Anthropology

Curious about what makes us human? Anthropology is a fascinating field that uncovers the stories of our past, our cultures, and how we’ve evolved. In this article, we’ll dive into the essentials of anthropology, revealing why it’s a key discipline for understanding the world around us. Whether you're exploring the ancient or the modern, anthropology offers a unique perspective on who we are and how we got here.

Get started

Scan and solve every subject with AI

Try our homework helper for free Homework Helper
Avatar

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Sign up for free

Achieve better grades quicker with Premium

PREMIUM
Karteikarten Spaced Repetition Lernsets AI-Tools Probeklausuren Lernplan Erklärungen Karteikarten Spaced Repetition Lernsets AI-Tools Probeklausuren Lernplan Erklärungen
Kostenlos testen

Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst

Review generated flashcards

Sign up for free
You have reached the daily AI limit

Start learning or create your own AI flashcards

  • Fact Checked Content
  • Last Updated: 02.01.2025
  • 5 min reading time
  • Content creation process designed by
    Lily Hulatt Avatar
  • Content cross-checked by
    Gabriel Freitas Avatar
  • Content quality checked by
    Gabriel Freitas Avatar
Sign up for free to save, edit & create flashcards.
Save Article Save Article

Thank you for your interest in audio learning!

This feature isn’t ready just yet, but we’d love to hear why you prefer audio learning.

Why do you prefer audio learning? (optional)

Send Feedback
Play as podcast • 12 Minutes

StudySmarter's anthropology notes and revisions will show you that anthropology is the study of humans, their behaviors, cultures, and biological aspects throughout history and across the world.

StudySmarter's Introduction to Anthropology

In fact, anthropology is the study of all human aspects, ranging from ancient societies to contemporary cultures. The study of anthropology begins with the basics of human evolution, social structures, and cultural practices. It then examines more complex aspects such as kinship, religion, and economic systems. It continues with the analysis of themes such as sustainability, aesthetics, functionality, and social impact.

Our planet Earth is filled with various human societies and cultures. These societies interact with their environment, adapt to different cultural contexts, and evolve over time. Imagine observing a modern city with its diverse communities, languages, traditions, and historical influences. All of this is included in the study of anthropology.

Themes of Anthropology and Learning Objectives

On StudySmarter, you'll find essential resources for your anthropology courses. We follow specifications developed by expert anthropology educators. In this way, we ensure that our content is of high quality and relevant to anyone undertaking a learning journey with StudySmarter.

Most anthropology courses cover the following topics:

  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Biological Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Linguistic Anthropology

You'll find these topics on StudySmarter, but we also offer these additional themes:

  • Applied Anthropology
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Environmental Anthropology
  • Ethnographic Methods
  • Introduction to all themes of anthropology

Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology is the foundation for studying the social lives and cultures of humans. This field examines fundamental concepts such as kinship, religion, economy, and politics, as well as modern and contemporary theories of culture.

Anthropology: Biological Anthropology

Studying biological anthropology is essential to understanding the evolution of humans and their biological diversity. From early hominins to modern humans, you'll discover major developments in human evolution and their impacts on our understanding of human biology.

Anthropology: Archaeology

Archaeology focuses on the study of ancient human societies through material remains. You'll learn to excavate sites, analyze artifacts, and interpret findings to reconstruct past human behaviors and cultures.

Anthropology: Linguistic Anthropology

Linguistic anthropology examines the role of language in human societies. You'll study how language shapes communication, social identity, and cultural beliefs, as well as the relationship between language and power.

Anthropology: Applied Anthropology

Applied anthropology involves the practical application of anthropological methods and theories to solve real-world problems. You'll explore how anthropologists work in various fields such as health, education, and international development.

Anthropology: Medical Anthropology

Medical anthropology focuses on the cultural and social aspects of health, illness, and healthcare. You'll learn about different medical systems, health practices, and the social determinants of health.

Anthropology: Environmental Anthropology

Environmental anthropology examines the interactions between humans and their environments. You'll study how different cultures understand and manage natural resources, and the impact of environmental changes on societies.

Anthropology: Ethnographic Methods

Ethnographic methods are essential for conducting anthropological research. Some of the qualitative techniques used to gather data and understand human behaviors and cultures. are the following:

  • Participant observation

  • Interviews

  • Field notes

  • Focus groups

Anthropology, A Skull, StudySmarter

How Can StudySmarter Help Me Study Anthropology?

Whether you're revising the themes covered in your anthropology course or preparing for your upcoming exams, StudySmarter has everything you need. Our original, effective, smart, and interactive learning system allows you to master anthropology like never before. And the best part: it's completely free!

The Anthropology Revision Guide

Our smart guide is here to introduce you to everything you need to know to successfully revise your courses and exams in anthropology. Here's what you can discover on StudySmarter:

Anthropology Summaries

The anthropology summaries on StudySmarter cover everything you need to know about the essential topics of anthropology, presenting interesting facts that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the subject.

Anthropology Flash Cards

Flash cards are a fantastic tool that helps you learn in an easy and fun way. The anthropology revision cards contain questions and answers on the themes covered in the summaries. Did you know that you can create your own cards with specific questions you want to practice? Isn't that great?

Anthropology Study Groups

StudySmarter allows you to form study groups and learn with your friends and other anthropology students from larger learning communities. Use the revision cards to quiz your group members and test their knowledge.

Rewards for Learning Anthropology

StudySmarter is your next best friend, encouraging you to learn and achieve the best results. Set your weekly goals: complete topics, answer revision cards correctly, ask questions. Achieving these goals will earn you trophies. The more you learn, the more trophies you earn to celebrate your hard work.

How we ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy?

At StudySmarter, we have created a learning platform that serves millions of students. Meet the people who work hard to deliver fact based content as well as making sure it is verified.

Content Creation Process:
Lily Hulatt Avatar

Lily Hulatt

Digital Content Specialist

Lily Hulatt is a Digital Content Specialist with over three years of experience in content strategy and curriculum design. She gained her PhD in English Literature from Durham University in 2022, taught in Durham University’s English Studies Department, and has contributed to a number of publications. Lily specialises in English Literature, English Language, History, and Philosophy.

Get to know Lily
Content Quality Monitored by:
Gabriel Freitas Avatar

Gabriel Freitas

AI Engineer

Gabriel Freitas is an AI Engineer with a solid experience in software development, machine learning algorithms, and generative AI, including large language models’ (LLMs) applications. Graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of São Paulo, he is currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Campinas, specializing in machine learning topics. Gabriel has a strong background in software engineering and has worked on projects involving computer vision, embedded AI, and LLM applications.

Get to know Gabriel

Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

Sign up for free
1
About StudySmarter

StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Learn more
StudySmarter Editorial Team

Team Anthropology Teachers

  • 5 minutes reading time
  • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
Save Explanation Save Explanation

Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

Sign-up for free

Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

  • Flashcards & Quizzes
  • AI Study Assistant
  • Study Planner
  • Mock-Exams
  • Smart Note-Taking
Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App
Sign up with Email

Join over 30 million students learning with our free Vaia app

The first learning platform with all the tools and study materials you need.

Intent Image
  • Note Editing
  • •
  • Flashcards
  • •
  • AI Assistant
  • •
  • Explanations
  • •
  • Mock Exams