Transcript Anthropology (and Refrigerators)

Anthropology (and
Refrigerators)
“Anthropologists!
Anthropologists!”
Anthropology • “the study of human beings – past
and present”
–From Greek: Ánthrōpos – “human
being”
–-logia – “study of”
Anthropology is the study of humankind
over the entire world and throughout
time.
• Anthropologists study:
• existing cultures and human behavior (cultural
anthropology)
• traditions (folklore)
• prehistoric cultures and lifeways (archaeology)
• the biological makeup and evolution of humans
(physical anthropology)
• the origin and nature of language (linguistics).
Anthropology's basic concerns
• "What defines Homo sapiens?"
• "Who are the ancestors of modern Homo
sapiens?"
• "What are humans' physical traits?”
• "How do humans behave?”
• "Why are there variations and differences
among different groups of humans?”
• "How has the evolutionary past of Homo sapiens
influenced its social organization and culture?"
and so forth.
A Major in Anthropology
This video does a good job of explaining it
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUGiSXXd
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Can you find a job in
Anthropology?
• Of course you can (you can find a job with
any degree if you work hard, get the
necessary credits and degrees, and know
how to sell yourself.
• That being said – Mr. Farrand’s friend got
an Anthropology degree and didn't do a
good job of selling it - or thinking about
how he wanted to apply it and now he
works for a department store (in
administration - but still).
Fridge Projects (Greater
Hackettstown Area)
• What could you learn from looking at
someone's fridge? Let’s write down
some hypotheses about people’s
behavior/lifestyle.
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Wealth (or appearance of, or frugality)
Tastes
Interests
Lifestyle choices
How many people do you think live in this
house? Ages (alcohol)
Fridges from Around the World
1.Generally smaller (at least in
Finland) – detached freezer (if they
have one?)
2.Generally less condiments (though
not UK)
Where Children Sleep Photo Essay
• http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/
where-children-sleep/