B.A. in Anthropology

The B.A. program in Anthropology is a four-field program that offers students many electives.

Program Requirements

Consult the University Bulletin for a complete description of program requirements.

Course numbers below are in the format new four-digit number/old three-digit number.

• Prerequisite courses:
  • Biological Anthropology, Anth 1001/001
  • Sociocultural Anthropology, Anth 1002/002
  • Archaeology, Anth 1003/003
  • Language in Culture and Society, Anth 1004/004 (total: 13 hours)
• Two-year proficiency in French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean or another approved language (total: usually 12-16 credit hours).
• Anthropology courses at the 2000-3000 level (24-36 hours) including:
  • Anth 2008/198, Foundations of Anthropological Thought. Enrollment in the sophomore or junior year is strongly encouraged.
  • At least one methods course, including but not limited to the following (consult with your advisor for other courses that can fulfill this requirement): Anth 3403-3404/145-146 (taken together), 3531/117, 3602/162, 3833/115, 3834/116, 3835/113, 3838/118, 3839/119, 6806/285, or 3-credit paleoanthropological or primate behavior field schools that include theory and method in their curriculum.
  • Anthropology courses at the 2000-3000 level, including at least one course from four of the following five categories (at least 18 and up to 36 hours):
    1. Aspects of cultures (courses in the 2501/121, 2505/105, 2532/192, 2533/130, 3500s/150s),
    2. Linguistics (courses in the 2600s and 3600s/160s)
    3. Ethnology (courses in the 3700s/170s)
    4. Biological anthropology (courses in the 3400s/140s and 1005/005)
    5. Archaeology (courses in the 3800s/180s and old 113-119).
  • Qualified seniors may enroll in 6000/200-level seminar courses with the permission of the instructor.
  • In addition, a senior capstone experience is required; it may be met by one of the following (3 hours):
    1. Anth 4008, Seminar: Contemporary Anthropological Theory;
    2. An approved 6000-level seminar in area of interest;
    3. Three hours of independent study (Anth 3995), with or without an honors thesis.
  • Field Schools, Internships, and Research. Up to 6 hours of approved archaeological or ethnographic field school credit, internships, or independent research may be applied toward the major through registration in Anth 3995/195, and majors are encouraged to take such courses. Consult the department for further information.
  • Courses in related departments (6 to 12 hours) approved by the advisor. Recommended courses for emphasis in:
    1. Sociocultural — economics, history, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology
    2. Archaeological — American studies, art history, geography, geology, and history
    3. Biological — anatomy, chemistry, physical geography, and biological sciences
    4. Linguistic — linguistics and speech and hearing sciences.
  • Courses in statistics are strongly recommended for all Anthropology majors.

Special Honors in Anthropology

Students who meet the CCAS requirements for special honors are encouraged to undertake a thesis research project in their senior year. Such students should take 3 or more hours of Anth 3995/195 (Undergraduate Research).

Minor Programs in Anthropology

There are several minor programs that are anthropological in focus.  For complete descriptions, click here.

Undergraduate Advisors

The undergraduate Anthropology Major advisors for 2012-2013 are Alexander Dent and Jeffrey Blomster..

View the Anthropology Department office hours.