Anthropology
Why take courses in Anthropology?
A discipline founded on curiosity about the human condition, anthropology has evolved into a methodologically self-aware field that combines a questioning spirit with respect for holistic forms of knowledge. Our courses provide students with skills in data-literacy, cultural-literacy, and media-literacy that are crucial in a rapidly changing world.
What kinds of questions does Anthropology explore?
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Anthropology is simply – and powerfully – the study of the human species past and present, and in all of our facets as social, biological, and language-using creatures.
- Cultural Anthropology: How do we affirm the importance of cultural difference while also recognizing that prejudice and discrimination is often rooted in culture?
- Linguistic Anthropology: How does language use reflect and affect social and cultural life across diverse settings?
- Medical Anthropology: Decenters biomedicine and engages diverse experiences and practices of illness, disability, health, well-being, and care.
- Physical Anthropology: Using a biocultural framework to investigate the origin of our species and the age-old question of what makes us human?
- Archaeology: What can material remains teach us about past cultures? What roles do cultural objects serve in modern museums, and for whom?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Anthropology?
With a wide variety of topics covered in our department, many students are able to find a course that overlaps with their interests. We encourage students from any major to take our courses, which are flexible with multiple avenues of entry (e.g., none of our 100- or 200- level courses have prerequisites).
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- Any introductory course (Note that some are 100- and 200-level. These may be taken in any order, and they do not have pre-requisites)
Getting started in the major
Students interested in the major should explore their interests in courses at the 200-level or above.
Advanced Placement Credit
The Anthropolgy program does not accept any AP/IB credits. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Anthropology
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ANTH 1XX | ANTH 2XX |
| Y2 | ANTH 1XX | ANTH 2XX |
| Y3 | Study Away | ANTH 353 ANTH 2XX |
| Y4 | ANTH 4XX ANTH 2XX |
ANTH 3XX |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ANTH 1XX | |
| Y2 | ANTH 2XX ANTH 1XX |
ANTH 2XX |
| Y3 | ANTH 3XX | ANTH 2XX |
| Y4 | ANTH 3XX | ANTH 353 ANTH 4XX |
Related Areas of Study
Africana Studies; Art History; Biology; Classics; Comparative American Studies; East Asian Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies; Geosciences; Hispanic Studies; History; Jewish Studies; Law and Society; Languages; Musical Studies; Politics; Religion; Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies; Sociology
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Anthropology Major Requirements
Anthropology Department