The Study of Anthropology

Anthropology claims for itself an immense task: the study of human kind. As such, it is closely linked to the arts, humanities, and the social and physical sciences. At Wesleyan, special attention is paid to cultural-social anthropology and biological anthropology-archaeology.

Courses are offered in cultural and social theory, anthropological analysis and interpretation, and comparative ethnographic studies of cultures across the world.

Students have found anthropology to be an ideal concentration for a broadly based liberal arts education. It can also form an excellent preparation for further graduate and professional studies, as well as a wide variety of careers. Students have combined a double major in anthropology with ethnomusicology, sociology, history, literature, dance, theater, and biology.

Faculty members have carried out fieldwork in Europe, North and East Africa, Southeast and Southwest Asia, the Caribbean, and the United States. They have published widely on topics ranging from theory and interpretation to ritual symbolism, mass culture, film, kinship, political culture, urban anthropology, mortuary archaeology, and the biological dimensions of culture.

Majors are expected to execute a senior project, which may take the form of an honors thesis or a senior essay. Students writing an honors thesis may compete for departmental funds.