Anthropology's breadth and its emphasis on biological and cultural change and cross-cultural comparison make it an ideal major for anyone seeking a solid liberal education as well as for those seeking careers in academic or applied anthropology or archaeology. It serves as an excellent background for students who plan to pursue specialized training in law, medicine, nursing, social work, education, conservation, international relations, or commerce. The world is an ever-smaller and more culturally mixed global community. Knowledge of the developmental processes that explain biological and cultural differences is relevant to a variety of careers. Two field schools, in archaeology and in cultural anthropology, provide practical proving grounds for classroom theorizing.
All majors receive training and supervision in field research from our faculty.
The department's four required B-level courses provide background in the four major subfields of anthropology. C70 examines the philosophical and historical roots of the discipline. C62-1 and C88 introduce students to research design issues. Four additional C-level courses develop the student's intellectual maturity in the discipline. All seniors are required to take C98 and to prepare a senior thesis.