Anthropology is a comparative field that aspires to encompass all of the human experience in the past, present, and future. All anthropologists, no matter what their theoretical persuasions or topical specializations, adhere to the holistic ethic that views all aspects of human thought and action as interrelated. This holistic ethic is perfectly consistent with the nature and goals of liberal education in the modern world. Not only does the anthropology major provide a strong background in critical thinking, analysis, and writing, but the anthropology graduate generally comes away with a broad appreciation for global diversity and a deep sympathy for the human condition.
Social anthropologists study the full range of human societies, cultures, beliefs, and institutions.
Biological anthropologists study human evolution, adaptation, and biological variation both within and among human populations. Archaeologists reconstruct and interpret the human past through the study of such artifacts and physical remains as tools, pottery, buildings, pollen, bone, and even garbage. Linguists study the development of written and non-written languages and the interrelationships among language, thought, and culture. There are many interfaces among these sub-fields, and some of the most exciting contemporary research is conducted at those interfaces. Franklin and Marshall is distinguished among private liberal arts colleges in having an independent department of anthropology that offers several of the different sub-fields.