Anthropology is the study of human biological and cultural diversity. It is a holistic discipline that explores the mutual interdependence of biology and culture in the human species. Major subfields are cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. Those completing the anthropology major will be able to do the following:
- Discuss the validity of the race concept for the human species as informed by specific insights from biological anthropology.
- Explain the concept of cultural relativity and its implications for intercultural relations.
- Demonstrate ability to write a research paper, including a literature review and proper source citation, appropriate to the field of anthropology.
- Successfully undertake an anthropological method of empirical data collection.
- Formulate an analytical argument based on sound data and logical reasoning.
- Demonstrate oral proficiency with a presentation that includes visual aids.
Requirements for the major include the following:
- Five lower division courses: Introduction to Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Principles of Archaeology, and Statistics (in any discipline).
- Four elective courses in anthropology. No more than one on-campus WT course taught by Anthropology faculty may count as an elective.
- Two capstone courses: Anthropological Research Methods and either Cultural Anthropology Seminar or Archaeology Seminar.
- A senior comprehensive examination or senior thesis (by faculty invitation).
All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. In addition, majors must satisfy an anthropology practicum requirement in one or more of the following ways:
- Fieldwork in archaeology, biological anthropology, or cultural anthropology. Students may engage in independent study sponsored by anthropology faculty. An independent study contract must be agreed upon and approved prior to embarking on the independent study. Students may choose to attend summer programs offered by other colleges and universities if pre-approved by the anthropology faculty and the Registrar’s office. To count as the practicum in the anthropology major, the course must be accepted as transfer credit. Students should consult with anthropology faculty to choose an appropriate fieldwork program.
- An internship related to anthropology, chosen in consultation with anthropology faculty. An internship contract must be agreed upon and approved prior to embarking on the internship.
- Specified off-campus Winter Term and Spring-Into-Summer courses led by anthropology faculty.
- Study abroad programs recognized for credit by the International Education Office and the Registrar with classroom coursework in anthropology extending over a significant period of time. Typically, such study would entail spending at least five weeks abroad during a semester or summer term.
Students work closely with a member of the anthropology faculty in arranging for the practicum and are responsible for informing themselves of the available types of practicum opportunities, for choosing one that meets their needs, and for fulfilling the terms of the practicum in a timely manner.
Note: The two capstone courses (AN 333S and AN 410/420) and the senior comprehensive exam (AN 498) must be taken at Eckerd College.
Requirements for the minor are Introduction to Anthropology and four elective courses bearing the AN designation. A specified WT course taught by Anthropology faculty may substitute for one of the four electives. At least three courses for the minor must be Eckerd College courses.
