Nature, Goals, and Perspectives of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and figures from the lesson on anthropology, sociology, and political science.

Anthropology

The scientific study of people and their culture, seeking to understand human origins, diversity, and commonalities.

Culture

The knowledge, language, values, customs, and physical objects passed from generation to generation within a group.

Ethnography

An anthropological research method in which the researcher lives with a community for an extended period to produce reliable, first-hand accounts.

Sociology

The study of society, social interactions, and the culture of everyday life.

Society

An organized group of interdependent people who share a common territory, language, and culture and act together for survival and well-being.

Biological Anthropology

A subfield of anthropology focused on human biological origins and evolution.

Cultural Anthropology

A subfield of anthropology that studies the lifeways of living peoples.

Linguistics (Anthropological)

The study of language, its evolution, and its relationship to other languages within cultures.

Archaeology

The study of past (often extinct) cultures through material remains.

Goals of Anthropology

To identify human commonalities and differences, produce new knowledge about humanity, and foster objective views of one’s own culture.

Goals of Sociology

To generate theories about social life, examine human roles in society, appreciate interdependence, and expose multiple perspectives on truth.

Political Science

The systematic study of government, politics, and political power.

Politics

Activities associated with governing or seeking to govern; derived from the Greek word 'polis' meaning 'city.'

Polis

A Greek term meaning 'city,' the root of the word 'politics.'

Political Theory

A branch of political science that explores ideas about government, power, justice, and rights.

Public Management

The study and practice of implementing public policy and managing governmental operations.

Human Rights

Basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, a key subject in political science.

International Relations

The study of interactions among states, international organizations, and global actors.

Franz Boas

Considered the father of modern American anthropology.

Auguste Comte

Regarded as the father of sociology.

Aristotle

Ancient Greek philosopher who called man a 'political animal' in his work 'Politics.'

Civilian Responsibility

The duty of citizens to participate responsibly in civic life and uphold social order.