Anthropology
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of humankind, past and present. Anthropology examines humankind’s evolutionary history, its global cultural manifestations, and its patterns of social organization. The discipline of Anthropology is considered a social science; however, anthropologists draw upon information and techniques from a broad range of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and physical sciences, in their studies of humankind. Traditionally, Anthropology has been divided into four subfields:
- Social and cultural anthropology examines contemporary and recent cultures around the world. This discipline also examines socially relevant issues from a holistic and cross-cultural perspective in order to better understand the problems that confront our modern world.
- Biological anthropology explores human evolution and biological diversity; and bio-medical anthropology examines how human cultural practices influence the spread of infectious disease, the effects of urbanized lifestyle on people who have lived until recently under more traditional conditions, including the long-term evolutionary consequences of disease on human populations.
- Anthropological archaeology is the study of human history and culture through the material remains left by people who lived in the past. Archaeology is among the most interdisciplinary of studies, bridging the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and physical sciences.
- Anthropological linguistics is the study of how languages are constructed and the ways language affects thought.
The Department of Anthropology at UNB Fredericton offers education in the first three of these sub-fields.
What Can You Be With a Major/Honours in Anthropology?
A major does not dictate your career; it provides you with invaluable skills and knowledge that you can apply to many areas of life and work. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:
- Museum and lab technical assistants
- Field researchers
- Archivist
- Social workers/counsellors
- Search for Careers for more career possibilities.
With additional education/training…
- Professor
- Research Consultants
- Archaeologist
- Forensic Specialist
- Ethnographer
- Policy Advisor
- Primatologist
Where Can You Work?
- Business/Market Research Firms
- Universities and Colleges
- Museums/Art Galleries
- Consulting Firms
- Government and Non-Governmental Agencies
- Research Institutes
- Hospitals/Clinics
What Skills Can You Develop?
An Arts degree helps you develop transferable, functional skills such as writing, critical thinking and communication skills that employers and most work situations require. Concentrating your studies in a major allows you to gain specific transferable skills, such as those below, which are attractive to particular employers and industries.
- Research skills for national and international work
- Awareness of intercultural and cross-cultural conflicts and perspectives
- Ability to make critical observations and evaluations
- Ability for analytical and scientific thinking and reasoning
- Conducting field studies in international settings
- Research skills in both qualitative and quantitative methods
- Advocacy and action-oriented research
- Ability to understand cross-cultural perspectives and values
- Effective communication and report writing skills
- Planning and designing research projects
Professional Associations
Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations you can explore.
- Canadian Anthropology Society
- Canadian Museums Association
- Canadian Conservation Institute
- The Archaeological Institute of America
- Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology
Contact the Department
UNB Department of Anthropology
13 MacAulay Lane, Suite 28
Fredericton NB E3B 5A3
