Anthropology promotes understanding and appreciation of social complexity and diversity, actively improving the human condition.
Anthropology is the study of humans. Anthropologists study the entire spectrum of human existence from 6.5 million years ago when the first hominid set foot on the African continent, the process of human evolution, domestication of plants and animals, development of civilization, migration to the ends of the earth, and the present day diversity of cultures, religions, economies, and kinship systems seen around the world. Anthropology provides a well-rounded, generalist education that enhances wide career choices and provides students with the ability to critically evaluate theories, options, and actions that affect humankind.
2009 Distinguished Maine Professor
Jim Acheson
Our own Jim Acheson was awarded the most prestigious UMaine honor at the Honors Convocation this year - that of Distinguished Maine Professor! The DMP is awarded by the Alumni Association in honor of excellence in teaching, research, and service. These areas of Jim's life have been intertwined during his many years of service to the university, our students, and the state of Maine. Jim's environmental policy research on the lobstering industry in Maine is lauded as one of the most successful environmental policy initiatives nationwide, and for which he was honored with an Official Expression of Recognition from the 121st State of Maine Legislature. Maine's students have greatly benefited from Jim's expertise and skill in the classroom and willingness to train future policy makers in the field. Maine has gained an environmental policy expert whose ideas and abilities have provided the crucial link between the cultural human dimension to environmental understanding. Congratulations to Jim!!!
Anthropology faculty have been awarded the Top Four University Awards:
Distinguished Maine Professor
James M. Acheson, 2009
Richard G. Emerick, 1966
Presidential Outstanding Teaching Award
Paul "Jim" Roscoe, 1996
Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award
James M. Acheson, 2005
Presidential Outstanding Public Service Award
Edward "Sandy" Ives, 1993
Climate Change on Planet Earth; A Monthly Public Lecture Series
This lecture series, organized by Assistant Professor Greg Zaro, is intended to make the science of climate change and human-environment connections accessible to a broad audience.
All lectures are free and open to the public.
The Climate Change on Planet Earth lecture series will resume in Fall 2009. Please watch for lecture announcements in September.
