Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology

The Bachelor's programme in Cultural Anthropology and Developmental Sociology (CADS) studies the relationship between global developments and local processes. You get acquainted with different societies and cultural phenomena and learn to understand the world from various perspectives. You will learn that phenomena such as religion, ethnicity, identity, gender and sexuality are closely interwoven with economics, politics, and other power relations.

Our program examines diversity in its varied expressions. Why do certain individuals highlight distinctions between genders, while others emphasize variances among ethnic or religious communities? Such inquiries contribute to our understanding of how people live together in a dynamic and changing world. They also prompt self-reflection: What shapes that which we perceive as "normal" and what role do such constructions play in how we live and think about the world?

The first year of the programme offers an introduction into the most important themes in anthropology and into the methods of anthropological research. In the second year you will deepen your anthropological knowledge. You will also become acquainted with other disciplines in the social sciences, and thus learn to better distinguish the anthropological perspective from other social science perspectives. Your third year will be devoted to your own interests. There is plenty of room for taking electives or a minor in the Netherlands or elsewhere, or for doing an internship. In addition, you will do research, work on your bachelor thesis and prepare yourself for further education and your career after your studies.