Studying Cultural Anthropology in Oulu

Cultural anthropology has been taught at the University of Oulu since 1985, first under the leadership of acting Professor Outi Tuomi-Nikula. In 1987 she was followed by Jukka Pennanen, under whose reign the professorship was regularized in 1989 and who has held the position ever since.

At the University of Oulu, cultural anthropology has three main focus areas: Northern cultures, the indigenous cultures of the Americas, and contemporary Western culture. In addition, we have traditionally put a strong emphasis on anthropological theory and the necessity of constantly engaging it and renewing it in our own research. We also stress the importance of personal fieldwork experience as a part of the anthropological training. Thus all our students are required to collect material for their Master’s thesis through their own fieldwork.

Besides attracting a steady flow of incoming major students, cultural anthropology has long been a popular minor subject at the University of Oulu. Indeed, it complements well many other fields in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.

Cultural Anthropology as a Minor Subject

Only students majoring in archaeology or Saami language and culture may study cultural anthropology as a minor subject freely. All others have to apply for the right by participating in an entrance exam, held every spring. Each year 15 new students are granted the permission to study cultural anthropology as a minor subject.