Anthropology

One species. 6,000 languages. Countless cultural manifestations. Anthropology students study what it means to be human and use that knowledge to negotiate relationships. With an emphasis in cultural anthropology, Hanover will help you develop an understanding of your own culture and the diverse cultures of those very different from you. You will be closely mentored by Hanover’s accomplished faculty and may have the opportunity to assist with research or even co-author journal articles.  As you learn about the complexities of human communication, you can use it to help people understand each other – whether in political situations, business dealings or family institutions.

Opportunities for Research

Put your classroom learning into action through academic internships or independent study courses. You will have the freedom to pursue your personal interests while receiving support from faculty.

Recent internships have included:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Native American Camp
• Fifth Judicial Court of Indiana
• Reach Our Youth, Inc.
• The Philadelphia Center
• The Washington Center
• Office of the Prosecuting Attorney

Recent independent studies have included:

• An Ethnographic Study of an American Zen Center
• The Life History of a Carmelite Nun
• An Anthropological Analysis of Western Stereotypes of the Veil among American Muslims
• A Study of Student Attitudes Towards Interethnic Dating on a College Campus
• The Practices and Beliefs of Christian Student Organizations on a College Campus

What do anthropology majors study?

In addition to required anthropology classes, students choose from a wide range of courses, such as:

• Modern Africa 
• Native American cultures 
• Comparative spiritual traditions 
• Food, body and culture 
• Gender in cross-cultural perspective 
• And many more

Previous graduates' career and professional placements have included: 

"There are very few degrees you can get that apply to everything. I'm still going back to the lessons I learned at Hanover. It's a transformation of how you think about the world - what else can you ask from a college degree?"

Rob Moore '03

• Consultant 
• Smithsonian Institution or other Museum 
• Archaeologist 
• National Park Service 
• College Professor 
• United Nations Relief Agency 
• Zoologist 
• Community and Regional Planning 
• Forensic Criminologist 
• Urban Development 
• Research Analyst 
• Immigration Service/Refugee Support 
• Foreign Service
• Cultural Resource Management
• Anthropological Medicine

 Graduate school placements have included:

• William and Mary 
• Vanderbilt University 
• University of Cairo 
• International University 
• Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education 
• Ball State University 
• University of Miami at Ohio 
• Oriental School of Medicine, Seattle 
• Brandeis University