Anthropology: Understanding Societies and Cultures (FutureLearn)

Anthropology: Understanding Societies and Cultures (FutureLearn)

Gain an introduction to anthropology: the study of societies and cultures. Learn how the discipline has changed over time. Learn more about society, cultural issues and practices. You are invited on a journey to different places and different times. On this course, you will learn about diverse ways of living and explore cultural differences and similarities.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You will be introduced to a number of anthropological theories and gain insights into how the study of other cultures and societies can help us deal with urgent problems confronting our own societies and the modern world.
Through your new knowledge about other cultures, you will reflect on your own cultural home, society and world views.

What topics will you cover?

  • An introduction to social and cultural anthropology
  • The historical development of modern social and cultural anthropology
  • Basic theoretical and analytic models applied in anthropology, including kinship theory
  • A basic introduction to anthropological fieldwork and ethnography

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Investigate what the discipline of anthropology is and how it relates to the concepts of ‘culture’ and ‘society’
  • Describe the historical evolution of anthropology, from its foundation to the present day.
  • Produce ethnographic field notes related to a field work exercise.
  • Identify the significant theorists and theories undergirding anthropology.
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

A History of Royal Fashion (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Glasgow,Historic Royal Palaces

A History of Royal Fashion (FutureLearn)

From Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II, explore how British kings and queens have influenced fashion over 500 years. Learn how royalty used fashion to entertain, control and impress. A History of Royal Fashion takes you into the wardrobes of British kings and queens across five royal dynasties from the Tudors, Stuarts and Georgians to the Victorians and Windsors.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Babies in Mind: Why the Parent's Mind Matters (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The University of Warwick

Babies in Mind: Why the Parent's Mind Matters (FutureLearn)

Find out how parents and caregivers influence children’s minds, from conception through infancy, with this free online course. This course will explore how the mind of the parent influences the developing mind of the child, from conception through infancy and into later life. We will take you on a journey that begins in pregnancy, exploring the importance of the ability of the mother-to-be to think about her baby while still in utero, alongside the impact of emotions such as anxiety and depression.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past (Coursera) Coursera
Rice University

Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to a series on the discipline of Archaeology. It is intended for learners at all stages, including advanced high school, college students, or life-long learners. Basic information about Archaeology and its history are presented in this course, while the following three courses cover scientific methods, forms of interpretation, and contemporary social issues that archaeologists engage with.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Our Earth's Future (Coursera) Coursera
American Museum of Natural History

Our Earth's Future (Coursera)

Our Earth’s Future is about the science of climate change and how to talk about it. You will learn from scientists in the fields of climatology, oceanography, Earth science, and anthropology who study how climate change is affecting people, populations, and ways of life. Explore the multiple lines of evidence for the human-induced climate change that is happening today, and consider what that means for the future of our planet. At the end of this course you will be able to understand key scientific principles, identify and address misconceptions, and contribute confidently to conversations about climate change.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Bipedalism: The Science of Upright Walking (edX) EdX
DartmouthX

Bipedalism: The Science of Upright Walking (edX)

Upright walking is a hallmark of being human. Explore how this unusual form of locomotion evolved and why. Have you ever wondered why humans walk on two legs rather than four? In this course, we will explore how science investigates this unusual form of locomotion. We will start our investigation by looking at the mechanics of upright walking in humans and comparing that to bipedal locomotion in large birds, bears, and apes.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Cultural anthropology (UNINETTUNO) UNINETTUNO OpenupEd
International Telematic University UNINETTUNO

Cultural anthropology (UNINETTUNO)

The course, structured into 30 lectures, is mainly focused on the history of cultural anthropology, including its current developments, providing a detailed analysis of the theoretical methodological and applicative features of the discipline.

Self Paced Course - Start anytime
Self-Paced
Food, the Connector of Life (CanopyLAB) CanopyLAB
The Mindful Kitchen

Food, the Connector of Life (CanopyLAB)

Without food, there would be no life. Without life, there would be no food. Is it a positive or negative loop? The answer makes the difference between eating for survival and eating to thrive. Learn how our decisions about how to feed ourselves continue to shape our culture, our cities, global political and economic stability, climate change, human equality and societal wellbeing.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Working Supportively With Refugees: Principles, Skills and Perspectives (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Glasgow

Working Supportively With Refugees: Principles, Skills and Perspectives (FutureLearn)

Learn how the principals of psychological well-being, communication and interpretation can benefit your work with refugees. Explore interdisciplinary approaches to working with refugees. Refugees are a diverse group, speaking many languages and of varied religions and ethnicities. This course acknowledges that skills requirements are changing rapidly and offers training for those working in this area.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
An Anthropology of Smartphones: Communication, Ageing and Health (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London

An Anthropology of Smartphones: Communication, Ageing and Health (FutureLearn)

Explore how smartphones have affected our lives by using comparative anthropology as a method of research. Discover digital anthropology and the relationship between technology and ageing. This course will develop your understanding of the concept of digital anthropology as you explore how smartphones have transformed our daily lives and how they can be used productively.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Introduction to Translational Research: Connecting Scientists and Medical Doctors (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Taipei Medical University

Introduction to Translational Research: Connecting Scientists and Medical Doctors (FutureLearn)

Understand the emerging discipline of translational medicine and the process of taking research from ‘benchside’ to ‘bedside'. Translational medicine, also known as translational science or translational research, is a new, growing discipline in medicine that aims to ensure research flows from ‘benchside’ to ‘bedside’.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks