Anthropology (BA)

Summary

Anthropology is the study of the interaction of human biology and culture. Anthropologists study the human species through the four subdivisions of the discipline: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. The major provides training in all areas of anthropology for the liberal arts major with an interest in global awareness, cultural diversity, human adaptation, and an understanding of human behavior. Application of the discipline in real-world scenarios is stressed. Students pursuing the BA take a language series and are prepared to pursue anthropology and its application with a more global outlook. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major Credits

47

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

People and Cultures

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Prerequisites to the Major

This course surveys human biological and cultural diversity through time and space. You will learn about questions like: how did humans evolve? and how do anthropologists collect and interpret information about human beings and their ancestors?

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Major Common Core

A comprehensive examination of modern archaeological theory methods and activities, focusing on American archaeology. Emphasis will be given to data collection, data analysis, and museology. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10

An introduction to the study of human biological evolution and variation. This course focuses on evolutionary theory, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and the fossil record of human evolution. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

This introduction to cultural anthropology covers cultural diversity and organization by examining several examples in detail. Both anthropological methodology and theory will be important parts of this course.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Language provides not only communication but identification of oneself and one's group. Humans are extremely sensitive to language, dialect, jargon, and slang. An understanding of language and its relationship to culture is basic to any understanding of human beings.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

This course examines the methodologies of all four fields of Anthropology. Students will gain practical experience in various methods that professionals utilize on a regular basis within the discipline. Discussions of the issues surrounding various anthropological methods will be part of this course.

Prerequisites: ANTH 101

Examination of the intellectual history of anthropology from its nineteenth century roots to today's current theoretical trends. Students will learn about the major schools of thought in anthropological theory and practice critical examination of their applications.

Prerequisites: none

A faculty-supervised, student-designed capstone project for the major. Students will take ANTH 475 after completing ANTH 300. The nature of the student's thesis will be determined jointly by the student and their advisor. The capstone project is a written thesis involving writing, laboratory work, fieldwork or various combinations. Students must present completed thesis in a public forum.

Prerequisites: ANTH 300

Major Unrestricted Electives

Choose 9 Credit(s).

Prerequisites: none

Prerequisites: none

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

Minor

Required Minor: Yes. Any.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 14 Credits

This course surveys human biological and cultural diversity through time and space. You will learn about questions like: how did humans evolve? and how do anthropologists collect and interpret information about human beings and their ancestors?

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Spring - 14 Credits

This introduction to cultural anthropology covers cultural diversity and organization by examining several examples in detail. Both anthropological methodology and theory will be important parts of this course.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Second Year

Fall - 14 Credits

An introduction to the study of human biological evolution and variation. This course focuses on evolutionary theory, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and the fossil record of human evolution. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

Spring - 18 Credits

A comprehensive examination of modern archaeological theory methods and activities, focusing on American archaeology. Emphasis will be given to data collection, data analysis, and museology. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Language provides not only communication but identification of oneself and one's group. Humans are extremely sensitive to language, dialect, jargon, and slang. An understanding of language and its relationship to culture is basic to any understanding of human beings.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Spring - 16 Credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 13 Credits

Spring - 13 Credits

Examination of the intellectual history of anthropology from its nineteenth century roots to today's current theoretical trends. Students will learn about the major schools of thought in anthropological theory and practice critical examination of their applications.

Prerequisites: none

A faculty-supervised, student-designed capstone project for the major. Students will take ANTH 475 after completing ANTH 300. The nature of the student's thesis will be determined jointly by the student and their advisor. The capstone project is a written thesis involving writing, laboratory work, fieldwork or various combinations. Students must present completed thesis in a public forum.

Prerequisites: ANTH 300

Policies

Admission to Major. Admission to major is granted by the department. Contact the department for application process.

Accelerated Combined Degree (BA/BS and MS). Students interested in receiving both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in Anthropology at Minnesota State Mankato, may apply to the Department for admission into the Accelerated Graduate Program. Interested majors may apply upon the completion of 60 credits if they have a minimum GPA of 3.0. If accepted, students will work with an advisor to design an accelerated program in which up to 12 credits of 500-level courses can be applied to both their undergraduate and graduate programs. If accepted, students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.0 in the major to continue in the program. Interested students should contact the Department for more information.