Oral Histories

Interview of Ralph L. Beals

UCLA professor of anthropology.
Subtitle:
Anthropologist and Educator
Series:
Z: Orphan Interviews pre 1999
Topic:
UCLA and University of California History
UCLA Faculty
Biographical Note:
UCLA professor of anthropology.
Interviewer:
Dillon, Diane L.
Interviewee:
Beals, Ralph L.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Abstract:
Childhood in Pasadena; mother's Socialist Party activities in Pasadena and Berkeley; schooling in Berkeley; adventures in Mexico with brother Carleton Beals during World War I; return to Berkeley; growing interest in anthropology; study with Alfred L. Kroeber, Robert H. Lowie, and Edward W. Gifford; pursuit of Indian studies in Mexico; joining faculty at UCLA, 1936; founding anthropology department, UCLA, 1940; growth of anthropology as discipline; work with Harry Hoijer; president, American Anthropological Association, 1950; research in South America; activities in UCLA Academic Senate; relationships with administrators: Robert Gordon Sproul, Clark Kerr, and Franklin D. Murphy; computer applications in anthropology; women in anthropology.