Undergraduate
B.A. in Anthropology
Due to the holistic nature of the discipline, an undergraduate degree in anthropology
provides excellent preparation for advanced academic degrees, such as those obtained
in medical school, law school, and graduate school in anthropology and other social
sciences. USF Anthropology majors have been accepted at major graduate schools in
the United States, including the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago.
For the B.A. Program, our primary goals are to teach students to think anthropologically
and to promote a sense of wonder about human potential. Thinking anthropologically
fosters critical understanding of cultural assumptions, social conventions, information,
and even the concept of culture itself. This level of critical thinking builds the
skills and attitudes necessary for working and living in diverse social environments.
We currently have about 250 majors, and each year thousands of undergraduate students
enroll in our major and general education courses.
Requirements for the Major in Anthropology
For full information on all aspects of the major, students should consult the Undergraduate
Catalog. (Link to http://www.ugs.usf.edu/catalogs/0607/anth.htm). The major in Anthropology
consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. In order to graduate, students must maintain
an average best attempt 2.5 GPA in all courses counted toward the major. In addition,
students must have a minimum C (2.0) grade in all classes that count towards the
major, including specifically required classes and electives. A C- grade is not
acceptable. ANT 2000 , although suggested, is not a prerequisite to intermediate
level courses. ANT 2000 may, however, be included in the 36 credit hour major requirement.
Students who have not taken ANT 2000 must make up the missing hours with elective
coursework. ANT 3101, ANT 2410, ANT 2511 and ANT 3610 are required as intermediate
level training in the main subdivisions of the field, and ANT 4034 and ANT 4935
complete the specific requirements. Majors are required to complete a minimum of
15 hours of 4000-level elective coursework, including courses from at least three
of the four subfields shown below. A minimum of three (3) of these 15 credits must
be selected from a list of designated methods courses. Methods courses may also
be counted toward the subdivision requirement.
Required Core Courses
- ANT 2410 Cultural Anthropology (3)
- ANT 2511 Biological Anthropology (3)
- ANT 3101 Archaeology (3)
- ANT 3610 Anthropological Linguistics (3)
- ANT 4034 Theories of Culture (3)
- ANT 4935 Rethinking Anthropology (3)
Area Electives
Archaeology
- ANT 4142 Old World Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4143 European Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4147 Environmental Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4153 North American Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4158 Florida Archaeology (4)
- ANT 4165 South American Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4163 Mesoamerican Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4172 Historical Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4180 Laboratory Methods in Archaeology (2-4)
- ANT 4181 Museum Methods (4)
- ANT 4183C Archaeological Science (4)
- ANT 4195 Fantastic Archeology (3)
- ANT 4824 Archaeological Field Methods (4-12)
Biological Anthropology
- ANT 4520 Forensic Anthropology (4)
- ANT 4586 Prehistoric Human Evolution (3)
- ANT 4587 Human Variation (3)
Anthropological Linguistics
- ANT 4620 Language and Culture (3)
- ANT 4750 Language and Social Interaction (3)
Cultural Anthropology
- ANT 4231 Folklore (3)
- ANT 4241 Magic and Religion (3)
- ANT 4285 Oral History (3)
- ANT 4302 Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
- ANT 4312 North American Indians (3)
- ANT 4316 Ethnic Diversity in the United States (3)
- ANT 4323 Mexico and Central America (3)
- ANT 4340 The Caribbean (3)
- ANT 4390 Visual Anthropology (3)
- ANT 4432 The Individual and Culture (3)
- ANT 4442 Urban Life and Culture (3)
- ANT 4462 Health, Illness, and Culture (3)
- ANT 4495 Methods in Cultural Research (3)
- ANT 4701 Applied Anthropology (3)
- URS 3002 Introduction to Urban Studies (3) Methods
- ANT 4180 Lab Methods in Archaeology (2-4)
- ANT 4181 Museum Methods (4)
- ANT 4183C Archaeological Science (4)
- ANT 4285 Oral History (3)
- ANT 4390 Visual Anthropology (3)
- ANT 4495 Methods in Cultural Research (3)
- ANT 4520C Forensic Anthropology (4)
- ANT 4824 Archaeological Field Methods (4-12) Special Topics
- ANT 4930 Special Topics (3)
Depending upon the specific topic, this may count toward any of the subdivisions
and/or the methods requirement.
Anthropology provides very broad training in the social sciences. Therefore, a background
in anthropology is useful in any career in which an understanding of people or the
societies in which they live is important. Due to the broad nature of the field,
students trained in anthropology have followed a wide range of careers, especially
those in which research, communication, and intercultural skills are valued. In
recent years, our majors have embarked on careers in medicine, law, international
relations and business, human rights, environmental protection, historic preservation,
multicultural program development, museum management, social services, and community
planning, among other career paths.
In addition, due to the holistic nature of the discipline, an undergraduate degree
in anthropology provides excellent preparation for advanced academic degrees, such
as those obtained in medical school, law school, and graduate school in anthropology
and other social sciences. Anthropology majors from USF have been accepted at major
graduate schools in the United States, including the University of Michigan and
the University of Chicago.
For the B.A. Program, our primary goals are to teach students to think anthropologically
and to promote a sense of wonder about human potential. Thinking anthropologically
fosters critical understanding of cultural assumptions, social conventions, information,
and even the concept of culture itself. This level of critical thinking builds the
skills and attitudes necessary for working and living in diverse social environments.
We currently have about 250 majors and nearly 2,500 undergraduate students enrolled
in our courses.
Undergraduate Major in Anthropology
The undergraduate major in Anthropology (leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree) consists
of a minimum of 36 credit hours. ANT 2000 is a prerequisite to all subsequent courses.
ANT 2410, ANT 2511, 3101, and ANT 3610 are required as intermediate level training
in the main subdivisions of the field, and ANT 4034 and ANT 4935 complete the specific
requirements. Majors are required to complete a minimum of 15 hours of 4000-level
elective coursework, including courses from at least three of the four subfields
listed below.
Required Courses (21 credit hours):
- ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology (4)
- ANT 2410 Cultural Anthropology (3)
- ANT 2511 Biological Anthropology (3)
- ANT 3101 Archaeology (3)
- ANT 3610 Anthropological Linguistics (3)
- ANT 4034 Theories of Culture (3)
- ANT 4935 Rethinking Anthropology (3)
Elective Courses (15 credit hours from at least 3 of the 4 subfields):
Cultural Anthropology
- ANT 4241 Magic and Religion (3)
- ANT 4285 Oral History (3)
- ANT 4302 Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
- ANT 4312 North American Indians (3)
- ANT 4316 Ethnic Diversity in the United States (3)
- ANT 4323 Mexico and Central America (3)
- ANT 4340 The Caribbean (3)
- ANT 4462 Health, Illness, and Culture (3)
- ANT 4495 Methods in Cultural Research (3)
- ANT 4701 Applied Anthropology (3)
- ANT 4930 Selected Topics-Cultural, e.g., Gender & Development (3)
Biological Anthropology
- ANT 4520 Forensic Anthropology (3)
- ANT 4586 Prehistoric Human Evolution (3)
- ANT 4587 Human Variation (3)
Anthropological Linguistics
- ANT 4620 Language and Culture (3)
- ANT 4750 Language and Social Interaction (3)
Archaeology
- ANT 4142 Old World Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4143 European Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4147 Environmental Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4153 North American Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4158 Florida Archaeology (4)
- ANT 4165 South American Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4163 Mesoamerican Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4172 Historical Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4180 Laboratory Methods in Archaeology (2-4)
- ANT 4181 Museum Methods (4)
- ANT 4183C Archaeological Science (4)
- ANT 4824 Archaeological Field Methods (4-12)
- ANT 4930 Selected Topics-Archaeology, e.g., Southwest Archaeology (3)
As described in the undergraduate catalog, anthropology majors must meet USF language
requirements. Anthropology majors are urged to become competent readers and speakers
of a relevant modern foreign language (which may include American Sign Language).
They are also urged to enhance their English reading, writing, speaking and critical
thinking capabilities and develop their skills in computational, statistical, and
other forms of quantitative analysis at every opportunity. Students are encouraged
to fulfill General Education and Exit requirements with courses relevant to their
interests in anthropology whenever possible. In pursuit of all these goals, they
should meet with the department's undergraduate advisor at least once each semester
to discuss such topics as academic progress, future course plans, the honors program,
summer field schools, study abroad program, internship and volunteer opportunities,
graduate education, and professional careers in anthropology.
Students wishing to transfer to USF from a community college should complete the
A.A. degree before they arrive. Students should complete two lower level, introductory
courses in Anthropology prior to entering the university. If not taken at the community
college, they must be completed before the degree is granted at USF. Some courses
required for the major may also meet General Education Requirements thereby transferring
maximum hours to the university. A minimum of 60 semester hours must be completed
at the university unless prior approval is secured. A grade of “C” is the minimum
acceptable grade. If students transfer without an A.A. degree and have fewer than
60 semester hours of acceptable credit, the students must meet the university’s
entering freshman requirements including ACT or SAT test scores, GPA, and course
requirements. The transfer student should also be aware of the immunization, foreign
language, and continuous enrollment policies of the university.
Undergraduate Major in Anthropology – Archaeology Concentration
The University of South Florida offers a comprehensive curriculum in archaeology
for undergraduate students, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. In addition
to archaeology, this program includes courses in cultural anthropology, biological
anthropology, and anthropological linguistics. It ensures that graduates will have
the broad background necessary for a holistic, cross-cultural perspective on human
societies, both past and present. Undergraduate offerings in archaeology cover both
prehistoric and historical archaeology and are global in scope. Classroom training
and related field work opportunities place particular emphasis on the archaeology
of the southeastern U.S.
Degree Requirements:
Please read the description of the BA in Anthropology above. Classes which may be
of special interest to archaeology students include the following:
- ANT 4142 - Old World Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4143 - European Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4147 - Environmental Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4153 - North American Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4158 - Florida Archaeology (4)
- ANT 4165 - South American Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4163 - Mesoamerican Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4172 - Historical Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4180 - Laboratory Methods in Archaeology (2-4)
- ANT 4181 - Museum Methods (4)
- ANT 4183C - Archaeological Science (4)
- ANT 4195 - Fantastic Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4824 - Archaeological Field Methods (4-12)
- ANT 4195 - Fantastic Archaeology (3)
- ANT 3101 - Introduction to Archaeology (3)
- ANT 4302 - Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
- ANT 4312 - North American Indians (3)
- ANT 4323 - Mexico and Central America (3)
- ANT 4340 - The Caribbean (3)
- ANT 4586 - Prehistoric Human Evolution (3)
- ANT 4930 Selected Topics-Archaeology, e.g., Southwest Archaeology (3)
Visit the USF undergraduate catalog for course descriptions and further course listings.
Please consult the current USF Schedule of Classes to determine which courses are
offered in a particular semester.
Undergraduate Minor in Anthropology
The undergraduate minor in Anthropology consists of a minimum of 18 credit hours
with at least a "C" average (2.00 GPA), distributed among three areas: Introductory,
Intermediate, and Advanced (see below). Students normally progress through these
areas in the order listed below, selecting courses prerequisite, or otherwise appropriate,
to courses desired in subsequent areas. Exceptions to this pattern must be approved
by the department's undergraduate advisor. Students are urged to consult with the
advisor to create the most beneficial set of courses.
Introductory Course (3 credit hours):
- ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology
Intermediate Courses (3-6 credit hours):
- ANT 2410 Cultural Anthropology
- ANT 2511 Biological Anthropology
- ANT 3101 Archaeology
- ANT 3610 Anthropological Linguistics
Advanced Courses (9-12 credit hours):
As described above in the listing of elective courses in cultural anthropology,
biological anthropology, anthropological linguistics, and archaeology.
Applying to the Undergraduate Programs
Please refer to the USF undergraduate catalog for all undergraduate application
procedures and requirements. Admissions materials are available online from USF
Undergraduate Admissions, which can be reached at 813-974-3350 (or toll-free at
1-877-873-2855). Transfer students may also contact Adult & Transfer Student Services
at 813-974-6444. For questions or comments about this program, contact Lori Collins,
Anthropology's Undergraduate Advisor, at (813) 974-0783 or lcollins@cas.usf.edu.
Undergraduate Advising
Appointments with the Undergraduate Advisor are scheduled by calling the Anthropology
Department office (813-974-2138). Anthropology advising is only for USF declared
majors.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments must be scheduled by calling the Anthropology Department office (813-974-2138).
AVOID THE FIRST TWO AND LAST TWO WEEKS OF THE SEMESTER; you may have to wait several
days or up to a week for an appointment, so plan accordingly. If you need help during
the registration week, you can call advising at 813-974-0783, or stop in SOC 110
for assistance.
When is an appointment recommended?
The Department of Anthropology recommends that each student make an advising appointment
when first admitted to the program, before declaring Anthropology as their official
major, and at the beginning of their senior year. Students should also make an appointment
to see an advisor if they need an academic plan, degree audit, guidance with course
sequencing, or general academic advice.
What do I need to bring to the appointment?
Bring your SASS report and any other documentation such as transcripts, test scores,
and so on, to your session.
What if I am a New Transfer Student?
Be sure to declare the major through on-line transfer student orientation and follow
all of the instructions.
What if I am a Senior?
It is extremely important that you request a "Major Check" of required courses in
the semester BEFORE you expect to graduate. If you wait until you are already enrolled
in your final semester and expecting to graduate, it will be too late to offset
requirements that you may have overlooked.
What do I do if I am an Anthropology major, but have not transferred to USF yet?
Please submit questions specific to the Department of Anthropology to the Undergraduate
Advisor. Please contact Adult and Transfer Student Services for other transfer process
information, http://usfweb2.usf.edu/enroll/atss/
Where do I go if I am not declared in a major offered by the Department of Anthropology?
Contact the College of Arts and Sciences at 813-974-6957 or go to BEH 201 and ask
to speak to an advisor to help you make a major course of study decision. You cannot
schedule an appointment with the Anthropology advisor unless you are declared major.
What if I just have a simple question?
Simple advising questions can be answered via e-mail within 48 hours (lcollins@cas.usf.edu).
In the e-mail message, Include your name, student ID number, and a phone number.
Be specific with your question. If your question is too complicated, you may be
asked to make an appointment.
What other type of help is available?
First-year students experiencing personal problems should contact Counseling and
Wellness Center, 813-359-4254. Students experiencing test anxiety, having trouble
studying or passing the CLAST, in need of career or personal counseling, interested
in a reading or learning program, or with learning disabilities should contact Counseling
Center for Human Development, 974-2831.
What if I need an Academic Plan (for ARC petitions)?
Academic plans for students who have been academically dismissed will be handled
via e-mail lcollins@cas.usf.edu. Please send an e-mail with your full name, student
number, and a brief statement about why you need the academic plan.
Can I get an answer over the phone?
Not always. It is best to send an e-mail or schedule an appointment.
I just need a permit for class; do I need to see an advisor?
You don't need to see an advisor just for a permit. You may see the program assistant
located in SOC 110.
How do I print a Degree Audit?
Go to Oasis, choose SASS Undergraduate Degree Audit viewed on FACTS - Academic Advising,
hover the mouse over the College Advising Tools link and then select Institutional
Degree/Program Audit. Select the institution, type in your USF ID number and your
oasis password (cannot be birth date). Wait for the report and print it.
What if I need a form signed?
Not all forms require an advisor’s signature. Forms may be obtained online or
in the Department of Anthropology office.
Cross enrollment/Transient Student Forms: If you are taking any lower-level course
(2000 level or lower) at another school, this form should be signed in the College
of Arts and Sciences office (BEH 201). Even if the class is a 2000 level anthropology
course, the form should be signed in BEH 201. Please leave the completed form in
the Anthropology Department main office (SOC 110) with your phone number and e-mail
address. An advisor will review the form, sign it (when appropriate), and leave
it in the office for you to pick up later.
Graduation Application: This form does NOT require department or academic advisor
approval (even though the form indicates that it does). Take the completed form
to BEH 201.
Late Drop/Add forms: You should complete the form and have it signed by the instructor(s)
teaching the course(s) you are dropping/adding.
ARC petitions: Completed ARC petitions should be turned in at BEH 201.
Time conflict: Obtain a signature from both instructors involved in the time conflict
and leave a copy of the completed form in the Anthropology Department main office
(SOC 110). You will be able to register for your class within 48 hours if you have
completed (“C” or better) all of the pre-requisite courses.