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Anthropology



 

Introduction 

The Anthropology curriculum provides students with a comparative perspective for analyzing and appreciating human diversity. Human diversity is a starting point for examining the profoundly different ways in which social groups interpret and inhabit a changing world. Our courses are integrated into a broad social science program that connects with the natural sciences and humanities. For example, we offer courses in Biological Anthropology that examine the evolution of humans from primate origins to our emergence as modern humans. In our Cultural Anthropology classes, students use comparisons with other cultures and learn to look more clearly at their own views to better understand their own societies.

Potential majors and advisors of first-year students should also note the interdisciplinary nature of the Anthropology department. The faculty teaching in the department contribute courses that are cross-listed with many other departments and programs in the college: Archaeology, Africana Studies, Latin American Studies, East Asian Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, Sociology, American Studies, Health Studies, and the Mosaic Program. This creates possibilities for students to major in Anthropology and take courses in these other areas, some of which will count towards the major. Cross-listed courses may be selected under either listing. The department encourages this because it gives students the opportunity to do more in-depth research in areas that interest them and, at the same time, gives them a new, comparative perspective on what exactly an anthropological approach to social phenomena is. 

Courses appropriate for prospective majors 

In Anthropology you do not have to start with the 100-level courses. Most of the 100- and 200-level courses may be taken as a “first course” in the department, without a prerequisite course. Here are some examples:

ANTH 100, Introduction to Biological Anthropology
ANTH 101, Anthropology for the 21st Century
ANTH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory
ANTH 229, Principles of Human Variation and Adaptation
ANTH 230, Ethnography of Postcolonial Africa
ANTH 233, Anthropology of Religion

Introductory courses that fulfill distribution requirements 

Division II: 
All of our courses, except for ANTH 100 (Introduction to Biological Anthropology), fulfill the  Division II distribution requirement. 

Division III:
ANTH 100 Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Comparative Civilizations:
ANTH 101, Anthropology for the 21st Century
ANTH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory
ANTH 230, Ethnography of Postcolonial Africa
ANTH 233, Anthropology of Religion

For course descriptions and requirements for the major, refer to the Academic Bulletin: Anthropology. 

Opportunities for off-campus study and internships

Participation in summer field schools in cultural anthropology and archaeology, as well as internships at local museums and other sites, provide unique, hands-on experience. The Field School in Cultural Anthropology is for six weeks every other summer in Tanzania, Africa.

Additional Remarks

Careers: Graduates have pursued higher degrees in anthropology, linguistics, medicine, law, teaching, archaeology, public health and academic administration.  Career opportunities in anthropology can be discussed with members of the department.