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Degree Requirements

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MAJOR

The Anthropology major incorporates the three anthropological subfields of Anthropological Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, and Physical Anthropology, while providing undergraduates with a solid grounding in theory and methods. The major requirements are:

Four lower-division courses:
  • ANTH 1, "Introduction to Human Evolution"
  • ANTH 2, "Introduction to Cultural Anthropology"
  • ANTH 3, "Introduction to Archaeology"
  • ANTH 4, "Public Life & Contemporary Issues"
  • or one course from the Anth 80 series
Nine upper-division courses:
  • 1 course in Physical Anthropology OR Archaeology
  • 1 course in Ethnographic Area Studies
  • 1 course in Sociocultural Anthropology
  • 1 course in Theory
  • 4 upper division Anthropology electives
  • 1 Senior Exit Requirement, which can be satisfied in one of three ways:
    1. Senior Seminar (course numbers 194A-194Y or 196A & 196B)
    2. Graduate Seminar (200-level course), with the instructor's permission
    3. Senior Thesis and one additional elective

For more information on major requirements and restrictions, see the Undergraduate Handbook.

The Anthropology major is very flexible, allowing students to tailor the program to their own interests and to supplement the major with additional Anthropology courses, courses from other departments, alternative academic programs, and field studies. Students are encouraged to consult with advisors for assistance in designing a personal academic plan.

MINOR

The UCSC minor in Anthropology has the same requirements as the major, except that only six upper-division courses are required: the four breadth requirements (in Physical Anthropology or Archaeology, Ethnographic Area Studies, Sociocultural Anthropology, and Theory) and two upper division electives. There is no Senior Exit Requirement.

COMBINED MAJOR

The Anthropology Department offers a combined major with the Earth Sciences Department. The major is designed for Anthropology students interested in the laboratory-based side of Anthropology, including archaeology and paleoanthropology, who desire more intensive training in the natural and earth sciences. The combined major allows students to receive a strong grounding in both disciplines without pursuing a double major or major/minor.

Students interested in the combined major can view a more detailed description and requirements in the Undergraduate Handbook. Students should also consult with the Undergraduate Advisor or with Professor Diane Gifford-Gonzalez before declaring the major.