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Anthropology

The Anthropology major and minor are administered by the Department of Anthropology. Anthropology, which views human biology, behavior, and society (both past and present) in a cross-cultural perspective, combines scientific and humanistic interests in a modern social sciences framework. It includes biological anthropology (biological diversity and evolutionary history of human and nonhuman primates), archaeology (human prehistory and the organization and growth of technology and society), sociocultural anthropology (comparative study of identity and power in social contexts from hunter-gatherer to complex urban settings, with attention to contemporary global movements of peoples and diasporic social formations), and linguistic anthropology (comparative study of languages and communication). Although the student should strive for a topical and geographical balance, an undergraduate may specialize in one of these four branches and may also study some world cultural area intensively through an area studies program. Anthropology is an appropriate major for those seeking a general liberal education; for those preparing for professional study and careers in law, medicine, or commerce; and for those planning further graduate study in anthropology. Professional anthropologists work as research scientists and teachers in museums, universities, and archaeological surveys; as staff members in government agencies, social service programs, and business firms in which international understanding of human and social concerns is important; or as independent consultants to such agencies, programs, and firms.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail:anthro@uiuc.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting course work equates to 53 hours including 34 hours of Anthropology courses.

General education: The LAS General Education requirements are set up so students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: To be eligible for distinction, a student must complete 40 hours of anthropology courses, maintain a 3.6 average in those hours, including at least 2 hours of ANTH 391 and at least 2 hours of ANTH 495, and submit a thesis for judgment by the departmental honors board.

All students must discuss their selection of anthropology courses and supporting course work with a departmental adviser.

Hours Requirements
4 ANTH 102–Human Origins and Culture
3 ANTH 103–Anthro In a Changing World
3 ANTH 220–Introduction to Archaeology
3 ANTH 230–Sociocultural Anthropology
3 ANTH 240–Biological Anthropology
3 ANTH 270–Linguistic Anthropology
12 Minimum of 12 hours which includes four courses at the 300 or 400 level. Only one of these four courses may be ANTH 499.
4 Elective in Anthropology
18 Courses in another department. Of these courses, at least 9 hours must be at the 300 or 400 level. Students may substitute an official minor offered by another department as long as the supporting course work, hours, and level requirements are met.

Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level Anthropology courses must be taken on this campus.

All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your adviser.

Minor in Anthroplogy

The minor in anthropology may be tailored to each student's individual needs, thus accommodating students with interests as diverse as premedicine, prelaw, geography, and art history.

E-mail: anthro@uiuc.edu

Web address for department: www.anthro.uiuc.edu/Department

Hours Requirements
6 Select at least two of the following courses:
 
ANTH 220–Introduction to Archaeology
 
ANTH 230–Sociocultural Anthropology
 
ANTH 240–Biological Anthropology
 
ANTH 270–Linguistic Anthropology
6 Minimum of six hours 300- or 400-level courses. Only 3 hours of ANTH 499 may be used to fulfill this requirement.
6 Anthropology courses at any level
18 Total required hours