Anthropology

M. A. Park, Chair; A. E. Adams, K. L. Feder, D. A. Kideckel, W. Perry,
E. N. Phillips (Dept. phone 832-2610, 2611 or 2966)
 

Anthropology means “the study of people.” It assumes that generalizing about human life takes an integrated study of human biology and culture, past and present, and simple and complex lifeways. Anthropology is comprised of four sub-fields. Cultural anthropology describes and explains variation in human cultural and social types. Biological anthropology explains the physical nature and development of humankind. Archaeology considers past human life and how societies grow, change and become extinct. Linguistics examines human communication processes.

The Anthropology major at the University provides students with a broad social and behavioral science background and prepares the student for a range of careers, from public service to marketing and international management. The department also offers minors in cultural anthropology, archaeology, practicing anthropology and biological anthropology. These programs give the student a holistic and cross-cultural perspective to complement most majors.

The Anthropology Department has a number of special programs and resources. An annual summer archaeological field school provides experience in archaeological excavation and analysis. The microfiche and on-line Human Relations Area Files in the Burritt Library Serials Department is an easy-to-use system for cross-cultural research.  There is also an extensive collection of human skeletal materials and fossil casts for education in biological anthropology. Extensive internship opportunities and summer field schools in cultural anthropology are also available.

Major in Anthropology, B.A.

39 credits in Anthropology, including ANTH 150, 160, 170; one course from ANTH 300, 316, 318, 320, 330, 422, 424, 426, 428; one course from ANTH 329, 345, 370, 374, 450, 451, 470; ANTH 375, 430, 465; one archaeology elective*; one biological anthropology elective*; one cultural anthropology elective*; one course from ANTH 433, 437; and ANTH 490.

*  Two of the electives must be at 300 level or higher.

Minor in Anthropology

18 credits, including ANTH 140 and 15 credits in Anthropology. Individual programs will differ according to the particular needs of the student and must be developed jointly with the student’s advisor.

Minor in Archaeology

24 credits, including ANTH 150, 215, 324, 450 and 12 credits from ANTH 210, 316, 318, 320, 322, 323, 329 and 330. For students majoring in anthropology, six credits of this minor may be applied to the major.

Minor in Biological Anthropology

18 credits including ANTH 160, 265, 345, 365 and 465, and three credits of minor-related electives. For students majoring in Anthropology, three credits of this minor may be applied to the major.

Minor in Cross-Cultural Analysis

18 credits including ANTH 170, 200, 430. Two courses from ANTH 352, 422, 424, 426, 428 or 475 (if devoted to a specific world area). One additional course approved by an advisor. For students also majoring in Anthropology, three credits of this minor may be applied to the major.

Minor in Practicing Anthropology

18 credits, including ANTH 170, 200, 370, 374, 437 and either 300 or 470. For students majoring in anthropology, three credits of this minor may be applied to the major.