Associate of Arts Anthropology

Overview

Anthropology is the study of humanity throughout time. Anthropology is closely interconnected with other disciplines in the social and biological sciences as well as the humanities in order to understand human behaviours and cultures. Students who study anthropology are curious about other cultures and are inquisitive about their own place in society. Anthropology students gain a broad knowledge of other cultures past and present as well as develop skills in observation, analysis, research, critical thinking, writing, and working with people from different cultures. Anthropology students can choose to continue past their time at CNC to earn a degree in one of anthropology’s four subfields: archaeology, biological/physical, linguistic, or socio-cultural.

Careers and Opportunities:

Anthropology students are sought after for their cultural awareness and understanding of human diversity, research and analysis skills, and their communications skills. A background in anthropology is a strong foundation for a wide range of eventual careers, including:

• Anthropologist
• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Ethnographer
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Heritage Preservation Officer
• Marketing Researcher
• Medical Anthropologist
• Museum Curator / Technician
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Research Consultant
• Social Service Worker (government and non-governmental agencies)
• Teacher / Professor

Graduates may also continue their education in diversity studies, education, gender and sexuality studies, history, or specific fields within anthropology.

Associate degrees from CNC transfer into university programs and give you preferential admission at public universities and university-colleges in BC. (Consult the British Columbia Transfer Guide and check with CNC advisors to verify transferability of credits.)

What You Will Learn:

Anthropology teaches students:

• How to take a holistic approach to the study of people
• How to understand human interactions more deeply
• How to interpret social and cultural events
• How to conduct ethical research
• Cultural awareness
• Cultural relativistic thinking
• Persuasive writing and communication
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Accurate observation and interpretation of information
• How to understand ethical issues

Anthropologists appreciate all peoples and their cultures and discourage judgments of cultural superiority or inferiority. Thus, students will be introduced to a wide range of cultures from around the world.

CNC’s Associate of Arts degree with an anthropology concentration includes courses focused on Aboriginal peoples in the CNC region.