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
The resources and professional staff of University Career Services and the department’s director of undergraduate studies can provide guidance. Additionally, students are encouraged to reach out to any Anthropology faculty member they take a class with to ask about career advising. 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 are more prepared than most in the growing international arena of business, government, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
- Anthropology majors can seek a career that puts their anthropology degree directly into practice through applied work, working for larger research teams, or jobs in cultural resource management.
- Lastly, anthropology majors can continue with graduate education in order to seek a career in education, either as a social studies teacher at a school or a professor at a university.
Professors
Benjamin Arbuckle, Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld, Paul W. Leslie, Christopher T. Nelson, Charles Price, Michele Rivkin-Fish, Karla Slocum, Amanda Thompson, Colin Thor West, Margaret J. Wiener.
Associate Professors
Anna Agbe-Davies, Jocelyn Chua, Glenn D. Hinson, Christopher T. Middleton, Jon Marcoux, Mark Sorensen, Angela Stuesse, Matthew Velasco.
Assistant Professors
Morgan Hoke, Caela O'Connell, Dafna Rachock, Melissa Salm.
Teaching Associate Professor
Rachel Briggs, Martha King.
Teaching Assistant Professors
Emily Curtin, Jacob Griffin, Charles Hilton, Douglas Smit.
Adjunct Professors
Mara Buchbinder.
Adjunct Associate Professors
Maya Berry, Heather Lapham, Barry Saunders.
Adjunct Assistant Professors
Adolfo Ivan Batun-Alpuche, Mary Beth Fitts.
Professors Emeriti
Florence Babb, Brian Billman, Carole L. Crumley, Robert E. Daniels, Arturo Escobar, Dale L. Hutchinson,Norris B. Johnson, Valerie Lambert, Patricia A. McAnany, Donald M. Nonini, James L. Peacock, Peter Redfield, C.Margaret Scarry, Vincas P. Steponaitis, Silvia Tomášková.
