New Anthropology Course Approved by Trustees

A new anthropology course is coming to Huntington High School after Huntington School Board members gave final approval to the proposal. The one-semester long class will be open to students in grades 10-12. Enrollment is estimated to total 25. The new course will be available during the 2024/25 school year.

“This course is an introduction to four-field anthropology, examining the major subtopics of physical anthropology; archeology; linguistics; and cultural anthropology,” states the course description provided to trustees. “Anthropology is an important social science that promotes exploration of the commonalities and differences that exist among all people. The course will include units on physical anthropology, archeology, linguistic anthropology and cultural anthropology. Students will additionally be required to engage in and complete a culminating project, which may involve analysis and presentation of a specific society in the context of several abovementioned units.”

The new course proposal was earlier approved by the Subject Matter Council and the Educational Development Committee.

“This new elective will expand learning opportunities in the field of anthropology and offer opportunities for a deeper understanding of the human condition,” states the rationale for the new course. “Among the course goals is to guide students in identifying similarities and differences among various societal groups, as well as in developing an understanding of the distinctiveness of the human species and diversity in forms of social existence across the world and through time.”

The half-credit course will utilize the McGraw-Hill textbook, “High School Anthropology: Appreciating Human Diversity.”

Training needs for the new course include two days of summer curriculum writing for a faculty member. A membership with the American Museum for Natural History will also be purchased.