I wasn't exactly looking forward to this class because its some serious science. Its hard, plus there was a lab, and labs always seemed awkward to me. However, I feel like I have learned SOOOO MUCH this semester and I have grown to love lab.
My lab group ended up being pretty awesome, and the lab TA amazing. I can now look at a skull and tell you if its a primate, I can tell you if its a hominin, and I can tell you where it falls during evolutionary time, as in how closely its related to anatomically modern humans. I can also tell you why spell check is telling me "homonin" should be "hominid" and why its wrong. I feel pretty special, because I think that is pretty impressive. Lab has been fantastic because in lecture we discuss what makes these groups distinct, but it lab I'm holding the bones (or casts of bones) of these things and I have to not only know what makes them distinct, but be able to distinguish them. Lab reinforces what we discuss in lecture and makes it even more exciting. (GOD I'm a nerd)
Now, even though lecture is at 9 in the morning, and the subject matter could be terribly drowsy (there are a huge number of people who do not attend class, and a smaller number of people who do attend but sleep through the whole thing-I think they are missing out) it is soo fascinating to me. I feel like if someone asked me about race, I could fully explain how and why it does not exist, if someone asked me about how humans got to a global reach, I could fully explain it. Now you may be saying to yourself Who the hell is asking her these questions? Well...lots of people do actually because when I tell people that Anthropology is my major, they usually have no idea what that means. I also greatly enjoy discussing evolution because of its philosophical and religious links. Not to mention that Matt likes it when I nerd out and tell him wonderful things I've learned.
What is most impressive about lecture is Dr. Blomquist's insane ability to explain incredibly complex timelines or ideas in a way that is crystal clear. I think he confused me twice the entire semester, but continued talking both times and resolved my confusion. That seems astonishing because now that I look back on the things we've talked about sometimes its a wonder I understand it. Hominin evolution for example is confusing, especially when anthropologists use two different ways of categorizing species. There are homos and neandertals and a multitude of confusing shit. But if you wanted me to, I could explain it all, in either categorization. There is a method to the madness.
Overall this class has been rewarding because I've had so many question in my head, in wonderment really of how the hell we can live on Earth in the way we do. We came from the same place as other mammals, yet a polar bear doesn't have the same kind of communication we do, it doesn't have culture, and it certainly can't use the lap top I'm using. So what makes us so different? What makes us so special? Well I now know. I have loved loved loved this class because I am genuinely interested in all of these things. I find it hugely rewarding to have these questions answered. And while I thought the answers would end my wonderment, they haven't, they have only expanded it. They have also in no way, shape, or form gone against my religious beliefs, or most people's in general. Anthropology is simply wonderful in discussing what can be intensely hard issues to cross cultures and religions with.
So, I'll admit it, I'm a big anthropology nerd. But it makes me feel good. People always tell you to study what you love and work in a job that you love because it is so much more rewarding than working a job that makes you money without any personal reward. I think they are right because anthropology truly energizes me.