Anthropology studies the diversity of human life in every part of the world. Long-term ethnographic fieldwork is the hallmark of the anthropological approach to studying the human condition and allows you to see how your world fits into a larger context.

Contemporary anthropology examines the material, social, and cultural conditions of human behaviour and life from a “locally global” perspective.

Anthropology will expose you to a variety of different cultures. At the same time, you will learn to examine your own life from an anthropological perspective. You will learn how to explore and understand radically different contexts in both your own and other cultures.

Two elements distinguish anthropology: an intensely comparative, wide-ranging view of human society and culture, and a strong desire to know how individuals in specific cultures make sense of the world and respond to its challenges.

Anthropologists are committed to understanding common aspects of human social life, despite apparent differences. They typically spend long periods of time doing field research where they interact with people in their environment to gain cultural understanding.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts and sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students complete a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | Studying anthropology helps you develop the analytical skills critical to succeeding in teaching, research, advocacy, business, policy analysis, public service and programming. It provides you with the ability to analyze a wide range of social and cultural situations. You will also develop your written and oral communication skills and work both independently and within a group setting.