Minor in Archaeological Anthropology
The Minor in Archaeological Anthropology provides a basic understanding of how archaeology can be used to pursue anthropological questions concerning the depth and breadth of human cultural diversity. Studying societies ranging from small-scale hunter gatherers to dense urban environments, archaeological anthropology examines artifacts, settlement patterns, landscapes, and other material traces to shed light on what it means to be human. It offers opportunities to explore archaeological methods and theories, learn about archaeological discoveries and what they tell us about past peoples and cultures, and think critically about human relationships with the material world. This minor is especially relevant for students with an interest in both social science and humanities.
Advisor: Assistant Professor Craig Cipolla
Program Requirements and Policies
Five courses are required for the Minor in Archaeological Anthropology (at least 15 credits); 12 credits must come from archaeological courses in the Anthropology Department (listed below).
Course Requirements
Gateway Course
All students must take at least one gateway course (choose at least one):
• ANTH 50 Introduction to Archaeology
• ANTH 51 North American Archaeology
Related Courses
Students must take three additional courses. Two of these must be archaeological anthropology courses (listed below). With advisor’s approval, students can take the third course in another anthropological sub-discipline or another discipline (including Earth and Climate Sciences, Environmental Studies, Classical Studies, History, and Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora).
• ANTH 50 Introduction to Archaeology
• ANTH 51 North American Archaeology
• ANTH 127 Archaeology of the Modern World
• ANTH 128 Mesoamerican Archaeology
• ANTH 129 Archaeology & Colonialism
• ANTH 175 Think Like an Archaeologist!
Capstone Project
Capstone project in archaeological anthropology.
There are two options for the capstone project. First, students can take an upper-level seminar in archaeological anthropology for which the final product is a research paper of approximately 20 pages. Second, with advisor’s approval, students can pursue an independent study, a directed reading, or a directed research project under one of the following course numbers: ANTH 99 Internship, ANTH 191 Directed Reading, or ANTH 197 Directed Research.