The anthropology program at Central College, focused on cultural anthropology, emphasizes learning about non-Western societies, with the goal of preparing students for involvement and careers in an increasingly diverse and culturally dynamic world. Students conduct original research and complete internships that provide an edge in applying to jobs or graduate school.
The required courses offer a combination of academic, anthropological knowledge and real-world fieldwork experiences that give students the foundation they will need to put their anthropological training to use after college. The anthropology minor is also structured so students can easily combine it with another program of study (such as foreign language, not-for-profit management, interdisciplinary program, etc.), providing even greater opportunities for students to capture their individual interests and prepare for a range of professional careers.
Conducting field research is a rite of passage for all anthropologists. Anthropology minors have the opportunity to conduct field research projects, conducting fieldwork in Pella or surrounding communities. In recent years, students have carried out ethnographic studies of Red Rock park rangers, Knoxville police officers, Iraqi immigrants living in Des Moines and lesbian college students. Students present the results of their research during the Undergraduate Scholarship Symposium in May of each year.
Building relationships with her professors and classmates was the key to becoming a successful teacher for Amber Muntz ’14. It’s a lesson she has carried into her own classroom.
Anthropology minors have the opportunity to participate in a semester-long internship that prepares them for a specific career after graduation.
Recent internship sites include:
Students are encouraged to study abroad to enhance their development as global citizens or participate in a national study program in Chicago, Washington, D.C., or New York.
Learn more about these study abroad.
Cynthia Mahmood, the Frank Moore Endowed Chair in Anthropology and professor of anthropology at Central College, will present “Civic Engagement Between Sikhs and Anthropologists” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Boat/Moore rooms of Maytag Student Center.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group for you! Learn how you can get involved with groups and organizations at Central.
Central’s anthropology minor is structured to provide students with a strong grounding in cultural anthropology within a liberal arts framework. The required courses offer a combination of academic anthropological knowledge and real-world fieldwork experiences, giving students the foundation they need to put their anthropological training to use after college.
Want to find out more about Anthropology at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
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