Introduction to Anthropology

In Introduction to Anthropology, we look at the comparative study of humankind. Our emphasis is on the core concepts, methods and components of the four subfields - Biological Anthropology, Anthropological Archaeology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Sociocultural Anthropology (shortened to Cultural Anthropology). In addition, the course connects anthropology to our everyday life. It focuses on understanding and appreciating the diversity of human beings through examining language, gender, religion and other societal institutions. The course concludes with the role of anthropology in our changing world.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Interpret the fundamental principles of the four subfields of anthropology as presented in the text.
• Compare and contrast strategies used by anthropologists to study human development, including the application of the scientific method.
• Recognize the influence of anthropological theories and methods on ideas in other disciplines related to anthropology.
• Recognize the variety of people and cultures that exist today and the influences and processes that contributed to their evolution.
• Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between present-day and earlier people regarding their beliefs, religions, customs, languages, marriage practices, family structures, and artistic expression, among other topics.
• Apply concepts of evolution and genetics to the history of human development.
• Identify world systems and global issues and recognize how our cultural differences influence the solutions to these problems at both individual and societal levels.

Title: Anthropology: Appreciating Human Diversity, 19^th edition, by Kottak, Conrad Phillip, McGraw-Hill Education. 

If you are struggling with a term or concept, you can utilize the links below to search for the concept or term to find additional resources and explanations.

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Open Source Textbook: Perspectives: An Open Invitation to Cultural Anthropology

Open Source Textbook: Explorations: An Open Invitation To Biological Anthropology 

Society of Linguistic Anthropology

Archaeological Institute of America

MIT Open Education Intro to Anthropology Course

American Anthropological Association

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