Anthropology at UC Merced
Anthropology is dedicated to understanding humankinds diversity as well as what makes us
uniquely human. Through the specific perspectives and methods of socio-cultural, archaeological, and biological anthropology, students learn how the human experience (past and present) is constituted through the interaction of social, cultural, political, historical, environmental, and biological factors. Anthropology strives for a holistic understanding of humankind and depending on the questions asked and the means used to discover answers, anthropological knowledge can straddle the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
The Anthropology program emphasizes how topics and issues central to the human experience such as migration, gender, power, health, kinship, race, and identity are examined and understood through diverse anthropological methodologies. In upper division courses, students explore particular socio-cultural, archaeological, and biological perspectives on such issues in greater depth, and these courses may specifically engage perspectives from two or more subfields. Other courses may consider a range of topics within a specific geographical area, while acknowledging certain limitations to the area studies configuration of knowledge.
Undergraduates who study Anthropology develop critical skills in thought, written and oral
expression, and the application of knowledge, as well as a valuable understanding of human
cultural diversity. In an increasingly globalized world in which interaction with people of diverse
cultures is becoming the norm, developing an understanding about the complexities of human
societies past and present is what makes Anthropology an ideal education for the 21st century. Courses in anthropology provide valuable preparation for a career in law, medicine, education, business, government, museums, and various areas of non-profit, public, and international service, including public policy and cultural resource management. The anthropology program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in any sub-field of anthropology. By offering undergraduate students opportunities to work with faculty research and apply knowledge and skills to local communities, agencies and business through service learning and internships, students are further prepared for advanced study and successful careers.
uniquely human. Through the specific perspectives and methods of socio-cultural, archaeological, and biological anthropology, students learn how the human experience (past and present) is constituted through the interaction of social, cultural, political, historical, environmental, and biological factors. Anthropology strives for a holistic understanding of humankind and depending on the questions asked and the means used to discover answers, anthropological knowledge can straddle the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
The Anthropology program emphasizes how topics and issues central to the human experience such as migration, gender, power, health, kinship, race, and identity are examined and understood through diverse anthropological methodologies. In upper division courses, students explore particular socio-cultural, archaeological, and biological perspectives on such issues in greater depth, and these courses may specifically engage perspectives from two or more subfields. Other courses may consider a range of topics within a specific geographical area, while acknowledging certain limitations to the area studies configuration of knowledge.
Undergraduates who study Anthropology develop critical skills in thought, written and oral
expression, and the application of knowledge, as well as a valuable understanding of human
cultural diversity. In an increasingly globalized world in which interaction with people of diverse
cultures is becoming the norm, developing an understanding about the complexities of human
societies past and present is what makes Anthropology an ideal education for the 21st century. Courses in anthropology provide valuable preparation for a career in law, medicine, education, business, government, museums, and various areas of non-profit, public, and international service, including public policy and cultural resource management. The anthropology program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in any sub-field of anthropology. By offering undergraduate students opportunities to work with faculty research and apply knowledge and skills to local communities, agencies and business through service learning and internships, students are further prepared for advanced study and successful careers.