Sociocultural anthropology (aka cultural anthropology) investigates ways humans organize themselves, cultural practices, belief systems, what constitutes meaning and value, and how material and intellectual resources are allocated both within and across culture.

Sociocultural anthropology is the study of human cultures all over the world. Human cultures are dynamic, constantly changing in response to the environment, the people, and other cultures. Whether studying the culture of a specific region or something more specific and crosscultural like online gaming enthusiasts, cultural anthropology examines everything from a group’s rituals, rules and traditions to their eating habits and modes of communications. More importantly, cultural anthropology seeks to promote an understanding of cultural differences and similarities. This understanding is applicable in a wide variety of fields, from business to international diplomacy.

Courses in Sociocultural Anthropology

• ANTH 104: Cultural Anthropology
• ANTH 302: Anthropology of Religion
• ANTH 310/610: History of Anthropology
• ANTH 314: Wicked Problems of the Anthropocene
• ANTH 315: Sex, Gender & Globalization
• ANTH 316: Anthropology & Development
• ANTH 317: Gender & Development
• ANTH 318: Ethnography
• ANTH 329: Special Topics in Social Anthropology
• ANTH 390: World Regions Cultural Seminar
• ANTH 618: Qualitative Methods & Analysis (MA)
• ANTH 621: Anthropology & Globalization
• ANTH 679: Applied Anthropology Region
• See the catalog for course descriptions

Ethnographic Research

In the Anthropology Department at Humboldt, students critically engage ethnographic representations, design cultural studies, collect ethnographic data, delve into vital real-world cultural issues, and have the opportunity to make international experience an integral part of the degree through international exchange and independent study across the globe.