How To Teach Anthropology

Anthropology is a great way for students to explore the world.

Anthropology is the study of people in all times and in all places. In the United States, anthropology is divided into four sub-disciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology and linguistic anthropology. However, when academics say anthropology, they often mean "cultural anthropology."
Anthropology is a fascinating lens for exploring the world and can be an enjoyable class for both students and professors. Those who teach anthropology usually have a higher degree and work experience.

Things You'll Need

• A degree in anthropology, preferably a master's or Ph.D.
• A DVD player or VCR
• A television monitor
• Reference materials (i.e. books, especially anthropology texts and ethnographies, and videos)

Instructions

Preparing the Course

1. Decide what aspects of anthropology to teach. For the first day or two of an introductory course, such topics as what anthropology is, what anthropologists do and how they do it are good places to start.

2. Review the material that needs to be presented, taking any necessary or useful notes. The class text is a good resource to begin with. Also, consider sharing relevant personal experiences. Can other disciplines, such as philosophy, economics, psychology, history or music, be incorporated into the lecture?

3. Finalize the notes, organizing them in the way they will be most useful to the students when presented in class. Consider any additional materials that might be useful--are there videos, pictures, cultural artifacts or books that would help the students understand and personalize the information? What about field trips to museums or local cultural centers?

4. Practice presenting the lectures, especially if nervous or inexperienced with teaching or the material.

5. Because anthropology includes a variety of topics, terms and names students may not be familiar with, it is wise to give students copies of the terms or write the terms on a chalkboard or white board to assist the students' retention of the material covered.

6. Consider compiling a study guide for the students, including important terms, concepts and questions.

Presenting the Information

1. Present the information that has been prepared. Don't rush and be open to any extra insights that might strike, or comments or examples students may have that support the lecture.

2. Encourage students to ask questions to ascertain that they understand the information presented.

3. Ask the students questions to ensure they understand the material.

4. Consider inviting guest lecturers or presenters. Are there some available specialists from whom the students could learn? What about local cultural groups who could share their culture with the students, e.g. Native American dancers?

Check the Students

1. Determine how well the students have learned the material. There are a variety of methods for doing this: quizzes, exams, essays and research papers are all traditional possibilities. However, student ethnographies, student films, art projects, demonstrations and presentations are also excellent mediums for the students to incorporate and present what they've learned.

2. Ask students if there are any methods or aspects of the course that could be adapted so that the material is more accessible for them.

3. At regular intervals (perhaps weekly, monthly and quarterly), consider how the class could be improved.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit other instructors' classes to see what creative methods they use to teach.

References

• Cultural Anthropology; William A. Haviland; 2001
• Teaching Anthropology in High School