Anthropology is the study of human cultures,
societies, and behavior in all parts of the world throughout all periods
of history.
There are four sub-disciplines: archaeology, the study of historic and
prehistoric cultures and civilizations; socio-cultural anthropology,
which is concerned with current cultures of all degrees of complexity;
physical anthropology, the biological aspects of the human species; and
anthropological linguistics, which is concerned with the scientific study
of language and its relationship to thought and society. In the past,
anthropologists tended to study people in small, tribal societies. In
recent decades, more attention has been given to peasantry and industrialized,
urban societies and to applying anthropology to solving problems of these
societies.
The Department of Anthropology
focuses on archaeology and socio-cultural anthropology. Training in linguistics
may be obtained through the linguistics course concentration. Courses
in biological/physical anthropology also are offered. In addition, the
Department offers courses in folklore, oral history, and geography, which
are closely related to socio-cultural anthropology.
Dedicated to the study of all aspects of humanity and of human societies in all
parts of the world and all periods of history and prehistory, anthropology provides
a key perspective in the social sciences and a liberal arts and sciences education.
Its major sub-disciplines are: physical anthropology - the study of human evolution
and the interaction of human biology and culture; archaeology - the study of
past societies through their material remains; anthropological linguistics -
the study of human language and its relationship to thought and society; and
cultural anthropology
- the study of contemporary societies around the world.
In common with other programs in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences,
the department provides students with the knowledge and training to think critically
and independently and communicate effectively. It also makes distinctive and
important contributions to College and University missions. By offering a thorough
grounding in human origins, archaeology, language, geography, folklore, and the
diversity of cultures, it provides the intellectual breadth necessary to appreciate
and cope with the increasingly global context of economic, social, scientific,
technological, and political issues, and the evolving multicultural dimensions
of contemporary
society.
Because a faculty at the forefront of knowledge is indispensable to the education
of students and the creation and dissemination of knowledge that will improve
the lives of students and Maine citizens in their full social, economic, and
cultural diversity, the department places as strong an emphasis on research as
on teaching. In addition, the department expects its faculty equably to shoulder
service obligations
to national, state, and campus institutions and organizations.
Anthropology provides very broad training in the social sciences. Therefore,
a background in anthropology is useful in any career in which an understanding
of people or the societies in which they live is important. Due to the broad
nature of the field, students trained in anthropology have followed a wide range
of careers. In recent years, our majors have pursued advanced training in anthropology
and folklore. They also have gone on to advanced training in law, social work,
business, theology, library science, museum work, nursing, computer programming,
clinical
psychology, and education.
International Affairs in anthropology majors receive excellent preparation
for careers in law, foreign service, international development, or business
operating in the international arena.
Students with graduate degrees in archaeology have found employment with public
agencies and private organizations concerned with cultural resource management.
Archaeology faculty members focus on historic and prehistoric
North America. The Cultural anthropologists have extensive field experience
in India, Europe,
the Middle East, Oceania, Latin America, as well as in North America and
prehistoric South America.
The anthropology faculty offer field schools in historic and prehistoric
archaeology, oral history and folklore, and geography. Students also are
encouraged to participate
in research programs in New England and the Maritime Provinces currently
in progress. In recent years students have been hired to work on archaeology
field
and laboratory projects, in the Museum of Anthropology, in The Maine Folklife
Center, and as interviewers and research assistants for projects in medical
anthropology, marine resource management, and demographic studies.
