Mission Statement

Anthropology Program Mission Statement: 2001-2004
Anthropology is the discipline which takes as its central subject the nature of humanity and the diversity of its cultural, physical and social forms. As such, anthropology is a field of inquiry especially well suited to preparing VCU's undergraduate students for the 21st century. Sensitivity to the values, beliefs, and structures of other cultures is a necessary characteristic of community and business leaders of the next century. The ability to live and work alongside those who are perceived as different from oneself, and to recognize similarities among all humans, will become an increasingly essential attribute of an educated citizen.

We take this as our primary mission: to provide to our students the
knowledge, skills, and unique perspectives of our discipline so that they may succeed in future endeavors. Some students will choose to
concentrate their studies in the field of anthropology; more will choose
anthropology courses to complement another major field of study.
Whether students seek eventually to do applied work in anthropology with an undergraduate degree, to draw on our discipline to enhance their opportunities in another profession, or to pursue postgraduate training as anthropologists, our primary goal is to provide a sound course of study to help them attain their goals.