Anthropology
Qualifications
BA, CertArts, BA(Hons), MA, PhD, GradDipArts
Introduction
Anthropology is an academic discipline devoted to the study of humanity (the Greek anthropos means 'human being'). It is a very wide-ranging discipline, made up of a variety of subdivisions. The kind of anthropology taught at the University of Canterbury is known as social and cultural anthropology. This branch of anthropology has close ties to a number of other academic disciplines, especially sociology, philosophy, Māori studies, linguistics, Pacific studies, Asian languages, fine arts, theatre studies, geography and history (see Related subjects).
Anthropology has often been described as 'going to a far place in order to understand a familiar place better'. Students enrolled in Anthropology courses can expect to be introduced to the study of culture and society through a study of the wide variety of ways in which people around the world live, but also through an appreciation of what humans have in common and of the fundamentals on which social life is based. It is characteristic of anthropology to attempt to compare across societies and to try and make generalisations about the nature of human social life and culture. In this sense it promotes cross-cultural awareness and self-understanding.
Traditionally, anthropology concentrated on the study of non-western societies, but this is no longer the case and Anthropology students can also expect to learn about a variety of things relevant to western societies. These include areas such as ethnic relations, migration, social change, environmental policies and the preservation of cultural resources.
Anthropology's concern with culture, and with placing issues in their full social and cultural contexts in order to understand them, provides knowledge and skills which will have use in a wide variety of occupational situations. Anthropology addresses and offers insights into many of the social issues and problems facing New Zealand and the world today. Anthropologists have an important role to play in areas of public policy.
Recommended background
Anthropology is a broad discipline which contributes to and also draws from other social sciences, physical sciences and the humanities. Acquaintance with some aspects of these fields can be helpful to a career in anthropology but is not necessary at all for the introductory courses in Anthropology.
100-level courses
Students majoring in Anthropology are advised to take two courses in Anthropology at 100-level.
200-level and beyond
Further study
Students may continue after the three-year BA and enrol in the one-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) programme. Students who have completed a BA(Hons) degree may proceed to the Master of Arts (MA) or doctoral programmes (PhD), both of which involve thesis work. Further information is available on the School of Social and Political Sciences website.
Career opportunities
For professional anthropologists, there are employment opportunities in research, museum work and university teaching, as well as in certain sectors of local and central government (eg, where research skills are needed) and in non-governmental agencies dealing with issues such as third-world development and human rights.
An undergraduate major in Anthropology will provide you with skills and expertise in a wide variety of employment situations, especially where sensitivity to people, an appreciation of cultural diversity and an ability to grasp alternative ways of seeing the world are required.
Anthropology majors may be found in positions requiring skill in international relations or foreign affairs (eg, the diplomatic corps), in journalism and other branches of the media, public relations, social work, adult education, museums and libraries, tourism, international agencies, human resources, resource management, and in a variety of government departments.
Contact
School of Social and Political Sciences
Telephone: +64 3 364 2899
Email: patricia.ydgren@canterbury.ac.nz