Applied Anthropology

3 units

This course explores the field of applied anthropology and its approach to understanding human social problems. The focus is on the qualitative and quantitative information applied anthropologists use to study practical human social problems. We will examine the four important factors that influence the practical application of theories and methods to social problems: (1) the specific challenges faced by individuals with particular social identities; (2) the coping strategies developed by local groups and the sustainability of their efforts; (3) the interests and objectives of key actors involved; and (4) the goals, identities, and ethics of researchers. Taking a comparative perspective, the course employs an ethnographic, historical, and geographic approach to understand local problems within global contexts. Students will engage in research projects applying anthropological concepts and methods, thereby scrutinizing the contexts in which information is collected, analyzed, disseminated, and utilized by applied anthropologists.