Discover Anthropology

What makes us human? How does the human experience differ across societies and eras? How does culture affect our social relationships, economies, health, education, and governance? If these questions pique your interest, UNE’s minor in Anthropology may be the perfect fit for you. An interdisciplinary minor, the Anthropology program integrates cultural, archaeological, biological, and linguistic perspectives, exploring the nuances of particular communities and examining them within broader social and historical contexts. By viewing the world outside of your own cultural lens; thinking critically, holistically, and analytically; and communicating effectively, you will enhance your employability in a wide variety of fields where there is increasing demand for professionals with in-depth knowledge of human interactions and cross-cultural competencies.

Why UNE for your Anthropology Minor

UNE’s Anthropology minor may appeal to you as something totally different and separate from your major course of study, bringing variety to your class schedule while preparing you with a new skill set to aid you in your dream career or graduate school. Or, you may view the minor as the perfect extension to your major, positioning you as an expert in a unique and valuable academic nexus where the two disciplines intersect. Either way, you’ll benefit from close contact with our dedicated faculty and the program’s close-knit group of students, and you’ll reap the rewards of our hands-on approach that encourages you to apply your skills in archeological and ethnographic field research.

A U N E student picks up a plastic bag containing an artifact found at a dig site
A student brushes dirt off an artifact found in a dig site

The Anthropology minor is easily one of the best experiences I have had at UNE. Not only are the classes incredibly interesting and fun to attend, but they teach students how to apply a multidisciplinary approach and about diversity in cultures across the world.” 

Sarah Watson ’23, Psychology major/Business Administration and Anthropology double minor

 

What will you study? Minor in Anthropology curriculum overview

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is at the heart of a UNE education, and the Anthropology minor couldn’t be riper with opportunities to perform real-world anthropology work — whether it be in the classroom, through research, or at internships.

Classroom Activities

Our anthropology classes take you way beyond the textbook to a variety of activities that put you in the shoes of anthropologists. So roll up your sleeves; in some cases, you may get your hands dirty! The following are just some of the course assignments you may encounter:

  • Conduct ethnographic observations of on-campus activities
  • Research, make, and use Paleolithic hand axes
  • Participate in archaeological excavations

Research

As the perfect complement to so many different majors, the Anthropology minor allows you to combine your two passions to produce research projects that are uniquely yours. Recent research by our Anthropology minors has included the following:

  • Human Trafficking and the Fishing Industry
  • Bra Purchasing Influences in Bra Wearers from the Northeastern U.S.
  • Motivations Among Student Participants in Dungeons and Dragons
  • The Inter-Relational Culture of Starbucks

Internships

Increase your career prospects with on-the-job experience. Internships are a great way to gain real-world skills in a professional setting that utilizes knowledge of your major and your Anthropology minor. The following are just some of the settings where our minors have interned: 

  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Heart of Biddeford
  • Cultivating Community
  • Partners for World Health
  • Preble Street Resource Center
  • All for Good: International Humanity
  • Cape Porpoise Archaeological Alliance

Experience an on-campus archaeology dig

Examples of Available Courses

Our vibrant and engaged faculty boast specialty areas including applied anthropology; archaeology; gender, women, and sexuality; medical anthropology; and society, law, and policy. Our wide variety of courses includes: 

  • The Origins of Human Society 
  • Medical Anthropology 
  • Archaeological Field Methods in New England Prehistory 
  • Human Trafficking 
  • Plagues and Populations 

Curriculum

To complete the Minor in Anthropology students must complete six (6) three (3) credit courses in Anthropology. As part of the Minor in Anthropology, ANT 101 – Introduction to Anthropology is required of all minors. Additionally, one (1) course must be at the 300-level or above. Students may include one (1) elective from a related field if approved by the school. Students may count courses taken in the Core Curriculum as part of the minor.

Program Required CourseCredits
ANT 101 – Introduction to Anthropology3
Total Credits3
Select One (1) Introductory Area Course Below:Credits
ANT 102 – Cultural Anthropology3
ANT/BIO 103 – Intro to Biological Anthro3
ARC 190 – Cultures Through Archaeology3
Total Credits3
Select Four (4) Electives Below (at least one (1) elective at the 300-level or above)Credits
ANT 102 – Cultural Anthropology3
ANT 103 – Intro to Biological Anthro3
ANT 118 – Applied Anthropology3
ANT 211 – Medical Anthropology3
ANT 224 – Forensic Anthrop/Human Rights3
ANT 228 – Anthropology of Gender3
ANT 230 – Anthropology in Latin American and the Caribbean3
ANT 231 – Culture and Society in the Middle East (Morocco)3
ANT 241 – Plagues and Populations3
ANT 312 – Human Trafficking3
ANT 332 – Anthropology of Magic3
ARC 190 – Exp Cultures Thru Archaeology3
ARC 193 – The Origins of Human Society3
ARC 205 – Archaeological Field Methods in New England Prehistory3
ARC 235 – Archaeology of New England3
BIO 328 – Human Evolution3–4
ENV 200 – Society, Population, and Environment: A Global Perspective3
ENV 341 – Indigenous Ecology, Conservation Biology, and the Politics of Know3
HIS 210 – Race and Ethnicity Latin America3
SOC 210 – Displaced Cultures and Society3
SOC 265 – Social Issues Problem Global World3
SOC 290 – British Cultural Studies3
SOC 331 – Latin American Society and Culture Through Cinema3
SOC 370 – Applied Field Methods3
Total Credits12–13
Minimum Total Required Credits18

To learn more about the minor see the Academic Catalog.

Find Your Career

From international development to marketing, engineering, and government, there are many different fields that are increasingly relying on professionals with a background in human interaction and multicultural fluency. Moreover, the expertise that an anthropology student develops in critical thinking, analysis, and written and oral communication comprises exactly the kind of skills that a wide range of employers seek in job candidates.

A student stands at a sifting table above a dig site
A student sitting on grass is writing notes

Your Anthropology minor from UNE will enhance your career prospects in many diverse fields, including:

  • Medicine/Health
  • Cultural Resource Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Development
  • Social Work
  • Market Research
  • Education
  • The Nonprofit Sector
  • Museum Education
  • Journalism
  • Public Policy
  • Government
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rank of equity and inclusion proficiency among the most important career competencies identified by employers in job candidates

National Association of Colleges and Employers, Job Outlook, 2017 and 2022

Contact

Undergraduate Admissions

Contact Undergraduate Admissions at (800) 477-4863 or email admissions@tamilfolksongs.com. You can also stop by our office on the Biddeford Campus Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.