Major

Anthropology

Anthropology brings a holistic and comparative perspective to the study of human life and culture. By providing students with tools for better understanding human diversity and complexity, the Anthropology Major prepares students for careers in global health and medicine, museums, law, government, environmental management, entrepreneurship and international business, education, and the arts.

Requirements

Anthropology majors take ten courses (40 units) in Anthropology including:

  • One introductory course in preparation for the major, either:

    • ANTH 201 Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology, or
    • ANTH 263 Exploring Culture through Film

  • An introduction to a sub-field of Anthropology:

    • ANTH 101 Body, Mind and Healing: Introduction to Medical Anthropology
    • ANTH 105 Culture, Medicine and Politics
    • ANTH 202 Archaeology: Our Human Past
    • ANTH 203 Global Media
    • HBIO 200 The Human Animal

  • Five Anthropology electives (20 units), one of which should represent an area of world ethnography – involving study of a region, cultural or religious group, or diasporic or settled community. Courses offered in other departments can be applied toward this requirement, with departmental approval.

  • The following courses are required for all Anthropology Majors:

    • ANTH 440 History of Anthropological Theory
    • ANTH 410 Ethnographic Research Methods
    • ANTH 411 Thesis Seminar in Ethnographic Analysis

How do I declare the Anthropology Major?

To declare an Anthropology major or minor, make an appointment to meet with the Anthropology Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Kim Vinson vinson@usc.edu, who can:

  • Give you an overview of the field of Anthropology,
  • Help you understand the requirements for the various majors and minors offered by the USC Anthropology Department,
  • Develop a course plan for your entire stay at USC,
  • Examine study abroad and research opportunities in Anthropology and related disciplines,
  • Discuss internships and career development opportunities related to Anthropology,
  • Speak with you about your plans after graduation.
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