Many of the upper level courses can be directed to specific regions for the student interested in a particular region of the world. Anthropology is particularly exciting for those students who want active engagement with their studies. All majors complete a fieldwork course requirement in either cultural or archaeological anthropology. Student projects may involve interviewing informants for family histories, researching archives on historical topics, studying ethnic performances or festivals, excavating archaeological sites, or a myriad of other possibilities. We encourage students to pursue independent studies, if possible combining them with study abroad.
Anthropology is an ideal complement to a number of majors.
Anthropological theory has been an important influence in modern interpretations of religion, literature, and social history, while the cross-cultural approach of anthropology will be of particular importance to those interested in international careers. Departmental offerings in ethnohistory and archaeology also provide history majors with coverage of time periods and societies that usefully supplement those of the history department, as well as alternative theoretical perspectives. Pre-med students may wish to take advantage of courses in medical anthropology or human evolution. Our majors have been accepted for graduate study at universities such as Columbia, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Tulane, University of North Carolina, University of California, and University of Michigan. Some continue in anthropology or sociology, while others go on to business, law, medical school, social work, teaching, divinity school, or public health.