Overview of Anthropology at Butler
The expansive discipline of anthropology explores the human
condition with a range of perspectives and approaches, appreciating
humans as both biological and cultural creatures. The primary focus
of our program is Cultural Anthropology, which studies the ways
that humans create meaning, forge alliances, assert differences,
and both reinforce and create anew social and political hierarchies
and vectors of inequality. Throughout the curriculum, students are
trained to critically read and understand the complexities of
ethnography-the qualitative research method and product that
defines the discipline. They also have the opportunity to produce
their own original ethnographic work in course research assignments
as well as larger honors thesis projects, which may be the
outgrowth of study abroad, field school, or internship experiences.
Knowledge acquired by students in the theoretical frameworks and
methodological means for understanding and analyzing cultural
institutions, practices and phenomena will help prepare students
for future careers spanning from non-profit work, to health care,
to education and business. Program majors will also be well
prepared for advanced graduate study in Anthropology and other
social sciences, and professional programs ranging from Public
Health, to Social Work, to Business or Law School.
Which courses will I take?
An Anthropology curriculum might include, but not be limited to,
some of the following courses:
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Required Courses
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Electives
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AN101 First Year Departmental Seminar
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AN304 Medical Anthropology
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SW215 Introductory Anthropology
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AN 313 Nation-States and Nationalisms
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GE 109 Cultural Geography
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AN 320 Gender and Sexuality in Global Perspective
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300-level Subfield Course
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AN 328 Japanese Popular Culture
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Anthropological Methods (352, 354, or 356)
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AN 342 Science, Technology & Society
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AN 390 Development of Anthropological Thought
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AN346 Native American Cultures
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AN 460 Capstone Seminar or Honors Thesis
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AN 368 Coming of Age in the Middle East
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Internship, advisor approved elective, or field school
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AN380 Youth & Conflict in Global Cinema
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AN380 Imagining Latin American Cultures
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What skills will I develop?
Anthropology majors are trained to research topics, read complex
material, critically evaluate information, and write cogent
analyses of their findings. Throughout our curriculum students are
trained to critically read and understand the complexities of
ethnography-the qualitative research method and product that
defines the discipline. They also have the opportunity to produce
their own original ethnographic work in course research assignments
as well as larger honors thesis projects, which may be the
outgrowth of study abroad, field school, or internship experiences.
Anthropologists need to develop their own thoughts and draw their
own conclusions and often challenge or overturn long-held
assumptions or ways of doing things-skills critical in dynamic and
rapidly changing careers. Like many Liberal Arts degrees, the
skills you learn in Anthropology courses are "transferable" skills
and can be transferred from one career to another.
What career opportunities are there for someone with this
degree?
The Anthropology degree is versatile. Graduates can work in
education, government, social services, high-tech, health care,
museums, the non-profit sector, consulting, product design, and a
wide range of other business-related fields. Equipped with strong
research, writing, analytical, and communication skills,
anthropology graduates are immediately employable in a range of
professions, including as teachers, curators, urban planners,
writers, professional researchers, non-profit employees, and human
resource specialists. Individuals who combine their anthropology
skills with additional professional or technical schooling often
prove themselves to be some of the most competitive candidates in
their chosen field, whether it be as a doctor, lawyer, social
worker, business consultant, public health administrator, designer,
psychologist, engineer… and the list goes on. Here are what some
recent Butler graduates are doing with their degrees:
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University Faculty
|
ESL Instructor
|
Brain Researcher
|
Public Health
Researcher
|
|
University Administration
|
International Economic Consulting
|
High School Teacher
|
Lawyer
|
|
Peace Corps
|
Social Worker
|
Medical Doctor
|
Teach for America
|
Where can I get more information?
Department of History & Anthropology
Butler University
317.940.9230
jhendri1@butler.edu
or
Dr. Elise Edwards, Dept. Chair
Associate Professor of Anthropology
317.940.9743