ANTHROPOLOGY

Minor in Anthropology at Hollins!

Description

Anthropology is the holistic, cross-cultural study of humans and their cultures. As a field of inquiry, anthropology endeavors to understand and explain the origin and evolution of humankind, the lifeways and symbolic systems of both past and contemporary peoples, and the multiple and complex ways that humans create meaning in the world.  The study of anthropology promotes awareness and understanding of human variation on a global scale, as well as sensitivity to gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity within the United States.  Through the study of other cultures and their meaning systems, students will learn to develop critical self-awareness about their own cultural beliefs and practices.

At present the minor focuses on three areas of anthropology: cultural anthropology, archaeology and ethnobotany (part of the growing specialization within medical anthropology).

A minor in anthropology will prepare Hollins students for work and life in an increasingly multicultural nation and world.  The anthropology minor will assist students in seeing from various perspectives, a skill appropriate to careers in politics, policy making, law, education, development, international trade, business and marketing, the arts, and social work, among others. The study of anthropology will further assist Hollins students in becoming more engaged critical thinkers, able to constructively envision and create social change in their own communities.

As part of the minor, students are encouraged to take part in a study abroad program, cross-cultural study at home courses, and internships that will provide them with a practical experience of cross-cultural exchange and learning.

Objectives

1. To provide students with a solid foundation from which to understand the discipline of anthropology and its applications in the world outside the academy.
2. To develop awareness and understanding of cultural difference.
3. To engage students in thinking critically about their own culture through exposure to and analysis of cultures different from their own.

Required Courses

There are five (5) courses required for the Minor in Anthropology, totaling 20 credits, as well as a cross-cultural study abroad or experiential learning opportunity:

1. Introduction to Anthropology.
2. Four additional classes from list provided below:

• At least two courses must be ANTH.
• At least one course must be a 300-level.

 3. Cross-Cultural Study Abroad or Experiential Learning opportunity.

Course Details

1. ANTH 145: Introduction to Anthropology, Costa (DIV)

       Required for all minors.

  2.  Students may select courses from the following list

·       ANTH 242: Anthropology of Gender & Sexuality, Costa (DIV)

·       ANTH 250(2): Methods in Anthropology: Life histories/Self-narratives, Costa (DIV, r)

·       ANTH 312: Women & Social Movements around the Globe, Costa (DIV, GLO, r)

·       SOC 395:  Modern & Postmodern Social Theory, Nye (r)

·       BIOL 121: Plants and People: An Introduction to Ethnobotany, Latty (Q, SCI, GLO)

·       BIOL 321: Ethnobotanical Techniques, (ESP TBA)

·       CLAS 261: Introduction to Ancient Art, Salowey (o, ANC)

·       CLAS 395: Greek Art & Archaeology, Salowey (ESP TBA)

·       CLAS 396: Roman Art & Archaeology, Salowey (ESP TBA)

Additional courses will be added in the future, including Special Topics.

3. Cross-Cultural Study Abroad or Experiential Learning opportunity:

This requirement must meet the approval of the Anthropology minor advisor.  

For example, some students have gone on the following programs:

•  Hollins Abroad

•  Kalamazoo College, Program in Sustainable Development Studies, Thailand

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 
ANTHROPOLOGY MINOR,
please contact
Dr. LeeRay M. Costa, (540)362-6254, lcosta@hollins.edu  

This page was last updated September 16, 2003.

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