Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans. The anthropological endeavor involves both the sociocultural and biological aspects of humankind. The study of anthropology requires a holistic approach; it is comprehensive, inclusive and integrates information from many different areas of study through ethnographic, biological, cross-cultural, archaeological and sociological inquiries.

An anthropological perspective – including an examination of the similarities and differences among human groups, cultures and societies both locally and worldwide – emphasizes the concepts of cultural relativism, multicultural perspectives and globalization processes that are vital to many areas of study at Saint Louis University.

By participating in anthropology courses in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, students will be further prepared to successfully function in and partake of an interconnected world. The major and minor degrees in anthropology complement any other major at the University.

The anthropology program also supports an active Anthropology Club and houses the Eta Chapter of Lambda Alpha, the national anthropology honor society. Both organizations are engaged in numerous outreach programs at SLU and within the greater St. Louis community.

1. Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge base in the subfield of biological anthropology.
   1. Understand the complexity of the hominid fossil record, and be able to discuss important 'milestones' in hominid evolution, as well as understand where recent fossil finds fit into the "family tree".
   2. Articulate how biological anthropology bridges and incorporates both the social sciences (e.g., Anthropology) and the life sciences (e.g., Biology), especially in terms of methodology and theory.
   3. Assess the diversity of nonhuman primates by examining behavior, ecology and evolution.
   4. Explain the relationship between evolutionary forces, the environment, and culture in modern human populations.
2. Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge base in the subfield of archaeological anthropology.
   1. Assess the nature of the practice of archaeology as a science, including inductive and deductive reasoning, the scientific method, and research design.
   2. Explain the role of the environment in the development of human cultures.
   3. Demonstrate how archaeologists act as anthropologists when studying human cultures and cultural change.
   4. Distinguish the ways archaeologists can detect cultural change in the archaeological record.
3. Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge base in the subfield of cultural anthropology.
   1. Demonstrate familiarity with the anthropological concept of culture.
   2. Apply comparative, holistic, and culturally relativist perspectives to the study of human societies.
   3. Discuss similarities and differences across and within human cultures/societies, including across time.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of anthropological theories.
   1. Identify core theories, research, and concepts in anthropological thought across the subfields.
   2. Explain multiple ways in which power, hierarchy and identity shape social interactions and outcomes.
   3. Recognize that ideas, theories and methods were shaped and changed over time in particular historical contexts.
   4. Demonstrate knowledge of historical works of theory by anthropologists of diverse backgrounds.
5. Graduates will understand and be able to apply methods used in the discipline, and communicate their findings effectively.
   1. Demonstrate familiarity with the collection, analysis, and strengths and limitations of quantitative and/or qualitative data related to human behavior and culture.
   2. Use anthropological methods – such as participant-observation, open-ended interview, lab analysis, and excavation – to conduct hands-on research in an ethical fashion.
   3. Locate, critically assess, and work with textual sources in the library and on the internet.
   4. Formulate well-organized and convincing written and/or oral arguments supported by evidence.

Send transcripts of all secondary work.

Find out from your admission counselor what secondary credentials are required. We’ll evaluate how you’ve done in school up to this point, so please send all transcripts for secondary work, along with their English language translations.

Submit proof of your English language proficiency.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination.

If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Recommended items.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

SLU's anthropology graduates are prepared to function in an interconnected world successfully. The major and minor degrees in anthropology complement any other major. Alumni of the anthropology program have the following careers:

• Archaeological technician
• Corporate anthropologist/market research
• Foreign Service officer
• Preservation assistant
• Documentary filmmaker
• International development
• Mission organizer