In This Section

Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology will demonstrate the following:

Content, knowledge and skills (theories, concepts, & terms) consistent with the American Anthropological Association 

  • To articulate the theories, concepts and terms of the four fields in anthropology: cultural, biological, archeology, linguistics
  • To apply the foundational tenants of anthropology including: cultural relativism versus ethnocentrism, an integrated and holistic perspective to culture and an etic versus emic approach to studying culture
  • To recognize the core anthropologists and their contributions in the development of the discipline including Franz Boas, Branislow Malinowski, Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, and Don Johanson

Critical thinking: skill in analysis, synthesis, and use of evidence; problem solving (reflective & analytical) 

  • To apply anthropology concepts to explain cultural and societal experiences and recognize the limitations of personal experience in understanding cultural phenomenon
  • To use qualitative analyses including ethnography to understand social institutions, rituals, and cultural contexts of behavior

Communication: speaking and writing skills; technology literacy; research skills 

  • Conduct and write a review that summarizes part of the anthropology literature, applying fundamental strategies such as a thesis focus, an informative middle and an effective conclusion resulting from effective drafting, revising, and editing
  • Use and define terms and concepts of the discipline and, applying them appropriately, show a strong and direct link between concepts and assigned readings
  • Deliver effective oral presentations in a variety of communication settings, using standard diction of American English in a professional manner including dress and demeanor
  • Lead and participate effectively in a group discussions, applying active listening skills and a respect for diverse views in interpersonal settings
  • Select the most appropriate sources and databases for accessing and obtaining the needed information in order to ascertain the reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, and point of view or bias of a given source.

Integrity/values: academic integrity, discipline specific ethical issues; an understanding of ethics; respect for social diversity 

  • Understand and demonstrate academic integrity, including honor code requirements within university, community and professional settings
  • Apply ethical standards of the profession of anthropology to research and practice
  • Understand the Christian worldview and apply Biblical values and moral/ethical principles to research and practice
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to issues of social diversity and exhibit respect for socially diverse groups

Project management: team work skills; informed participation in multiple levels of community applying academic studies to the workplace and professional environments

  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals with diverse backgrounds
  • Adapt to new workplace environments and changing professional needs
  • Develop leadership and self-management skills to work effectively in a variety of social and group contexts
  • Respond appropriately to feedback from supervisors and team members
  • Apply academic knowledge to a variety of work and social contexts to enhance interactions and performance