<p>I've always been fascinated by the customs, art, and beliefs that makes up one's culture. However, I'm not sure which is the best major to learn about different ethnicities, governments and religions. I'm not certain what the difference is between a degree in Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, International Studies and Geography. I want a program that allows for qualitative analysis in oppose to statistics, although I realize that might be a part of all of these majors to an extent. History fascinates me and I would like a major that takes a holistic approach to today's through historical events. However, I'm not sure if I want to study history because I find cultures more interesting than events...although I am interested in how they intersect. I'm not as interested in the scientific aspect of these sorts of majors, more the arts/language end. I love to write and discuss, and I want something that could translate to a career as a journalist. I want a career that allows for some creativity and interpretation through one of these majors. If anyone is involved in any of these programs, can you give me your impression? Which one do you think sounds the best for me? Which ones translate best into a job?</p>
<p>Cultural Anthropology is more about the historical records of cultures and how the past informs the present. Ethnic Studies is more about understanding current cultures and improving intercultural communications. International studies is more business oriented. Geography is the study of land and borders. Cultural geography would be studying how climate, natural resources, neighbors, etc effects the growth and evolution of a culture.</p>
<p>You’ll want to look into these more on your own because I mostly just made that stuff up, but I think I probably got the general ideas right.</p>
<p>You could also look into an area studies major (e.g. Africana studies or East Asian studies) if you find yourself attracted to one geographic region in particular. Area studies typically combine coursework in a language of the region as well as its history and culture (religion, art, etc).</p>
<p>@ MathGirl - As far as I know, since I just took a course on anthropology, cultural anthropology is NOT study of historical records (though it may indeed involve that), but the study of a culture by means of fieldwork, which is ethnographic research. And by that I mean actually going to a place and studying and interviewing the inhabitants to get an understanding of their culture.</p>
<p>@ SvenskanFisk - Anthropology is definitely worth looking into. Though it involves objective research, there is a great deal of creativity in that you must sort of construct the “story” of a culture in the way you feel best represents it.</p>
<p>hmmm that sounds suspiciously like what I like… culture with an emphasis on writing and even journalism!
cool. can anyone continue clarifying?</p>
<p>But you have to really scrutinize the anthro courses, because some colleges specialize - some are big on cultural, some human, some physical (as in artifacts, more like archaeology).</p>
<p>Every one I’ve looked at has a class about Magic and Witches…!!!</p>
<p>History + Anthropology double major.</p>
<p>Social Sciences (History, Anthropology, Sociology)
Area and Ethnic Studies (International Studies, Black Studies, Asian Studies, etc.)</p>
<p>I would really suggest Sociocultural Anthropology. The topics it covers can range from Women & Islam, Indigenous studies, Magic, and even the culture of online, virtual communities. Anthropology also allows a wide range of study abroad opportunities and destinations, through unique, immersive programs like SIT. </p>
<p>You may also consider a college like Evergreen ([The</a> Evergreen State College - a public, liberal arts & sciences college in the Pacific Northwest](<a href=“http://www.evergreen.edu%5DThe”>http://www.evergreen.edu)), which takes an alternative approach to undergrad with all majors designed by students and interdisciplinary in nature.</p>