Description

Anthropology is the science committed to the comparative and historical study of humankind, looking across different cultural circumstances and into the depths of prehistory. Anthropology literally means the study of humanity and considers the interplay of biological and cultural factors. The Master’s program at UAB introduces an innovative focus on peace, justice, human rights, and ecology, as considered from anthropological perspectives. The Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights encompasses knowledge and methodologies from social cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology to explore these topics. Students are welcome to approach the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights from the perspectives of these sub-disciplines. The program focuses on peace justice, sustainability, and human rights at different social levels ranging from individuals, families, communities, cultures, nations, to the international. Students consider how factors such as ecological sustainability, human security, democracy, justice, non-violence, conflict resolution, and human rights are interconnected and related to peace.

Anthropology offers a unique set of perspectives. It can contribute to understanding cultural diversity; reflection on cultural relativism; appreciation of multiculturalism; understanding of effective communication in cross-cultural interactions; knowledge regarding cultural variation in norms, values, beliefs, and culturally-embedded conflict resolution styles; and the development of respect for cultural differences and human rights. This unique knowledge-base and set of perspectives is at the heart of the Master’s program’s focus on peace and human rights, which contributes to the explicitly stated goals of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences to promote diversity and facilitate students meeting the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization. In accordance with the Strategic Plan of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences, the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights seeks to “enhance students’ global perspective” in an era where “globalization is diminishing the importance of national and political boundaries while increasing the opportunity for international harmony.”

The history of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, Alabama constitutes one reason why the development of peace and human rights at UAB is historically and culturally important. The Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights, with its educational purpose, can be seen as the continuation of positive developments made in social justice and civil rights in Birmingham and Alabama over the last half century. The Master’s program complements the educational and outreach activities of the recently established UAB Institute for Human Rights (IHR). The IHR and the Department of Anthropology work together on a variety of local and global projects. The Department of Anthropology also hosts the Peaceful Societies website, which provides a valuable educational resource on peaceful societies from around the globe. Anthropology faculty are involved in a variety of research, educational, and service activities, and work regularly with students to help them pursue their academic interests and to develop the skills needed locally and globally in the 21st century.

Nationwide, the graduates of peace and conflict studies programs have found positions in human and social services, community mediation organizations, in multicultural education, at legal centers, as U.S. Congressional staffers, at NGOs and human rights organizations, and at the United Nations. In addition to preparing students for such career paths, the Master’s in the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights aims also to ready students for doctoral studies in peace and human rights areas.