Anthropology has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos, "human being", and -logia, "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German philosopher Magnus Hundt. Anthropology's basic concerns are "What defines Homo sapiens?", "Who are the ancestors of modern Homo sapiens?", "What are humans' physical traits?", "How do humans behave?", "Why are there variations among different groups of humans?", "How has the evolutionary past of Homo sapiens influenced its social organization and culture?" and so forth. In the United States, contemporary anthropology is typically divided into four sub-fields: cultural anthropology also known as socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and physical (or biological) anthropology. The four-field approach to anthropology is reflected in many American undergraduate textbooks and anthropology programs. At universities in the United Kingdom, and much of Europe, these "sub-fields" are frequently housed in separate departments and are seen as distinct disciplines - with the field corresponding to American socio-cultural anthropology being simply anthropology.

Provides leaflets, bibliographies, and instructor's packets for teaching a variety of topics.

The National Science Foundation's research initiative to promote basic scientific research on the causes and consequences of human social and cultural variation. Features grants and awards information, staff directory, and history of the program.

The NAA collects and preserves historical and contemporary anthropological materials that document the world's cultures and the history of anthropology.

A non-profit consortium of schools and research institutions collecting and compiling information to facilitate cross-cultural studies in ethnography and archaeology. Features list of publications and subscription information.

Frequently asked questions for the Usenet newsgroup. Offers basic information on the field.

Feed offers links to news, journal articles and Web sites.

An outreach program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis that offers instruction to people of all ages in both cultural and physical anthropology. Site features lesson plans and educational resources.

Offers educational exhibits and events. Features research and publications, collection highlights, on-line database of artifacts and information on the Academy's Traditional Arts Program. Located in San Francisco, California.

Biological and social anthropology forum exploring human variation and its impact on society.

Lessons on various topics in cultural and physical anthropology. Includes glossaries, practice quizzes, and lists of related links.

A non-profit center at Sonoma State University dedicated to cultural resources management, education, research, and public service.

A research group at Indiana University, Bloomington that focuses on the human dimensions of global environment change. Features information on training, an online newsletter, and provides a list of publications.