0 CommentsEverything is Anthropology.
What is anthropology? I would argue that nobody really knows (including anthropologists). It studies people, so really anything can be anthropology if you overanalyze it enough. But honestly, it’s so confusing and contradictory that you can really decide what counts as ethnography or theory if you argue well enough. So if you have too many interests, and any of them include anything that humans do, you can tailor your degree to a focus on studying it.
Major works from the field range from qualitative works to classic ethnography to films to analysis of dirt to works of fiction. The multiplicity of the field means you don’t get too stuck reading just really pretentiously written theory or just really chaotic ethnography.
It’s really the best! I get to people watch, go to plays, see movies, and talk to people for class assignments. The degree is centered around learning about the world we live in. In its many facets and far reaches, I’ve ended up only more in love with everyone around me, as well as more frustrated and confused by them. All in the best way possible! My world has become so much bigger and richer.
There are 11 courses required to complete the anthropology major, with five required courses and six electives. Each student is encouraged to explore the discipline and acquaint themself with at least three of the four fields of anthropology (social, linguistic, archeology, and physical anthropology). The requirements are as follows:
- ANTH-UN1002: The Interpretation of Culture
A general introduction to the discipline and survey of major anthropological theory
One of the following introductory courses:
- ANTH-UN1007: The Origins of Human Society
- ANTH-UN1008: The Rise of Civilization
- ANTH-UN1009: Introduction to Language and Culture
- EEEB-UN1010: Human Origins and Evolution
As well as:
- ANTH-UN3040: Anthropological Theory
Meant to be taken no later than fall of Junior year, although a bunch of seniors were in the class when I took it.
- Six Electives
These courses should range through the student’s individual goals and interests, decided with the help of the adviser. One elective may be another introductory course, and three must be 3000 level courses or higher. It is recommended that students interested in socio-cultural anthropology take ANTH-BC3868: Ethnographic Field Research in NYC by their Junior spring. Classes in the Columbia EEEB department may also be counted for anthropology credits.
- Senior Seminars ANTH-UN3781 and ANTH-UN3872: Problems in Anthropological Research
(Two semesters fall and spring), majors will complete a senior essay with original research throughout these courses.
- ANTH-UN1002: The Interpretation of Culture
One of the following introductory courses:
- ANTH-UN1007: The Origins of Human Society
- ANTH-UN1008: The Rise of Civilization
As well as:
- ACLG-UN2028: Think Like an Archeologist
- ANTH-UN3040: Anthropological Theory
- Four electives within the theme of archeology
- Senior Seminars ANTH-UN3781 and ANTH-UN3872: Problems in Anthropological Research
- ANTH-UN1002: The Interpretation of Culture
One of the following introductory courses:
- ANTH-UN1007: The Origins of Human Society
- ANTH-UN1008: The Rise of Civilization
- ANTH-UN1009: Introduction to Language and Culture
- EEEB-UN1010: Human Origins and Evolution
As well as:
- ANTH-UN3040: Anthropological Theory
- Six electives, at least three of which must be 3000 level courses or higher with a clear focus on medical anthropology.
- Senior Seminars ANTH-UN3781 and ANTH-UN3872: Problems in Anthropological Research
- ANTH-UN1002: The Interpretation of Culture
One of the following introductory courses:
- ANTH-UN1003 The Environment
- ANTH-UN1007 The Origins of Human Society
- ANTH-UN1008 The Rise of Civilization
- ANTH-UN1009 Introduction to Language and Culture
- ANTH-S 2724 / UN2427 The Anthropology of Climate Change
- EEEB-UN1010 The Human Species: Its Place in Nature
As well as:
- EESC-BC1001: Introduction to Environmental Science, with lab
- ANTH-UN3040: Anthropological Theory
- Six electives, at least three of which must be 3000 level anthropology courses or higher
- Senior Seminars ANTH-UN3781 and ANTH-UN3872: Problems in Anthropological Research
Overview of Classes
After completing the two introductory course requirements (or more depending on your track) the major is made up predominantly by your own personal interests, as the majority of the major is electives. The depth of knowledge and the niche class topic options offered by the department will enrich your everyday experience of the world. You will inevitably end up seeing concepts you discuss in class play out in the world and media around you.
Anthropology is a holistic discipline that is constantly critiquing and reflecting upon itself. Most of the classes in the department include material from sociology, nonfiction, geography, political science, or even environmental science. It’s a field that requires continuous genuine self reflection, and an honest attempt to learn and study in the most ethical ways possible. This means majors end up reading a fair amount of philosophy. If you don’t want to feel too limited in a major, and you are interested in people, anthropology is a great option.
Class Recommendations
Absence/Presence (ANTH-UN3829) with Lesley Sharp: This class explores the absence and invisibility of different humans in society. Chair of the department, Sharp, can be intimidating but pushes students to be better writers and speakers.
Origins of Human Society (ANTH-UN1007) with Camilla Sturm: This is an eye-opening class that is a great critique on preconceptions of human history and evolution. Professor Sturm is just a really cool person who is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the material, and she always wears fun earrings as a bonus. The class will teach you not only how to be critical about anthropology and archeology, but of narratives around us more generally.
Gender Archeology (ANTH-BC3223) with Camilla Sturm: Another endorsement of Professor Sturm, this time with a focus on queer theory in history. If you’ve wanted to learn about how queerness relates to how archeology is studied, this class will explore it.
Ethnographic Field Research in NYC (ANTH-BC3868) with Kaya Williams: In this class, each student completes a semester-long independent project of their own, allowing each student to get out of the class what they put in. Professor Williams is incredibly insightful, while understanding the complexities and stresses of students, which makes the class both low-stress, and a great learning experience.
South Asia (ANTH-UN3661) with Mara Green: Through the incorporation of many forms of media, including free tickets to a play, Professor Green facilitates a fantastic exploration of South Asian anthropology, while acknowledging the limits that a semester-long class on a massive region creates. The class discussions are engaging and usually where the most interesting content develops, although the readings are also enjoyable and exciting.
Advice
- Most professors in the department are absolutely wonderful people, they are great resources. If you’re struggling, or want more information about something, or are trying to decide whether to major, most of them are very wise and will give you their best advice.
- Don’t listen to the people who tell you that you should major in computer science because anthropology is useless; you don’t want to live a life doing something you hate, and there are so so many weird professions out there—this goes for any major. Anthropology more specifically can lead to careers in journalism, editing and publishing, curation, museum work, field archeology, filmmaking, or arguably so many other things. If you’re passionate about it, study it! For the amount this school costs, you absolutely shouldn’t spend your four years being miserable and studying business if you hate it.
- Class recommendations are absolutely your friend. A lot of the best classes in the department get recommended by someone who has taken them.
- Finally, studying anthropology is most productive when you pay attention to your life outside of class. Listening, looking, and thinking critically about everything are the foundations of the discipline. Get started now!
Consult the department website for more information.
Image via Bwog Archives.
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