What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of humans in the broadest sense. Anthropology explores what it means to be human as biological and cultural beings, attempting to document and understand the diversity and variations of human life around the globe and through time.

There are four traditional subfields in anthropology: physical/biological anthropology, archaeology, socio-cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology.

Anthropology intersects many other disciplines, as anthropologists rely on the findings of colleagues in the biological and physical sciences, humanities and arts, and other social sciences to piece together the puzzle of what makes all human societies unique and interesting.

A minor in anthropology is ideal for students who have an interest in cultural and social diversity from around the globe, and want to explore contemporary cultures and prehistoric societies. Students who wish to pursue careers or research opportunities internationally will find the minor provides them with the background and critical thinking skills to flourish in a new cultural environment.

The anthropology program provides students with a foundation in the discipline's history and theoretical approaches, and introduces them to the findings of anthropologists conducting research throughout the world.

While the course offerings at Quinnipiac are largely focused on the work of socio-cultural anthropologists, students are encouraged to pursue summer and winter break field-school opportunities in archaeology and biological/physical anthropology to round out their education.

If interested in learning more about anthropology, please contact Hillary Haldane, assistant professor of anthropology, at hillary.haldane@quinnipiac.edu.