Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology)

Study cultures and communities to better understand our world.

What is anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of societies and cultures. Anthropologists study the patterns of beliefs, values, meanings and technologies developed by past and present human societies.

Put simply, anthropology is a tool for understanding our world with a focus on culture and social systems (including virtual realities and internet communities).

What you will learn

Many fascinating topics are covered including:

• cultural diversity and globalization

• the human propensity for violence, war and peace

• myth, ritual and cultural performances (from ancient rites to modern techno)

• medical anthropology

• sexuality and drug use in different cultural contexts

• local and indigenous environmental knowledge

• social dimensions of climate change

• new technologies, social media and online communities and cultures.

Field experience

Studying Anthropology at James Cook University will develop your research and analytical skills, along with the practical skills needed for fieldwork in different social and cultural contexts.

Anthropologists conduct field research both in foreign countries and at home – basically anywhere an interesting anthropological problem has been identified. The anthropology staff at James Cook University conduct field research in tropical parts of the world including Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Pacific, South America, and Asia.

Although original fieldwork in anthropology is normally undertaken at postgraduate level the methods required are introduced at undergraduate level.

Getting to work

You will have skills for a range of jobs in government and non-government organisations. With further qualifications, Anthropologists can also work in museums, universities, research institutes, government departments and non-government organisations in roles including:

• advising on social policy

• planning and development

• market research

• teaching

• social research.

Joint degree options

Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in reduced time and can enhance career prospects. At JCU the Bachelor of Arts degree can be combined as a joint degree in:

• Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Business

• Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Laws

• Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Social Work

• Bachelor of Education-Bachelor of Arts

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