The Anthropology and Sociology Department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology.  Each student must choose one of two emphases, either Archaeology or Cultural Anthropology. A minor in Anthropology is also available.

Anthropology is the holistic study of humans; essentially, anthropology is the study of everything it means to be human. This makes anthropology one of the most diverse fields of study in existence.  Anthropologists explore humanity through the study of such things as culture (past and present), social relations, human biology and evolution, languages, music, and art and architecture, among many others. It considers such fascinating questions such as how and why peoples' behavior and material culture changes over time, why and when people move about the world, how cultures can be both different and the same, how the human species has evolved over millions of years, and how individuals live successfully in cultures different from your own. 

Why Anthropology?

Anthropology courses emphasize careful record-keeping, attention to details, analytical reading, and critical thinking. Social ease in different cultural settings and strong skills in oral and written expression are cultivated by anthropological training. Using a range of social, behavioral, biological, and other scientific research methods, anthropology majors learn to supplement statistical findings with descriptive data gathered through participant observation, archaeological data recovery, and interviewing.

Demand for anthropologists is increasing in many areas, stimulated by a growing need for analysts and researchers who can manage, evaluate, and interpret the large volume of data on human behavior. This occupational flexibility reflects the emphasis on breadth, diversity, and independence of thought, which an anthropology degree fosters. There are many career and educational options for anthropology majors (see our Career Options page). Anthropological study leads to both traditional anthropological careers of teaching and research as well as in Applied Anthropology. The student who majors in anthropology at Lindenwood will have a strong liberal arts degree with many practical career-skill courses that will prepare a student for many different types of careers in our increasing global world of the 21st century.

Anthropological study provides training particularly well suited to the 21st century. The economy will be increasingly international; workforces and markets are increasingly diverse; participatory management and decision making are increasingly important; and communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds is increasingly in demand. The intellectual excitement and relevance of the staggeringly wide range of information presented in anthropology assures that students are engaged and challenged.  We believe that students in our courses will be amazed about the diversity of topics anthropologists study and the roles that anthropologists fulfill in the everyday lives of the world’s population.

Our faculty are active instructors and researchers.  Besides opportunities to interact with faculty during normal coursework, we also open our research work to students and offer other research opportunities so they can gain practical, hands-on experience.  Our doors are always open. 

The department sponsors a student club that gathers for social occasions and takes numerous field trips each school year.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Steve Dasovich
Chair, Anthropology and Sociology Department
Young Hall 108B
(636) 255-2223
sdasovich@lindenwood.edu