Anthropologists study what it means to be human, across all regions of the world and from our evolutionary origins to life today. We look at both human variability and human similarities in order to further understand our shared humanity from multiple angles. In doing so, anthropology also challenges assumptions and prejudices about identities, societies, and human differences. Anthropologists understand all human societies to be fundamental components of the human story, equally complex, rich with history, bearing a shared biological heritage, and worthy of our attention and understanding.
This critical vantage is one of the most valuable assets that anthropology majors carry with them beyond their time at NEIU.
In the Anthropology Program, students learn about the data, methods, and theories of the three major subfields of anthropology--cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology--and examine what makes the subfields distinctive and how they connect to and complement one another. Students also learn how to apply anthropology’s holistic, multi-perspective approach to addressing important contemporary issues.
Anthropology students explore an exciting range of subjects, including, race and ethnicity, family and kinship, the biology of skin color, ancient art and adornment, diet, food and cuisine, monkey ecology and behavior, archaeological excavation and interpretation, the fossil record of human evolution, power and politics, social status in life and death, genetic inheritance and your ancestry, migration and globalization, forensic study of the skeleton, artifacts and their greater meanings, religion and healing, among many others.
In addition to addressing a broad range of subjects, our courses are presented in multiple formats, including online, hybrid, and face-to-face, one, two, and three credit hours, and full and half semester scheduling. We also have options for individualized research, field, and internship experiences for students who want to extend what they are learning beyond the classroom. Whether it is measuring bones, interviewing people, or mapping a temple site, anthropology students will find a variety of engaging opportunities in our program.
An Anthropology major provides students with a critical lens on the world and valuable analytical and communication skills that can be applied to a broad range of career goals.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Anthropology for the Bachelor of Arts Degree (37 credit hours)
Please consult the anthropology advisor to confirm the major requirements for your catalog year.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (37 cr. total): | ||
| Foundation Courses: take any THREE out of the following four (9 cr.): | ||
| ANTH-201 | Anthropology: Being Human | 3 |
| ANTH-212 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH-213 | Introduction To Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH-215 | Human Origins And Adaptations | 3 |
| Writing Intensive Course: take ONE of the following (3 cr.) : | ||
| ANTH-300 | Writing Intensive Program: Writing In Anthropology | 3 |
| GS-303 | Writing Intensive Program: The Power Of Writing: Interdisciplinarity As Critical Practice | 3 |
| Subfield Electives (24 cr.) | ||
| One 300 level archaeology course (see course description with "(A)") | 3 | |
| One 300 level biological anthropology course (see course descriptions with "(B)") | 3 | |
| One 300 level cultural anthropology course (see course descriptions with "(C)") | 3 | |
| Five additional ANTH electives, at least three of which must be at the 300 level; the remaining two may be 200 or 300 level. | 15 | |
| Professionalization Course (1 cr.) | ||
| ANTH-311 | Designing Your Future: Next Steps | 1 |
INDIVIDUALIZED FIELD, RESEARCH, INTERNSHIP, AND SENIOR THESIS ELECTIVES IN ANTHROPOLOGY
NEIU Anthropology offers a variety of individualized study options, including internships, fieldwork, research, and senior thesis hours (listed below) that may be counted as electives to satisfy ANTH major requirements. These individualized learning opportunities are a great way to apply what has been learned in the classroom and engage with anthropology in a new way. Most of these opportunities lack the formal structure of a class so the student should be prepared to work independently with some faculty oversight. Internships place students in a professional setting where they participate in the work experience. Field and research projects can be in the form of field schools at other institutions or a self-designed project the student carries out with a faculty advisor. Senior thesis projects are well-organized, 2-semester endeavors where the student designs and carries out an original research project, also with a faculty advisor. This option is ideal for (but not limited to) students committed to continuing their studies in graduate school.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH-379A | Pan-African Association Internship | 3 |
| ANTH-3813 | Independent Study In Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH-3824 | Fieldwork In Anthropology (various options, including National Museum of Mexican Art Internship) | 4 |
| ANTH-3876 | Field Museum Internship (in zoological collections or scientific illustrating) | 6 |
| ANTH-3896 | Lincoln Park Zoo Research | 6 |
| ANTH-390A | Senior Thesis Research | 2 |
| ANTH-390B | Senior Thesis Writing | 2 |
All of these opportunities require prior planning, usually in the semester before they are scheduled but at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the semester in which they are to take place. Students need to complete a plan of study/contract for completion of the work. For internships, additional approval will need to be secured from the institution where the work is being conducted. Note that only six individualized credit hours, spread across two or more subfields, can count towards the major.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
We welcome transfer students who want to study anthropology at NEIU! Students transferring from other institutions must complete a minimum of 15 ANTH credit hours at NEIU including:
- ANTH-300 WIP: Writing in Anthropology
- At least one 300-level course in each subfield (archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology)
- One additional 300 level ANTH elective of your choice.
Please consult with the anthropology chair or advisor if you have any questions.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major, from freshman through senior year. All undergraduate students must earn a minimum of 120 semester hours. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| ANTH-213 | Introduction To Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH-215 | Human Origins And Adaptations | 3 |
| FYE Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 9 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ANTH-212 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| General Education - MATH | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| ANTH-300 | Writing Intensive Program: Writing In Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| Minor program course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| Minor program course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 12 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| Minor program course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 300-Level ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| Minor program course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| 300-Level ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| 300-Level ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| ANTH-311 | Designing Your Future: Next Steps | 1 |
| Minor program course | 3 | |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 13 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 300-Level ANTH Elective | 3 | |
| Minor program course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 118 | |