Mar 29, 2024  
Course Catalog 2008-2009 
    
Course Catalog 2008-2009 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Anthropology


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Arts and Sciences

Baron Pineda, Associate Professor of Anthropology; Department Chair
Ronald W. Casson, Professor of Anthropology
Jack Glazier, Professor of Anthropology
Erika Hoffmann, Oberlin-Michigan Partnership Post Doctoral Fellow
Amy Margaris,  Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Maggie Ronkin, Visiting Instructor of Anthropology

 

Anthropology represents a broad field of study encompassing four subdivisions: cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, prehistoric archeology, and biological anthropology. Courses listed below offer comprehensive approaches to anthropology’s diverse subject matter and provide an important component of a liberal arts education for both majors and non-majors. A major will gain excellent preparation for graduate study in anthropology or as part of a pre-professional education. Additionally, anthropology majors can gain preparation for a wide variety of careers. Students majoring in anthropology are strongly urged to pursue work beyond the introductory level (101, 102, 103) in each of the subfields.

Major


A major in anthropology consists of the following:
  1. a. A minimum of 24 hours in the department, including Anthropology 101, 102, 103.
    b. Anthropology 353.
    c. At least one seminar in Anthropology.

    At least 15 of the 24 hours required for the major must be from courses above the 100 level.

  2. Courses in several other disciplines, including those in the social and natural sciences and the humanities, complement a major in Anthropology. The particular pattern of courses chosen will vary, depending on the plans and interests of the students. The particular pattern should be worked out in close consultation with the major advisor.

Courses in which a student has earned a letter grade lower than a C-/CR or P cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the major.

Minor


A minor in anthropology consists of 15 hours of course work in which at least nine hours derive from courses at the 200 level or above. No more than three transfer credits can be counted in a minor, and two of the three introductory courses must be included.

Off-Campus Programs for Credit


Summer fieldwork in projects sponsored by Oberlin College or by other institutions is encouraged. Such projects may be undertaken in archeology, ethnography, or linguistics. By approval of the department, students may count a maximum of six hours of such work toward the major. Students interested in archeological projects should contact Ms. Margaris.  Those interested in ethnographic projects should contact a department staff person.   Students interested in anthropology credit for programs sponsored by the Great Lakes Colleges Association should also speak with the chair.

Honors


The department invites a small number of qualified majors to participate in the Honors Program. Honors work may begin as early as the sixth semester or may commence at the beginning of the senior year. Students may receive from two to six hours of credit per semester of Honors. Honors work requires a thesis based on original research and an oral examination on the thesis.

Gallaudet Exchange Program


The department sponsors an exchange program with Gallaudet University, the nation’s only liberal arts college for the deaf, located in Washington, DC. In a school of about 500 students, the program offers a unique opportunity for students interested in communication disorders, deaf education, and related issues. The program is open to both majors and non-majors. Sophomores and juniors with good academic standing are eligible to apply. The exchange is for one semester and students receive transfer credit toward their degree at Oberlin College. Tuition is normally billed by Oberlin College; room and board by Gallaudet. Some students find Exco classes offered in sign language to be good preparation for a semester at Gallaudet.

Students interested in this program should speak with Mr. Glazier or contact the Study Away office. Catalogs and applications should be requested directly from Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, N.E.,Washington, DC 20001-3695. When writing to Gallaudet, request an application which states “Oberlin Exchange Program.” Each student works his/her own way through the application process and can do so in consultation with a department staff person.

Transfer of Credit


Students transferring credits in anthropology from courses taken at other institutions and/or from off-campus programs such as summer field work may apply a maximum of six credit hours toward the major with the approval of the department chair.

Private Reading


Students may schedule a reading course during their junior or senior years in accord with college rules on private readings. No more than one reading course may be taken in any one semester.

Cross-Referenced Courses


The following courses not in the Anthropology Department will be accepted for credit toward the Anthropology major. See the department/program in which the courses are listed for full description.

EAST 260   Colonialism/Postcolonialism in East Asia
EAST 262   Asia’s Modern Wars
ENGL 369  Body Lore

Cross-Listed Courses:


Introductory Courses


  • ANTH 112 - Human Origins (Laboratory only)
  • ANTH 113 - Indroduction to Archeology (Laboratory only)

Intermediate Courses


Upper-Level Seminars and Honors Courses


Upper-level seminars are open to juniors and seniors who have completed four courses in anthropology. In some instances this requirement will be reduced for non-majors otherwise qualified. Please note also specific course prerequisites for some seminars. Enrollment Limit: 10 per seminar.

 

  • ANTH 450 - Seminar on Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective

First-Year Seminars


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Arts and Sciences