Why study anthropology?
If you are interested in learning about and exploring the human condition, anthropology classes may be what you are looking for. In addition to satisfying your curiosity, studying anthropology will teach you to use sophisticated methods to analyze issues of cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity in humans. As a discipline, anthropology looks at our past and compares how different cultures and communities communicate and interact in our rapidly changing world. Our classes are small and have a strong applied component, meaning they emphasize hands-on training in social science research methods—skills that are always in demand in today’s job market.
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
Classes
Introduction to Anthropology (ANT 101*): Introduction to the study of humankind. Attention given to humanity as both a living, evolving organism and creator and product of culture. Substantial emphasis placed on cross-cultural material.
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ANT 103*): Study of structure and process of culture. Presents major features of culture including subsistence patterns, organizing devices, language, patterns of cultural transmission, political organization, religion, family forms, and cultural change. Examines methods of anthropological research and major theoretical orientations.
Introduction to Physical Anthropology (ANT 105): Introduction to the principles and course of human evolution from the perspective of biological and social sciences.
Introduction to Archaeology (ANT 200): General introduction to theory and methods of archaeology. Emphasis placed upon conduct of archaeological research. Archaeology of the Midwest given special attention. For anyone interested in finding out about the past. Optional field trips.
Field Archaeology (ANT 220): Field studies in archaeology of various areas in the Midwest, specifically Illinois. Emphasis on properly collecting and recording archaeological data, and using these data to better understand history and past cultures. A six-week summer session course at Parkland College makes archaeological field work learning experiences accessible to participants by focusing on projects within our community. In partnership with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, the primary Cultural Resource Management (CRM) group in Illinois, students participate in real-world excavations in an authentic work environment. More information can be found on the Scholarship at Parkland SPARK website.
Topics in Anthropology (ANT 289): Study of selected topics in anthropology. Topics vary according to section and semester and are listed in class schedule.
*Satisfies Non-western culture requirement