The anthropology major provides students with a firm grounding in social theory and a broad background in cultural studies. Course offerings provide coverage of three of the four sub-disciplines of anthropology (linguistics is not currently being taught) and a number of area surveys. In addition, students participate in seminars on anthropological theory and more specialized elective topics. Elective courses allow students to tailor their major to particular intellectual or career goals. Several of our offerings center around religion, ritual, and symbolism, for instance. Many of the upper level courses can be directed to specific regions for the student interested in a particular region of the world.

Anthropology is particularly exciting for those students who want active engagement with their studies. All majors complete a fieldwork course requirement in either cultural or archaeological anthropology. Student projects may involve interviewing informants for family histories, researching archives on historical topics, studying ethnic performances or festivals, excavating archaeological sites, or a myriad of other possibilities. We encourage students to pursue independent studies, if possible combining them with study abroad.

Normally, seven of the ten major courses should be taken in residence at the college. A maximum of three 100-level courses and two independent studies may count toward fulfillment of major requirements. A current list of departmental offerings satisfying the biocultural and archaeological requirements will be available from the Chair. Courses taken at another institution may be applied to major requirements with prior written permission from the Chair. College policy is that Pass/Fail courses taken at Davidson may not be applied toward the major without departmental approval.

If you have questions, please contact us.