BA in Anthropology in Arcata United States | California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

Anthropology is a comprehensive discipline focused on examining both cultural and biological aspects of human diversity. It encompasses five specialized areas: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, applied anthropology, and archaeology. Researchers in this field analyze humans across all historical periods and geographic locations, investigating biological characteristics, material culture, social structures, behaviors, and worldviews. They explore human variation by studying contemporary adaptations, primate relatives, and fossil records of human evolution. Additionally, anthropologists analyze cultural systems, language-culture connections, and interpret cultural development through archaeological findings spanning from ancient times to modernity.

At Humboldt, students gain thorough anthropological training that prepares them for graduate studies. Course topics encompass colonialism and postcolonial societies, racial and ethnic constructions, religious practices, gender studies, economic systems, development studies, cultural preservation, environmental archaeology, regional archaeology (North America and Mesoamerica), evolutionary theory, primate studies, human biology, fossil studies, forensic applications, and medical evolution. The program offers hands-on learning through summer fieldwork programs and internships. Geographic focus areas span Asia (including China, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), Africa, Oceania (Australia and Pacific regions), North America, and Latin America.