ANTHROPOLOGY 1050

Global Understanding

Anthropology is all about understanding the human experience. In ANTH 1050, you’ll step into an anthropologist’s shoes and practice many of the same skills professionals use in the field. Through virtual exchanges with students around the world, you’ll learn how to ask meaningful questions, gather rich cultural details, and build rapport across cultures.

Think of it as a kind of virtual fieldwork. Instead of just reading about another culture in a textbook, you’ll experience it directly through conversations with your peers abroad. You’ll also hold up a mirror to your own culture as you explain and reflect on American life in ways you may never have considered.

The class emphasizes curiosity, comparison, and reflection. By the end, you’ll have a broader perspective on human variation, and a deeper awareness of your own place in a global community.

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Meet the Instructors


Dr. Blakely Brooks

I enjoy teaching the GU course because each day is a virtual study abroad experience, where ECU students get to interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds to discuss the shared human experience. My GU course is an exciting environment where students use ethnographic methods to explore cultural beliefs in a live action setting.

Dr. Sarah Page

“I enjoy teaching the GU class because each semester is a new adventure! I get to share Anthropology in a cross-cultural experience with students at ECU and abroad. I enjoy virtually exploring the world with my students and working closely with caring faculty from over 50 universities worldwide.”

Dakota Pavell

“My favorite part about teaching Global Understanding is seeing students connect across cultures through thoughtful and engaging dialogue. I truly enjoy seeing their curiosity and understanding grow as they explore new ideas, challenge perspectives, and build meaningful connections that inspire global awareness and understanding beyond the classroom.”