Anthropology is the study of humanity in all of is breadth and depth. It sets itself apart from other social sciences in its aspiration to understand all aspects of humankind. As a discipline, anthropology studies and celebrates human diversity. At the same time, it reminds us that despite our different cultures, we are all members of the human family. We share a common nature and a common destiny.
In the anthropology program, students have the opportunity to explore the four branches of anthropology. At NDSU, the focal area has been North America and Oceania, although other areas of the world are in the curriculum.
The Native American specialization reflects both the expertise of the anthropology faculty and the relevance of its focus on the northern plains region. Additional emphasis within anthropology includes archaeology (the study of past cultures through the analysis of material remains), paleoanthropology (an interdisciplinary study of humans and their ancestors, their geochronology, physical structure, archaeological remains and their habitats), and folklore (the study of expressive culture, particularly unrecorded traditions).
Anthropology Faculty: Dr. Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Tim Kloberdanz, Dr. Thomas Riley (Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences), Dr. Joy Sather-Wagstaff