Faculty Spotlight
From Aspiring Diva
to Anthropologist
-Carolyn Smith-Morris
Anthropology--the study of peoples and cultures--is important because our lives are becoming more and more interconnected around the globe. In a world of increasing globalization and international tensions, anthropology heightens our capacity for tolerance. and it's a useful way to prepare for work and business in today's global atmosphere. I think anthropology will continue to grow in influence in years to come.
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the best job in the world! Strictly speaking, it's the study of humans. More broadly, it's a particular approach to studying humans that relies on participant observation--living with and participating in the everyday lives of the people we're studying.
What are your favorite undergraduate courses to teach? Why?
ANTH 2301 "Introduction to Cultural Anthropology" and my newest course, ANTH 3350 "Good Eats and Forbidden Flesh". I also like to find enthusiastic and hard-working undergraduate students for my upper-level and graduate seminars.
I enjoy the chanllege and reward of bringing students to that "Ah-ha" moment, that momemt of realizaton about how much difference there is in the world. I'm always rewarded when I see students develop open-minded.
Comments from ANTH 2301 students:
I enjoyed learning about different world cultures and practices, as I am planning to go into international business.
What an amazing learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed coming to class and opening my mind to everything the professor had to offer. The challenging and stimulating attitude of the professor made the class exciting.
Carolyn Smith-Morris is an amazing professor. This class really helps someone become more accepting and open to other cultures, which is absolutely imperative for life.
What do you like about SMU students?
Three things: they're wordly, well-traveled, and curious.
What do you expect from your students?
Blood and sweat. Hard work!
Does this participant observer method influence how you teach?
Yes! I can't speak to students if don't know where they're coming from. This is a process that takes place early in each term. I dance between students until we can agree upon how to approach the material.
In your opinion, what research in on the cutting-edge of your field?
In bio-medical anthropology, attention to measurable relationships between genes, environment, and people.
Describe your undergraduate years at Emory University. Did you enter college with the goal of being a Professor of Anthropology?
No. I entered college planning to study music and voice. I wanted to be an opera diva.
How did you decide on a career in Anthropology?
By my senior year I knew I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in Anthropology. Through some guidance, I decided to take some time off, pursue a counseling degree, and work in the psychiatric field first.
What do you do when you're not being an anthropologist?
I enjoy spring triathlons. But right now I'm mostly consumed by being a wife and mother. My husband, Kelly Morris, is an artist. We have two daughters, Lauren, three and a half, and Cecily, one and a half.
