As previously discussed, I had enrolled in the UNT Anthropology master’s program because I work in tech, and likewise was interested in the business, technology, and design anthropology concentration UNT offered.
At UNT, the business, technology, and design anthropology concentration is led by Susan Squires and Christina Wasson. Both of them have extensive experience working in industry and have published numerous books and articles on the topic. The concentration encompasses design anthropology and user-centered design, communication in the workplace, human-computer interaction, consumer behavior, diversity and globalization, and organizational anthropology, all topics I was interested in.
While progressing through my studies, I took the following UNT anthropology courses, as well as two electives outside of the anthropology discipline. All of the courses were fantastic and challenging, and have contributed to me being a researcher today. If you are thinking of studying anthropology I would definitely recommend the program.
My UNT Anthropology Courses
ANTH 5000 Seminar in Sociocultural Anthropology
A survey of anthropological attempts to understand and explain the similarities and differences in culture and humans. This course serves as a high-level introduction (review) to the discipline of anthropology with a primary emphasis on sociocultural anthropology, that also allows individuals to pursue their own particular or specific interests. The course is designed for graduate students combining anthropology with other fields as part of their graduate programs but whose exposure and background in the discipline is limited, and undergraduate seniors bringing their undergraduate program to a conclusion and planning on pursuing further additional training and careers in anthropology.
ANTH 5010 Anthropological Thought and Praxis I
Considers the history of anthropological concepts, the major historical debates in anthropological theory, and historical tensions between applied and theoretical knowledge. Special emphasis is given to critical examination of concept and theory formation, and the application of anthropological ideas to the problems of everyday life. Prerequisite: ANTH 5000 or 12 hours in anthropology.
ANTH 5021 Anthropological Thought and Praxis II
Considers contemporary anthropological concepts and theories and the major debates that have been produced by them. Special emphasis is given to the most recent tensions and debates on the relationships between theoretical and applied knowledge. Specific attention is paid to the relationships between social theory and social policy formation. Prerequisite: ANTH 5010.
ANTH 5031 Ethnographic and Qualitative Methods
Focuses on ethnographic and qualitative methods and the development of the skills necessary for the practice of anthropology. Special emphasis is given to qualitative techniques of data collection and analysis, grant writing, the use of computers to analyze qualitative data, and ethical problems in conducting qualitative research.
ANTH 5041 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology
Provides quantitative and statistical skills to complement those used in qualitative and ethnographic research: research design, sampling and scaling techniques, tests for reliability and validity, and tests of association and significance. Special emphasis is given to the use of SPSS.
ANTH 5050 Preparation for Practice and the Applied Thesis
Emphasis on planning the applied thesis project, professional development, and bringing students into the community of practice of applied/practicing anthropologists. Students learn skills in client development, project design, proposal writing, informational interviews, how to obtain a job, how to succeed in the workplace, and networking. In addition, students are exposed to contested issues in the field and career trajectories of practitioners. A number of practitioners are invited as guest speakers.
ANTH 5110 Design Anthropology
Design anthropology is a rapidly growing field of employment for those who wish to work in business contexts. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of this field. By collaborating on an applied project, they gain practice in the research methods of participant observation, interviewing, and videotaping. They learn to engage in collaborative analysis using qualitative software. And they work with designers and customers to translate their research into practical applications.
ANTH 5201 Medical Anthropology
This course presents information central to understanding the area of medical anthropology, the focus of practitioners of this area, and the major concepts which guide the activities of cultural anthropologists working in different societies. The linkage between culture and health is central toward understanding human adaptations to a variety of environments around the world. The preparations which humans make in response to illness, sickness, and disease are examined in the context of the climates, geographies, flora and fauna in which populations live. Presented are the research methodology, terminology and outcomes of health/medical projects attempted by anthropologists in other western and non-western cultures.
ANTH 5900 Special Problems
Individuals study on specific research topics or subject matter not contained within the normal Anthropology inventory at UNT. The course allows individuals to pursue research on topics of interests through readings or directed activity under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member on a one-to-one basis.
ANTH 5950 Applied Thesis
3 or 6 hours. To be scheduled with consent of department. 6 hour required. No credit assigned until thesis has been completed and filed with the graduate dean. Continuous enrollment required once work on thesis has begun. May be repeated for credit. ANTH 5010, 5021, 5031, 5041, 5050.
Other Options for Studying Anthropology and Ethnography
If the UNT anthropology master’s program does not seem to be the right fit for you, check out this post which discusses the Wayne State business anthropology master’s degree program.
If you are not completely sure you want to study anthropology at the graduate level, check out this post on ethnographic research training courses. In the article, I discuss the courses EPIC offers, which are a great introduction to the methods of anthropology.
