Anthropology (and Refrigerators)

“Anthropologists! Anthropologists!”

Anthropology - • “the study of human beings – past

and present”

–From Greek: Ánthrōpos – “human being”

–-logia – “study of”

Anthropology is the study of humankind over the entire world and throughout time. • Anthropologists study:

• existing cultures and human behavior (cultural anthropology)

• traditions (folklore)• prehistoric cultures and lifeways (archaeology)• the biological makeup and evolution of humans

(physical anthropology)• the origin and nature of language (linguistics).

Anthropology's basic concerns

• "What defines Homo sapiens?" • "Who are the ancestors of modern Homo

sapiens?"• "What are humans' physical traits?”• "How do humans behave?”• "Why are there variations and differences among

different groups of humans?”• "How has the evolutionary past of Homo sapiens

influenced its social organization and culture?" and so forth.

A Major in Anthropology

This video does a good job of explaining it– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUGiSXXd

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Can you find a job in Anthropology?

• Of course you can (you can find a job with any degree if you work hard, get the necessary credits and degrees, and know how to sell yourself.

• That being said – Mr. Farrand’s friend got an Anthropology degree and didn't do a good job of selling it - or thinking about how he wanted to apply it and now he works for a department store (in administration - but still).

Fridge Projects (Greater Hackettstown Area)

• What could you learn from looking at someone's fridge? Let’s write down some hypotheses about people’s behavior/lifestyle.

• Wealth (or appearance of, or frugality)

• Tastes

• Interests

• Lifestyle choices

• How many people do you think live in this house? Ages (alcohol)

Fridges from Around the World

1.Generally smaller (at least in Finland) – detached freezer (if they have one?)2.Generally less condiments (though not UK)

Where Children Sleep Photo Essay

• http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/where-children-sleep/