Cultural anthropology is the investigation of
different societies and cultures. Students with a knack for picking up
languages and a desire to see the world might find a cultural
anthropology program rewarding. While some schools offer such programs
online, campus-based courses are more common due to field research
components.
Cultural anthropologists study how societies and cultures adapt to
their environments. Distance education programs in this major are rare,
but online cultural
anthropology
electives can be found. Coursework typically is offered in the four
subfields of anthropology, including physical anthropology, archaeology,
linguistics and cultural anthropology.
An Associate of Arts in Anthropology can usually be completed online
in two years. Course lectures, exams, discussions and instructional
videos are delivered via the Web. Students generally are required to log
in 2-5 days per week.
Courses Offered
Students gain a basic knowledge of physical anthropology and
archaeology, in addition to cultural anthropology. They may be able to
focus on a particular geographic region or topic within cultural
anthropology for their electives.
Cultural Anthropology Course
Explore ways in which non-Western cultures differ from our own, as
well as ways that society's actions and beliefs are culturally based.
Anthropological theory and methods for ethnographic interviewing skills
are reviewed.
Cross-Cultural Belief Systems Course
Comparative case studies of the spiritual beliefs and practices of
nonindustrial societies are explored to reveal how science, magic and
religion provide different ways of understanding the natural world.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Anthropology
The study of anthropology fosters multicultural awareness and
communication skills. Most schools offer general anthropology degrees,
with an option to concentrate on cultural anthropology. Distance
learning programs are available for both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees.
A bachelor's degree in anthropology may be obtained online in four
years, or two years if transferring associate degree credits. A full
year's worth of advanced anthropology courses in addition to general
liberal arts courses fulfills most school's requirements for a major.
Online cultural anthropology courses are delivered through streaming
video and DVDs; therefore, students are advised to have high-speed
Internet.
Courses Offered
Additional courses in physical anthropology, archaeology and
linguistics generally complement the cultural anthropology classes
highlighted below.
Comparative Cultures Course
Cross-cultural comparisons of societies worldwide are reviewed in
their historical context, as well as the methods by which
anthropologists gather ethnographic data.
Role of Language in Culture Course
The ways in which language is created and used by society are explored. Language is evaluated as a means of cultural expression.
Cross-Cultural Relations Course
Economic and political relationships between tribal, colonial and
market societies are investigated in order to shed light on why state
systems evolve.
Online Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology
Students who already possess a bachelor's degree and a solid
foundation in anthropological theory may obtain an online master's in
applied anthropology. Applied anthropologists use ethnographic data
collecting and analytical skills to tackle current societal problems.
By taking 2-3 courses per semester, students can obtain a master's
degree in three years. While all coursework can be completed online and
through teleconferencing, on-campus orientation and thesis defense might
be necessary. Field research often requires the ability to converse in a
foreign language and a working knowledge of anthropological theory,
which may be demonstrated through testing or prerequisite courses.
Courses Offered
Master's level coursework focuses on data analysis through quantitative and qualitative methods.
Statistics for Anthropology Course
An overview of the practical applications of statistics to
anthropology includes methods and theories behind collecting, organizing
and interpreting numerical data in ethnographic research.
Quantitative Anthropology Course
Research design and ethical data collection of cultural attributes
are reviewed. Computer programs are employed to aid in pattern
recognition within data.
Applied Anthropology Course
A review of the diverse applications of anthropological research to
societal concerns prepares students for fieldwork. Students choose a
case study and develop a research design.
Employment Options for Graduates
Cultural anthropologists gain useful interviewing skills, proficiency
in foreign languages and international experience that make them
marketable as diplomats, cultural advocates and researchers in global
trade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov) reported a mean annual wage of $57,230 for anthropologists in 2009.
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