Department of Anthropology and Archaeology

Anthropology is the study (logos) of humans (anthropos), through all time and space. The discipline considers our struggle to adapt to and survive in the natural and social environments and to improve our lot in the face of perpetual change. Anthropologists teach how cultures evolve and the role of individuals and groups in the invention and perpetuation of cultural beliefs, behaviors, symbols, an

d systems. Anthropologists have accumulated in-depth knowledge of hundreds of cultures and use this to understand better our own cultural beliefs, actions, and institutions, as well as those of people from other cultures. As the science of cultures, anthropology brings a powerful perspective to bear in understanding the emerging global order. Cross-cultural and evolutionary insights and knowledge help us envision how we can incorporate vast human diversity into a unified world order of peace, prosperity, justice, and opportunity. The aim of anthropology is to understand the diversity of humans. For 100 years we have studied the cultures of the world, teaching people how to see themselves more clearly through the eyes of those who are different from themselves and how to work with the underlying humanity that unifies all cultural differences.