Requirements for a Major /Minor in Anthropology

Major Sequence

A minimum of ten course units to include:

1. 160, 171, 310, 330, and 380
2. one course unit from 273, 274, or 277
3. four additional course units, at least one at the 300 level and no more than one at the 100 level
    from: 175, 250, 270, 285, 288, 295, 350, 352,355, 360, 366, 370, 397, 450

Revised Minor Sequence

A minimum of six course units to include:

1. 160, 171, 380
2. three additional courses in anthropology, with at least one at the  300-level

Download a Checklist of courses required for the Major & Minor

Descriptions of new or revised courses

See the Curriculum Page for a complete list of Anthropology courses.

160 Human Origins (Formerly 272)
An introduction to human biological evolution and prehistory. Principal topics include the nature of modern science, primate adaptation, human variation and adaptation, the human fossil record, history of evolutionary thought, and the mechanics of evolution. Fulfills general education requirements in Life Sciences (Issues). Offered each Spring.

175 Introduction to Archaeology (New Course)
This course introduces students to the basic theories and methods that anthropological archaeologists use in the study of material cultural, past and present. Students examine the history and evolution of field archaeology paying close attention to the contemporary excavation methods being used by archaeologists working on active sites in Illinois and around the world.

355 African Expressive Arts (New Course)
This course introduces students to a variety of African expressive art forms in historical particularist and cross-cultural perspective. Artists, scholars, and performers, who specialize in specific African media will share their expertise in lecture-demonstrations and workshops, providing students with hands-on learning experiences. This course fulfills general education requirements in The Arts and offers a Global Diversity flag.

366 That Complex Whole: Co-Evolution of Biology & Culture
Believing behavior cannot be reduced to distinct biological or environmental causes, course seeks a full appreciation of complexity as it applies to the human experience. Analyzes classical debates about the "causes of human behavior and highlights the relationship of biological evolution to the evolution of human culture. Offered as needed.