| Anthropology is the study of social and cultural forms of human life using ethnographic, historical and comparative methods. Faculty in our department are engaged in research that addresses topics considered traditional such as the study of ethnicity, language, family and kinship or medical pluralism, and also new and emergent issues such as those relating to childhood, technological imaginaries, biomedicine, state, violence, and popular economies. In all cases the acute awareness of shifting contexts in which institutions are embedded and the impact of global, regional and national politics on social life is built into the methodology and the theory engaged by faculty and students. We see teaching and research as integrally linked and invite undergraduate students to participate in research as they take introductory and advanced courses in anthropology. Undergraduate coursework offers an introduction to the basic methodologies and theories of contemporary anthropology through discussion and directed research on these and other topical issues. Majors in anthropology also have the opportunity to explore theory, method and the history of anthropology through the majors seminar, and a core course in ethnographic theory and method. Student advising helps interested students to develop sequences of complementary courses tailored to their own interests by taking electives outside the department. In addition, majors have options to pursue concentrations and an honors program. Undergraduates in anthropology acquire a foundation for careers in medicine, international relations, and law, as well preparation for graduate work in anthropology, history and the social sciences. Requirements for the B.A. Degree To fulfill the general requirements for the B.A. degree, students majoring in anthropology must complete a total of 21 credits (7 courses) in Anthropology. These include:
070.317 Junior/Senior Seminar
070.319 The Logic of Anthropological Inquiry
Five other courses-
Two at the 100 or 200 level
At least 3 more courses at 300-level or higher, of which one can be a cross listed course taught outside the department. After consultation with faculty, majors can take one independent study course toward the major. There is also a possibility of doing the Anthropology major with a defined concentration for which students are advised to consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
All anthropology majors must meet a foreign language requirement (intermediate level).
Anthropology majors have the option of shaping a unique program of study. A concentration should include at least three courses that focus on either a topical issue or a geographic area. Concentrations will vary according to which elective classes are offered in any given year. For example, students interested in Africa may take courses on violence in South Africa, writers and ethnographers in post-colonial Africa, and the African diaspora, while those with interest in diaspora may take a course on African diaspora, a course on Korean diaspora, and a course on general theories of diaspora and transnationalism. Students who wish to explore theory and practice of ethnography can combine courses on ethnography and biography, native anthropology, social life of language and logic of anthropological inquiry, while those with an interest in social inequality, may elect courses on urban poverty, ethnic and race relations, and the caste system in India. Students may combine courses offered in the department with those offered in other departments in the area of their concentration with the permission of their respective advisors.
The honors program for majors takes the equivalent of one course in each of two semesters in the senior year. Students with at least a 3.5 GPA (for anthropology courses) by their junior year are encouraged to write a senior thesis by registering for a two-semester independent study with a faculty advisor. When there are five or more students who wish to write theses, a three credit senior thesis seminar will be offered which can replace one of these independent studies. Working closely with their supervisor, an honors student builds their own research proposal, carries out some combination of fieldwork, library work and archival work, and writes and submits an honors thesis (or senior essay).
During the spring term of the junior year, honors candidates should submit to their major advisor a working title and a 250-word abstract of their proposed work. Since it is possible that students may need to work with faculty other than their major advisor, early consultation with the advisor is essential. Only after successful completion of the first term in good standing may the honors candidate proceed to the second term. Departmental honors will be awarded to students whose thesis receives a grade A- or better. The honors thesis is due no later than the last day of spring term.
A minor in anthropology is available to undergraduate students in any major. Students should discuss their intention to minor in anthropology with the department's undergraduate adviser.
Requirements for the minor are: - One 100-level or 200-level course
- Five other courses at 200-level or above of which at least three must be at or above the 300 level.
Minor Checklist:
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Each year, the department offers a freshman seminar. This seminar aims at introducing a small group of freshman students to anthropology through discussion and research on a particular issue or topic. As an inaugural journey into the world of contemporary anthropology, freshman seminar encourages class participation, student cooperation, group projects and active research.
Anthropology majors and minors are encouraged to apply for Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards for research and writing projects, including the honors thesis. Freshman students may apply for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship with a long-term project over multiple years. The department of anthropology offers a small amount of undergraduate research funding for majors that supports fieldwork expenses such as transportation and meals. Students must submit their research proposal to the chairperson of the department and the major advisor. Below are websites to those funding opportunities: Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards:http://www.jhu.edu/pura/
Woodrow Wilson Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program: http://www.jhu.edu/woodrowwilson/ Other funding sources: http://www.krieger.jhu.edu/research/funding.html Also, keep in mind that when you conduct research involving human subjects that you must submit an application for approval of your research through the Homewood Institutional Review Board. This board insures the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research are protected.
Anthropology majors and minors are encouraged to explore possibilities of studying abroad for a year, semester, or summer. Such an experience will be a great asset in developing an honors thesis and preparing for future use of their anthropology training. It is important to shape a plan in advance, so students are encouraged to work closely with the Office of Academic Advising as well as their major advisor. If you will be conducting research during your study abroad, please keep in mind that when you conduct research involving human subjects that you must submit an application for approval of your research through the Homewood Institutional Review Board.
Students in anthropology maintain a close working relationship with their major advisor, meeting at least twice each term to coordinate their progress through the program.
All research involving “human subjects,” whatever the source of funding, must be reviewed by this Board. In most cases, anthropological research is classified “exempt from review,” but getting this classification still requires submission of materials in the semester before doing fieldwork. You must allow at least a month prior to your departure for approval. The HIRB website contains downloadable forms and information which you can access here: http://web.jhu.edu/Homewood-IRB/index.html
Undergraduate coursework is supplemented by extracurricular activities including the Anthropology Club, ARGOT(undergraduate research journal), department seminars and workshops, speakers’ series, and other formal and informal occasions, where undergraduate students are encouraged to interact with faculty and graduate students.
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