Studying Anthropology

The discipline of anthropology is essential for raising awareness of and providing intellectual tools for understanding human diversity in all of its past and present forms. As a faculty of teacher-scholars at Wake Forest University, the Department of Anthropology is committed to internationally-recognized anthropological scholarship combined with excellence in course work and experiential learning opportunities for students. Our commitment to both outstanding teaching and innovative research is evident in our methods-rich curriculum, mentored student research programs, international field schools, interdisciplinary collaborations, and public engagement activities. For our majors and minors, our department provides four-field training in anthropology suitable as a basis for graduate work at the highest level in any of the four sub-fields. Our department’s integration of public and applied anthropology with all four subfields reinforces the relevance of anthropology for our students and the communities with which we interact. Anthropological training, with its emphasis on participation in mentored fieldwork, critical thinking skills, writing for a range of audiences, and bridging both scientific and humanistic knowledge, provides excellent preparation for all of our students, especially those pursuing professional careers outside of anthropology. Both our department and the Museum of Anthropology serve as critical outreach for the discipline and university, and the resulting educational and research partnerships interconnect the university and Winston Salem communities.

Our overarching instructional purpose is to produce graduates (both majors and minors) who

• Have the understanding of human diversity and multiculturalism needed to lead in a globalizing society.
• Are prepared to assume roles of ethical and moral leadership informed by anthropological perspectives.