The study of anthropology at John Jay College takes students on an exciting journey into human life and culture. Through ethnography and participant observation, anthropologists explore how life varies from culture to culture, and how all our lives are shaped by economic, political, religious and family systems. The anthropologist’s international, cross-cultural and historical approach to understanding humanity provides students with the tools necessary to understand how society works. Faculty who specialize in cultural anthropology bring students into the lives of drug users, child-prostitutes, police officers, and to survivors of violence, including rape, domestic violence, war and the criminal justice system itself. Seen through the prism of anthropology, students will gain new perspective on systems of justice and on social justice. Our courses are designed to build critical thinking and train students in analyzing contemporary social problems, including urban issues such as poverty, drugs, violence and crime with a view toward finding solutions to these conditions. We also provide students with opportunities to conduct field work with faculty on urban research projects throughout the New York City area.