Core Values for the Anthropology Undergraduate Program at the University of Maryland

Culture

  • Demonstrate an understanding of culture and society
  • Understand the evolution of the change in human species both biologically and behaviorally
  • Understand the major biological and cultural transitions that have taken place since the emergence of Homo sapiens
  • Critically examine different societies and provide a context for values and the values of others
  • Offer possible explanations that address cultural and biological differences and similarities among diverse communities
  • Understand the process and effects of globalization
  • Encourage students to take courses that emphasize foreign cultures and / or encourage a foreign language in order to gain insight into alternative perspectives

Diversity

  • Demonstrate knowledge, awareness and understanding of a culturally and biologically diverse world
  • Understand and explain the diversity of cultures
  • Understand the perspectives of culture bearer
  • Recognize diversity in race, ethnicity, class, gender, and age
  • Critically examine one's own cultural and social identities and understand how those identities shape one's beliefs and attitudes
  • Critically evaluate how people and groups vary across time and places and the effects of such variation
  • Understand social inequality and become civically engaged to address the issue

Research and Application

  • Demonstrate the ability to understand complex research problems, and articulate appropriate methods and theory
  • Describe the role of research methods in building anthropological knowledge that includes critical and systematic thinking
  • Ability to design and carry out an anthropology research project, describe the role of data analysis, and answer social, biocultural, and historical questions
  • Ability to use the computer in the acquisition and analysis of information and data
  • Critically identify underlying assumptions in particular theoretical orientations or arguments
  • Critically identify underlying assumptions in particular methodological approaches to an issue and be able to articulate them orally and in writting
  • Present opposing viewpoints and alternative hypotheses on various issues
  • Show how patterns of thought and knowledge are directly influenced by political, economic and/ or social structures