Department of Anthropology
Introduction
Anthropology is the integrative study of human beings at all times and in all places. Anthropological expertise has special application for hidden histories and the ancient past; the intersection of human biology and ecology; and the way communities create and use meaning, values, and history in everyday life. We support studies, research, and professional applications in these areas with three programs of foundational training: archaeology; human biology, ecology, and evolution; and sociocultural anthropology.
Cutting across these specializations, the department supports concentrations that integrate anthropology’s diverse expertise to address contemporary world problems. Programming in these areas helps students connect their anthropological studies to work and life beyond the University. Current concentrations focus on health, medicine, and humanity; heritage and unwritten histories; global engagement; race, place and power; and food, environment, and sustainability.
Together, the Department of Anthropology’s programs and concentrations offer the undergraduate student one of the best introductions possible to our biological and cultural pasts and to our contemporary world. Anthropology majors thus develop the written and oral skills needed to live and work in a complex world marked by an accelerated rate of environmental, social, and cultural change. Anthropology majors acquire general knowledge and skills valued within a large number of occupations and professions, including but not limited to professional anthropology.
Advising
All majors and minors have a primary academic advisor assigned in ConnectCarolina. Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor and review their Tar Heel Tracker each semester. The department’s director of undergraduate studies (see “Contact Information” above) works with current and prospective majors and minors by appointment. Students are encouraged to consult with the director of undergraduate studies about course choices and field work opportunities. Departmental academic advising is particularly important for those majors who are considering going on to graduate school. Further information on courses, undergraduate research opportunities, and the honors program may be obtained from the department’s website.
Graduate School and Career Opportunities
There are three basic career paths for B.A.-level anthropology majors:
- Anthropology majors have open to them all of the career options of any student with a bachelor of arts degree in the liberal arts and social sciences, with the added advantage that they surely are more prepared than most in the growing international arena of business, government, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The resources and professional staff of University Career Services and the department’s director of undergraduate studies can provide guidance.
- Anthropology majors can seek a career that puts their anthropology degree directly into practice.
- Lastly, anthropology majors can continue with graduate education in order to seek a career in education, either as a social studies teacher in a school or a professor in a university. See Careers in Academic Anthropology–Graduate School Route.
Professors
Benjamin Arbuckle, Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld, Valerie Lambert, Paul W. Leslie, Patricia A. McAnany, Charles Price, Karla Slocum, Vincas P. Steponaitis, Colin Thor West, Amanda Thompson.
Associate Professors
Anna Agbe-Davies, Brian Billman, Jocelyn Chua, Glenn D. Hinson, Christopher T. Middleton, Christopher T. Nelson, Michele Rivkin-Fish, Jon Marcoux, Mark Sorensen, Angela Stuesse, Margaret J. Wiener.
Assistant Professors
Morgan Hoke, Caela O'Connell, Dafna Rachock, Melissa Salm.
Teaching Associate Professor
Martha King.
Teaching Assistant Professors
Rachel Briggs, Emily Curtin, Charles Hilton, Douglas Smit.
Adjunct Professors
Mara Buchbinder, Kia Caldwell, Sue E. Estroff, Lawrence Grossberg, Michael C. Lambert.
Adjunct Associate Professors
Emily Burrill, Heather Lapham, Barry F. Saunders, Patricia Sawin.
Adjunct Assistant Professors
Adolfo Ivan Batun-Alpuche, Dylan Clark, Mary Beth Fitts.
Professors Emeriti
Florence Babb, Carole L. Crumley, Robert E. Daniels, Arturo Escobar, Dale L. Hutchinson, Norris B. Johnson, Donald M. Nonini, James L. Peacock, Peter Redfield, C.Margaret Scarry, Silvia Tomášková.
