Department Mission

Understanding human biological and cultural diversity, probably one of the great challenges of this century, can only be accomplished through broadening a student's exposure to the various means that human culture has adapted to the physical and social environment. Students aren't born with the ability to perceive and interpret variability; they must learn these skills through thoughtful experiences. Of course, one of the most effective ways to teach cultural variability is to directly expose students and guide them through their observations, feelings and questions. Unfortunately, the opportunity to expose students "first-hand" to different human approaches is limited. Our curriculum ensures the student receives a broad exposure to the field of anthropology with many professionally based experimental opportunities, giving them the breadth necessary for graduate studies or many other career choices. The Center for Historic and Military Archaeology (CHMA) is structured to give students with a sincere focus in archaeology more first-hand opportunities to develop their archaeological, analytical and communication skills.

Learning Objectives

• Observe patterns of human behavior;
• Observe the scientific approach for social sciences;
• Explore the concepts of Ethnocentrism, Cultural Relativism and Enculturation;
• Study how different parts of culture function to perpetuate human existence;
• Understand how biological and cultural diversity are necessary for human cultures to exist;
• Offer an anthropological perspective to assist in any career path;
• Give the serious student of archaeology the foundation for graduate studies.