A Four Field Approach

A holistic and empirical discipline

1

Archaeology

The study of humans through their material culture. Conducted in systematic survey,

excavation, and analysis. Looks at how humans throughout time made sense of their world through material culture.

Cultural

The study of human variation and diversity around the world. Fieldwork among groups and individuals to understand social organization, practices, and different life-ways.

3

Biological

Seeks to study topics such as human adaptation, disease, and evolution. Research on humans, their ancestors, and primates done to reach a better understanding of human similarities.

4

Linguistic

Focuses on the ways people communicate and how humans see the world. Language is studied in ways it coveys meaning, constructs identity, and reaffirms (or changes) power.

2

American Anthropological Association. 2018. "What is Anthropology?" Accessed May 7, 2018. http://www.americananthro.org/AdvanceYourCareer/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=2150