Topic 1 - ANTH111

Anthropology

The study of humanity, including human culture, behavior, evolution, and social structures.

Biological Anthropology

The study of human evolution, genetics, and primates.

Archaeology

The study of past human societies through artifacts and excavation.

Linguistic Anthropology

The study of language and communication in cultural contexts.

Cultural Anthropology

The study of human societies, traditions, and behaviors.

Holism

An approach that examines all aspects of human life (culture, biology, history, and language) together.

Cultural Relativism

The idea that cultures should be understood on their own terms, rather than judged by outside standards.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others and using it as the standard for evaluating others.

Comparative Approach

Anthropologists compare different cultures to understand similarities and differences.

Enculturation

The process of learning culture through socialization from family, peers, and institutions.

Emic Perspective

The insider’s view of a culture – how members of the society understand their own traditions.

Etic Perspective

The outsider’s view of a culture – an anthropologist’s analysis using external concepts.

Norms

Unwritten rules and expectations about behavior in a society (e.g., shaking hands as a greeting).

Values

The core beliefs that shape what is considered important in a culture (e.g., freedom, equality).

Mental Maps of Reality

Cultural classifications of people, objects, and meanings that help make sense of the world.

Cultural Change

The ways in which cultures adapt and evolve over time due to influences like globalization, technology, or migration.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural elements (ideas, practices, technologies) from one society to another.

Cultural Appropriation

The unauthorized use of elements from another culture, often without understanding or respect.