Applied Anthropology Certificate

Development, theory, methods and approaches of applied anthropology. Through case materials, the course examines both the current and historical roles and contributions of the various subfields in the application of anthropology to the problems of culture. Special attention is directed at developing some understanding and appreciation of the problems and ethics involved in applied or practical activities and to developing the necessary skills and methods for assuming such a role as an applied anthropologist.

Explores the relationship between the self, culture and society. Compares concepts of self, socialization and behavior in anthropological and psychological theory and research, universal concepts of human nature, and examines processes of interpretation by individuals in diverse cultural and social groups over the life span. Sociocultural contexts of alternative states of consciousness and mental illness are also compared.

Historical and ethnographic examination of urban society and how people-centered movements might regain “rights to the city”. Focuses on local examples of urban social justice causes.

Cultural anthropology is the social science that tries to make sense out of people’s lifestyles around the world, encompassing many subjects such as law, religion, politics, health, language, economics and globalization. It involves analyzing human ways of life with holistic, comparative, global, and relativistic perspective.