Anthropology Major

The major consists of a minimum of 9 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.

View the catalog page for the anthropology department.

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.

Summary of Requirements

Four Full Anthropology Major Core Courses
ANTH 353 - Culture Theory
One Full Anthropology Seminar Course
Three Full Anthropology Major Elective Courses

Note(s) on Requirements

At least two of the three required major elective courses must be at the 200-level or above.
In total, at least five of the nine courses required for the major must be at the 200-level or above.
Independent study courses such as honors (ANTH 491F /H ) and internships in teaching (ANTH 415F /H ) do not count toward the seminar course requirement.

Transfer of Credit Toward the Major

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 two courses toward the major with the approval of the department chair.

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 archaeology, ethnography, or linguistics.

Students interested in archaeological projects should contact Professor 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 speak with the chair.

Course of Study

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.

Students majoring in anthropology are strongly urged to pursue work beyond the introductory level in each of the subfields.

Honors in Anthropology

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

Detailed Major Requirements

Anthropology Major Course Lists

Anthropology Major Core Courses

Return to the summary of requirements.

Anthropology Seminar Courses

Return to the summary of requirements.

Note: Independent study courses such as honors (ANTH 491F /H ) and internships in teaching (ANTH 415F /H ) do not count toward the seminar course requirement.

Anthropology Major Elective Courses

Return to the summary of requirements.