Anthropology

Biological/Physical Anthropology

School of thought that strives to understand the physical nature of humans. Using research methods of natural or physical sciences, ex. fossils and bones.

Cultural Anthropology

Study of human beings in different cultural settings around the world.

Linguistic Anthropology

Study of languages and how they change overtime and shape our world.

Archeology

Cultural anthropology of the past, especially prehistoric times. looking at things such as human remains, tools, shelter, clothing etc.

Primatology

Study of primates, humans closest relative. ex. apes, orangutans, chimpanzees etc.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Theory of evolution by means of natural selection.

Unique Characteristics of Humans

-Highly developed brain

-Bipedalism

-Communication of complex ideas and abstract thoughts

-Language, different forms of language such as speaking writing art music etc.

Shared Characteristics of Humans and Primates

-Opposable thumbs

-3D binocular vision, allows us to gauge distances.

-Dependent children

-Shared capacity for aggression and defence of territory

Forensic Anthropology

Determine information by analyzing bones and physical injuries.

Ethnocentrism

Tendency to judge others’ cultures by one’s own values. An ethnocentric view is to look at another culture as strange or inferior.

Cultural Relativism

Attitude of respect and acceptance of others cultures when researching them, not imposing own morals and judgement.

Ethnology

Study and comparison of past and contemporary cultures

Material vs. Nonmaterial Culture

Material culture refers to the objects or belongings of a group of people. Metro passes and bus tokens are part of material culture, as are automobiles, stores, and the physical structures where people worship. Nonmaterial culture, in contrast, consists of the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society.

Nature vs. Nurture

Margaret Mead

Anthropologist who popularized the Nature vs. Nurture debate. Explored gender roles in different cultures and argues that ideas of femininity and masculinity are a result of learning and not heredity.