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The anthropology faculty at
Virginia Commonwealth University takes as its primary goal the encouragement
and support of students in actively engaging in learning about the
world around them. Whether students choose to concentrate their studies
in anthropology or take anthropology courses as a complement to a major
in another subject, they will find that this commitment shapes the
program. In anthropology courses, students are continuously encouraged
to critically assess the information and knowledge with which they
are presented. The faculty takes as its point of departure that each
student has an active, critical interest in partaking in the learning
process and that each student brings unique life experiences to the
classroom which can enrich the production of knowledge that takes place
in that context. The anthropology faculty practices a student-centered
learning approach, encouraging and supporting our students to be actively
involved in their own learning processes. The knowledge, skills, and
the unique perspectives of our discipline cannot be taught. The independent,
analytical, and critical thinking of anthropology necessary to our
students' success in their future endeavors must be acquired through
students' interest in the discipline and active work while attaining
its knowledge. We are committed to making our insights and experiences
available to our students and to helping each student define and reach
individual educational goals. Students in our program for one course
or for many find that we put an emphasis on student-centered learning.
We make it our undertaking to continuously encourage students to critically
assess the information and knowledge with which they are presented
by us and by others. Students in anthropology classes tackle difficult
readings, make oral presentations, and write a variety of journals
and papers. They work in small groups and collaborate on projects,
at times even teaching their classmates. Many courses require active
professional experience outside of the classroom, computer competency,
and research skills.
After graduation,
anthropology students may choose to go directly into applied work in
anthropology, to draw from the discipline to enhance opportunities
in another profession, or to pursue graduate training in anthropology. Regardless, our students find that the
mastery of oral and written presentation skills is a decisive factor
in their ability to independently establish and achieve their goals. We have crafted a program to provide
each student with the very best tools for meeting such challenges in
their future lives.
We encourage majors
and minors to take courses with as many different professors in our
program as possible. While
we are committed to a general teaching philosophy, we each bring a
unique perspective to the discipline, which will enrich students’ educational
experience. All faculty teach differently and, like
all the different people and organizations students will encounter
in the future, we have our individual preferences when it comes to
writing styles, presentation formats, and classroom participation.
On this web site,
you will find general introductions to critical thinking, writing,
and oral presentation skills, as well as a discussion of the anthropology
program’s grading standards. These
discussions are in no way exhaustive. If
you need additional assistance, we strongly suggest and recommend that
you consult one of the available handbooks in the library or bookstore
and that you ask the faculty about these important matters. We
strongly stress that we do not demand one particular writing or presentation
style. However, when it
comes to details, for instance on how to write references or cite material,
these suggestions are supported by disciplinary practices in anthropological
journals and books and should be viewed as part of your professional
development.
Regardless of the
general format used, there are always two golden rules for any written
or oral presentation: that you consistently implement the format you
choose, and that the format helps the listener/reader to acquire and
understand the knowledge and arguments you present. The easier it is
to follow your presentation, the more weight your arguments carry.
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