What is Anthropology?

"Anthropology is the most humanistic of the sciences and the most scientific of the humanities." - Alfred L. Kroeber

Anthropology, as it is taught at most North American universities, consists of four sub-disciplines:

• socio-cultural anthropology is the study of contemporary societies, with an emphasis on indigenous peoples and small communities on the margins of industrial society 

• archaeology provides insights into the lives of prehistoric people by reconstructing extinct cultures with the help of excavated artifacts and structures

• physical (biological) anthropology is concerned with the emergence of the human species and its evolution

• anthropological linguistics is the study of indigenous languages and other, non-verbal, forms of communication

At TRU we offer introductory courses in archaeology (ANTH 119), physical (ANTH 111), and socio-cultural anthropology (ANTH 121). Advanced courses are limited to archaeology and socio-cultural anthropology.

Students may obtain a General B.A. with an Area of Concentration in Anthropology, or a minor in Anthropology. We also offer a minor in Geo-Archaeology, and a Certificate in Aboriginal Studies.

For an explanation of the principles that distinguish anthropology from other disciplines taught at TRU, please see below under the heading "Anthropology at TRU".