Anthropology Major, BS

This major prepares students for graduate work in anthropology or for careers in anthropology and closely related fields. Electives are chosen in consultation with an advisor to lead into specialization in areas such as: ethnology, linguistics, archaeology, environmental studies, or biological anthropology. Students in this major must have course schedules approved quarterly by their departmental advisors.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of concepts basic to the anthropological study of humans, such as culture, cultural variability, evolutionary change, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, and holism.
• Identify the goals, main subject areas and distinctive characteristics of each sub-field.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range and variety of human bio-cultural and environmental adaptations past and present.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the symbolic and communicative capacities of humans expressed through culture.
• Identify and describe appropriate research methods and techniques for the 4 sub-fields of anthropology.
• Access anthropological literature and appropriate information technology.
• Engage in the practice of anthropology under faculty mentorship-study abroad, field schools, research with faculty, internships, service learning, teaching opportunities.
• Explain the value of anthropology as part of one’s preparation for life in the early 21st century.
• Understand the ethics of the discipline as they apply to dissemination of information, field research, conservation and preservation, and representation of self and others.
• Understand changing role of museums in society, and their primary functions.
  • Education
  • Collections
  • Exhibition
• Know ethics of museums and resources for consulting about ethical issues.