Anthropology supports the multicultural, international, experiential and interdisciplinary educational philosophy of Ramapo College. As such, Anthropology courses constitute a major component of the General Education program, besides serving the Anthropology minor. Most anthropology courses count towards the International Studies major as well.

Anthropology courses at Ramapo are concentrated in cultural anthropology, the sub-discipline of anthropology that emphasizes the role of culture in human life and analyzes social and cultural differences and similarities throughout the world. By studying this field, students will become familiar with the diversity of cultural practices in the world, and the effects of global economic and political forces on the lives of people throughout the world.

In addition to Introduction to Anthropology, students take four theoretical and thematic approaches to the study of anthropology, such as Food and Culture, Religion in Cross Cultural Perspective, Urban Anthropology, International Migration, or Anthropology of Gender. In many courses, experiential learning is an integral part of the coursework, as students conduct ethnographic research.

Anthropology is offered as a minor of five courses (i.e., 20 credits). Students who are interested in graduate study in anthropology can be further trained through independent study. An Anthropology minor will enrich the multicultural and international dimensions of a student’s academic training and is an excellent complement to a major in International Studies, Sociology, or International Business and a variety of other majors.

Goal: Students will be familiar with how anthropology approaches the study of culture.

Outcome 1: Students will understand the basic methods used to conduct ethnographic fieldwork.

Outcome 2: Students will understand the concept of cultural relativism.

1. Students are required to take 5 courses (i.e., 20 credits) to complete this minor.
2. At least half of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

ANTHROPOLOGY MINOR

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