Anthropology is the study of the human species from a unique disciplinary perspective. Anthropology studies the history and evolution of past human cultures, present-day cultures and languages, and the evolution of the human species. This broad emphasis unites the study of social and cultural aspects of the human species with the biological, and so a typical question that an anthropologist might ask would be, how did prehistoric people survive, given the limitations of their bodies and their environments? What kind of society did they live in, and what were their beliefs? Cultural anthropologists, who are concerned with the scope of present-day cultures, might ask questions like this: How are the customs and beliefs of a certain group of people changing as they come in contact with the post- industrial and scientifically-based societies of Europe, North America, and East Asia? Why do some cultures change very little, and others undergo dramatic protest, and even revolution? Anthropologists believe that many of the events happening around us can be explained by understanding culture, and how cultures and people relate to each other. The practical value of anthropology goes beyond broadening our understanding of the human species and how we have changed biologically and culturally. For any person seeking to understand and deal with other ethnic groups in our own society, or in cultures around the world, for travel, business or scientific pursuits, a background in anthropology is very valuable. A key component of anthropology is learning to know and respect other cultures. Anthropology makes an important contribution toward the modern goals of peaceful relations between nations and ethnic groups. Racial slurs and put-downs, ethnic jibes, and religious prejudice are more than just impolite and discourteous - they cannot be justified by anthropologists, who have learned to understand the history and dynamics of human cultures. As a result, college graduates with training in anthropology are increasingly being sought after in business and industry, the sciences, and government. Anthropology is an excellent minor that complements any number of other university programs; the recently redesigned anthropology minor at UWSP allows students to use courses in other disciplines to fulfill a portion of the requirements for the minor. |