Welcome

Welcome

To Cultural Anthropology

Dr. Minerva V. Beane Ohio native, born and raised. Graduated from Ohio State University with

my masters in Anthropology Moved to Rhode Island to attend Brown

University. I received my Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology.

I'm back to Ohio, working with the University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash.

And I am excited to share my passion of anthropology with you!

Who is

I have 2 children Roxy- my 4 year old blonde Labrador . Geoffrey- my five year old fluffy cat.

I LOVE TO TRAVEL I have been to many

countries in Europe, Australia, China, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Japan.

Over the past summer I took a mission trip to Kenya, to help build houses.

This is a family we built a house for! I will go back again!

A Brief Introduction

Cultural Anthropology

WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?

Anthropology is the study of humankind. Cultural anthropology is a specific branch focusing on culture and belief. In studying anthropology, we seek to gain an understanding of different cultures and beliefs. What separates one culture from another? Why does a certain group of people believe something that would seem strange to a different group? These questions and more are what cultural anthropologists seek to answer.

Anthropology studies all cultures and people. In anthropology there is no

limit to what can be studied as long as it pertains to human beings.

Cultural anthropology first became a major field of study in the late 19th century. The sudden onset of interest in other cultures started as a result of western colonialism. As western people encountered new and different cultures, an interest in learning about these “strange” cultures grew.

Anthropology is a broad field with several different branches. The four main branches are biological (physical) anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Each branch studies a unique aspect of human culture past and present.

Since cultural anthropology studies human beliefs and cultures, it sometimes includes studying the supernatural or the occult. Anthropology includes all aspects of humanity, including the mysterious or taboo. Below is a picture of a Jivaro shrunken head. The Jivaro tribe is one of the most famous tribes of the Amazon.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy the course!

-Professor Minerva V. Beane, PhD.