Why Anthropology is Not a Required Part of the High School Curriculum

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, understanding our global community is more important than ever. One of the key disciplines that can contribute to this understanding is anthropology. Yet, anthropology is often an elective course in high schools in the United States. This raises the question: why is anthropology not a required part of the high school curriculum, given the rising awareness of global issues?

The Current State of Anthropology in High Schools

Anthropology is an elective course for many high schools across the United States. The inclusion of anthropology is largely determined by several factors including:

The grade to which the course would be assigned. This is crucial in aligning the course with the developmental levels of the students. The minimum number of students interested in taking the course. Typically, schools require a minimum of two full classes of 30 students each to make the course minimally viable. The qualification of the teacher. In many cases, the social studies/history department is responsible for assigning a teacher to teach anthropology, even if they are not qualified specifically in the subject.

The current structure of these factors often makes it difficult for anthropology to be a required part of the curriculum. The low enrollment numbers and the lack of specialized teachers can deter schools from requiring this course, despite its potential importance.

The Role of Anthropology in Social Studies

Anthropology is often integrated into the broader field of sociology in high schools. The tribal aspects of sociology are studied within the framework of sociology. Therefore, the basic knowledge of anthropology is usually provided within the sociology curriculum, making it unnecessary to have a separate anthropology course. This approach allows for a more integrated study of human cultures and societies.

In my sister's school, they were taught Social Anthropology as a part of sociology. This highlights the possibility of integrating anthropology within other social science subjects without the need for a separate course.

However, the integration of anthropology into sociology does not fully capture the breadth and depth of the discipline. Anthropology is a field that encompasses a wide range of topics, from cultural practices and social structures to clinical practices and linguistic studies. It provides a unique lens for understanding human behavior and the diverse ways in which people live and interact.

The Value of Including Anthropology in the High School Curriculum

Despite the current state of anthropology in high schools, there are compelling reasons to consider making it a required part of the curriculum:

Cultivating Global Understanding: As the world becomes more globalized, understanding different cultures and societies becomes crucial. Anthropology teaches students about diversity and helps them develop a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. Critical Thinking Skills: Anthropology encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. Students learn to question and analyze the world around them, fostering a more informed and thoughtful citizenry. Interdisciplinary Nature: Anthropology is often described as the "science of humanity." It connects with various other fields such as biology, sociology, history, and linguistics. Including it in the curriculum exposes students to interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving. Preparation for the Future: In an increasingly globalized world, understanding the complexities of different cultures is not only beneficial but also increasingly necessary for professional success. Making anthropology a required course can better prepare students for the future.

While these benefits are clear, the practical implementation of making anthropology a required course may require support and resources. Schools need to consider how to provide a qualified teacher, allocate class time, and ensure that the curriculum is comprehensive and engaging.

Conclusion

Given the growing importance of global awareness and understanding, anthropology should be considered as a required part of the high school curriculum. While the current state of anthropology in many schools may not reflect this need, there is a growing recognition of its value. By integrating anthropology into the curriculum, we can better prepare students for the complexities of our global society.

Keywords: anthropology, high school curriculum, global awareness