Anthropology is the study of humankind. The discipline examines the interplay of cultural, social, economic, political, natural and environmental factors in the development of humans and human communities. One of the strengths of anthropology as a discipline is its "holistic" or integrative approach; it links the life sciences, social sciences and the humanities and has strong ties with a multitude of disciplines ranging from biology to the fine arts.
Students of anthropology learn about human societies and cultures throughout the world, including when they developed and how they change. This broad perspective is applied to understanding ourselves and comparing ourselves with others. By using the knowledge and perspectives gained from many cultures, anthropology is in a position to offer great insight into understanding present human societies and offering solutions for the future. Anthropology is a key discipline contributing to multiculturalism, environmental studies, and globalization.
Students of anthropology learn a variety of skills focused on collecting and organizing data on human behavior, formulating theoretical and practical questions regarding human life, and interpreting data using well thought out procedures. This training in critical thinking and observation can be applied to any endeavor that deals with humans, as well as culture and society. Potential employment and professions that an undergraduate degree in Anthropology would aid include, but are not limited to, law, medicine, education, business, community development, social service, and human resources.
For more information about the discipline of and careers in Anthropology, go to the website for the American Anthropological Association. For those interested in archaeology specifically, go to the website for the Society for American Archaeology