Anthropology

www.smu.edu/anthro

Professor Caroline B. Brettell, Department Chair

Professors: Eric G. Bing  (Health and Society Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies), Caroline B. Brettell, Sunday Eiselt, Karen Lupo, David J. Meltzer, Christopher I. Roos, Carolyn Smith-Morris
Associate Professors: Michael Adler, Mark D. McCoy, Neely Myers, Nia Parson (Health and Society Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies), Nicolas Sternsdorff-Cisterna (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
Assistant Professors: Maryann R. Cairns, Kacy Hollenback, K. Ann Horsburgh, Kelly McKowen
Lecturer: Matthew Boulanger

General Information

Anthropology is the study of humanity in its broadest context. Anthropology encompasses four subdisciplines within its approach: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and sociocultural anthropology. In addition to providing the basis for careers in these subdisciplines, anthropology provides a background for professional careers in teaching, research, international affairs, medicine, business or law. The department offers B.A. and B.S. degrees with a major in anthropology and B.A. and B.S. degrees with a major in health and society. A grade of C- or better must be earned in all courses taken in fulfillment of the requirements for the majors. Students must maintain a minimum 2.000 GPA in their major and should consult their departmental adviser periodically to review their progress. Students pursuing a major in anthropology may not also pursue a minor in anthropology. Students pursing a major in health and society may pursue either a major or minor in anthropology, but only six credit hours may be double counted.

Departmental Distinction

This program is open to junior and senior anthropology majors and health and society majors with outstanding academic records. Graduation with departmental distinction is designated on the diploma of those who successfully complete the program. To earn departmental distinction, a student must:

1. Complete the usual coursework for a B.A. or B.S. degree with at least a 3.500 GPA in their major and with at least a 3.000 GPA overall.
2. With a grade of B or higher: For anthropology majors, pass ANTH 4321  and ANTH 4322  or complete a substantial independent reading program (for three credit hours that replaces one of these) on the history, conceptual foundations or methodological problems of the discipline. For health and society majors, pass ANTH 4318  or ANTH 4343 . 
3. With a grade of A or A-: For anthropology majors, conduct a research project (for three credit hours in ANTH 4391  or ANTH 4392 ) and complete a significant research paper that is a minimum of 20 pages of text, includes a bibliography, and is written in appropriate sub-disciplinary professional style and format. For health and society majors, enroll in an Independent Study (e.g., ANTH 4391 ) to conduct an independent research project (may be associated with a faculty member’s overarching research) that meets several requirements. See the health and society director or website for details.
4. For anthropology majors, pass an oral examination of one hour in length (with at least three full-time departmental faculty members), covering the results of the research project and general issues and concepts in anthropology according to the subfield specialty. For health and society majors, make an oral presentation of approximately 30 minutes in length in a format approved by the supervising faculty member. See health and society director or website for further details on the format options for this presentation.

Programs

• Anthropology, B.A.
• Anthropology, B.S.
• Health and Society, B.A.
• Health and Society, B.S.

• Archaeology Minor
• Biomedical Anthropology Minor
• Cultural Anthropology Minor
• Environmental Anthropology Minor
• General Anthropology Minor

Courses

Note: All 2000-level and 3000-level anthropology courses are open to first-year students. Undergraduate students may take 4000-level and 5000-level courses; however, undergraduate students must have introductory coursework in the appropriate subfield or permission of the department. Anthropology courses are grouped into subfields as follows.

• ANTH 4391 - Independent Study and Research
• ANTH 4392 - Independent Study and Research
• ANTH 4399 - Integrated Themes in Anthropology