General Anthropology Major
Every major is urged to acquire a general knowledge of three of the four fields of anthropology (social and linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and physical anthropology) and of their interrelationship. To this end, the student’s program should be designed in consultation with her adviser as soon as possible after the declaration of the major. Continuing and frequent meetings with the adviser are encouraged.
Eleven courses are required for the major, including:
| 1. ANTH UN1002 | The Interpretation of Culture | 3 |
| 2. One of the following introductory courses: | ||
| ANTH UN1007 | The Origins of Human Society | 3 |
| ANTH UN1008 | The Rise of Civilization | 3 |
| ANTH UN1009 | Introduction to Language and Culture | 3 |
| EEEB UN1010 | Human Origins and Evolution | 3 |
THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED COURSES:
| ANTH UN3040 | Anthropological Theory (no later than Fall of the Junior Year) | 4 |
| ANTH BC3871 & ANTH BC3872 | Senior Thesis Seminar: Problems in Anthropological Research (2 Semesters, Fall & Spring) | 8 |
Six Electives
In consultation with advisers, programs will be designed to reflect the students’ interests and plans—whether they intend to go on to graduate studies in anthropology or expect to enter six electives, one of which can be a third introductory level class and three of which must be 3000 level or higher. Moreover, the three 3000 level or higher seminars must be taken at Barnard or Columbia (not while on an exchange program during.
It is recommended that students who plan to major and in socio-cultural anthropology take ANTH BC3868 Ethnographic Field Research in New York City (y) before their senior year. Many seniors choose to incorporate a fieldwork component in their thesis research and having some experience of field methods is extremely important. Those interested in other sub-disciplines may wish to take this or another “methods” course and should consult their advisers. Students are also encouraged to check listings for courses offered by EEEB at Columbia for possible Anthropology credit, in consultation with the Barnard department chair.
Senior Essay
All students majoring in Anthropology to submit an essay of substantial length and scholarly depth. Such a paper will usually be written during the course of ANTH BC3871 Senior Thesis Seminar: Problems in Anthropological Research–ANTH BC3872 Senior Thesis Seminar: Problems in Anthropological Research).