Interdisciplinary Studies recognizes that academic disciplines do not exist in a vacuum, that to fully understand a subject one must move beyond the silos of the individual disciplines and integrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are to be found in related, complementary academic subjects. Thus the student will study at least two different subjects in the Interdisciplinary program, looking for connections between them.
About the Concentration
The mission of UMF’s program in Anthropology is to foster in students the kind of global and comprehensive knowledge that is necessary for living, as committed citizens, in our complex, interdependent, and increasingly trans-cultural world. The core of our program is anthropology, a discipline that examines the social, cultural, and biological diversity of humans across the globe and through time.
Foundational courses in anthropology are at the heart of our program, but so is our commitment to allowing students the freedom to personalize a significant part of their educational experience. Working in close consultation with their faculty advisors, students in our program develop a coherent, individualized course of study consistent with their educational and professional goals. A student passionate about human rights, development, and social change, for example, could devise a study plan that integrates a range of courses in anthropology, geography, economics, or political science. A student interested in social services could take courses in psychology and rehabilitation. A student wishing to work in archaeology could include courses in geology and geographic information systems. A student wanting to explore performance in global perspective and in everyday life could devise a plan that integrates anthropology, visual and performing arts, religion, and philosophy. The options are limitless as students can span not only the social sciences, but also the natural sciences, arts and humanities in crafting their Student-Originated Study Plan.
Our program in Anthropology is meant to be a springboard for life after college. We aim to promote active citizenship by providing opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork and research experiences locally, regionally and abroad, depending on student interest. The knowledge and experience gained through our program will prepare students for further academic study in anthropology or related disciplines and for pursuing careers in social services, public health, government/public policy, education, archaeology and cultural resource management, museum studies, social justice advocacy, urban planning, non-profit organizing, and community/international development, among many other possibilities.
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