The examination of foundational theories and concepts in anthropology, including structuralism, post-structuralism, and interpretivism.
Applied Anthropology
The practical application of anthropological knowledge and methods to address real-world issues in areas such as advocacy, education, and public health.
Cultural Resource Management
The management and preservation of cultural heritage and archaeological resources, involving compliance with laws and ethical guidelines.
Ethnobotany
The study of the relationship between people and plants, including how different cultures use plants for food, medicine, and rituals.
Paleoanthropology
The study of ancient human species through fossil evidence, focusing on human evolution and the development of hominins.
Social Anthropology
The comparative study of societies and cultures to understand social structures, patterns, and relations within different communities.
Cultural Psychology
Exploration of the ways culture influences psychological processes, including emotions, thought patterns, and behavioral norms.
Anthropology of Religion
The study of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions across cultures, including the formation of communal and individual identities.
Tourism Anthropology
The analysis of the social and cultural impacts of tourism on communities, including interactions between tourists and local populations.
Community Anthropology
Focus on the study of communities through participant observation and collaborative research aimed at social change and development.