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Anthropology Major
A. Required courses (9 credits)
______ ANTH 1301 Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archeology
______ ANTH 1302 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
______ ANTH 4380 Theory in Anthropology (offered in fall only)
B. Distribution requirements (You may not count the same course in both distribution lists.
Two electives from this list (archaeology and biological anthropology): ANTH 3303, 3304, 3309, 3310,
3340, 3347, 3359, 3360, 3380, 3647, 4312, 4313, 4365, or any other elective (e.g., Special Topics)
approved for this purpose by the department (you must get a memo from the department chair).
______
______
Two electives from this list (cultural anthropology): ANTH 3303, 3306, 3309, 3311, 3314, 3315, 3319,
3320, 3321, 3325, 3326, 3330, 3358, 3361, 4304, 4306, 4308, 4346, or any other elective (e.g., Special
Topics) approved for this purpose by the department (you must get a memo from the department chair).
______
______
C. Other electives (these may be ones from the lists above, as long as they are not counted twice:
1. Open level (1000-4000) (6 credits)
______ ANTH 1000-4000 elective ____________________________________
______ ANTH 1000-4000 elective ____________________________________
______ ANTH 3000-4000 elective _____________________________________
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the science of humans. It spans the range from our biological nature,
through the history of past cultures, to the many different cultures in the modern world
and how they relate to each other. Where do women have multiple husbands and men
have multiple wives? Why do people like to eat sugary or fatty foods? Why are
weekends “fun” and what does this tell us about ideas of time in different economic
situations? These are the kind of questions anthropologists explore.
Anthropology at UTEP has two focuses. Archaeologists study the human past by
excavating, documenting objects, surveying physical remains, and collaborating with
communities to preserve their cultural heritage. An archaeologist might uncover a stone
knife and carved bones, and so discover the tools people used in the past. Cultural
anthropologists work closely with people in present-day communities to learn about
their everyday lives, challenges, and successes. A cultural anthropologist might sit long
into the evening, talking with people about their hopes and fears for their children’s
health, and so recommend better public outreach for a community health clinic. UTEP
has a special focus on applied anthropology, which uses anthropological knowledge
to solve practical human problems and tasks. We have both applied archeology/cultural
heritage management and applied cultural anthropology tracks, which focus on
providing the student with real-world experiences and job skills.
The UTEP anthropology program focuses on the cultures of the Americas, especially as
they come together in the Paso del Norte region--Native Americans, Mexicans and
Mexican Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Anglo Americans. For
the study of borderlands, UTEP anthropology is considered one of the strongest
programs in the world.
Why Should I Study Anthropology?
The anthropology faculty are interesting, enthusiastic, and work closely with individual
students. The study of anthropology helps you to understand your own cultural and
social background and how to relate to other people in everyday life. An anthropologist
is well equipped for any job requiring the ability to interact with people from diverse
backgrounds and to serve culturally varied communities. Studying anthropology is an
excellent way to gain the skills to work for the betterment of your community, and the
anthropology major prepares students for important careers that are discussed in the
next section, “What Can I Do With An Anthropology Degree?”.
What Can I Do With an Anthropology Degree?
The B.A.
The undergraduate degree provides a strong preparation for entry level positions
throughout the business, social service, and government worlds. Applied
anthropology prepares students for careers in community development and
management, cultural heritage and museums, archaeological resource management,
and connecting public services (health, education, etc.) with culturally diverse
populations. Employers value anthropology majors’ ability to research complex
situations and design culturally appropriate solutions. Many students choose
anthropology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base for professions such as
law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling. Since its subject matter is
intrinsically fascinating, anthropology offers valuable preparation for careers in
journalism, politics, public relations, business, or public administration--fields that
involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups.
Going on to the M.A./Ph.D.
From UTEP, many anthropology majors go on to graduate school to obtain Master’s
and Doctoral degrees. (UTEP offers a Master’s degree in Sociology with a minor in
anthropology.) Anthropologists with advanced degrees enter corporate, non-profit, and
government jobs, including cultural heritage management and contract archaeologists,
forensic and applied biocultural anthropologists, and social and environmental impact
assessment. Anthropologists with advanced degrees also become faculty in colleges
and universities, advising students, conducting research, and publishing their work.
Over 2000 colleges offer sociology courses. Some MA and PhD anthropologists obtain
specialized training to become counselors, therapists, or program directors in social
service agencies.
Box: Some UTEP Anthropology Alumni
Ray Rojas has a law degree from the University of Kansas and is Executive Director of
the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso.
Julie Platt Feldman, after studying about museums at UTEP, is Deputy Director of the
Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia.
Karina Gerdau-Radonic received a Ph.D. in archaeology and biological anthropology in
Bourdeaux, France, and is now a post-doctoral researcher there. She studies the way
people were buried on the Peruvian central coast and what that tells us about Peruvian
civilizations before the Spanish.
What Do I Have to Do to Major in Anthropology?
You should go to Old Main 108, the front office of the Sociology and Anthropology
department. The staff can answer your questions and direct you to an advisor, who can
work with you on a degree plan. If you need to declare or change a major, you will need
to go to the front office of Liberal Arts, in room 343 of the Liberal Arts building. The
Anthropology major degree plan is not complicated. it requires only 30 credit hours
(including 18 at the advanced level) and key courses you will need to take at ANTH
1301, 1302, and 4380. There are also some course distribution requirements inside the
major.
The Applied Anthropology Certificates
UTEP Anthropology offers two certificates, one in applied cultural anthropology and one
in cultural heritage management. The certificates require 12 credits but these credits
are part of your major or minor, rather than additional credits. The certificates prepare
the student with real-world job skills, including how to apply anthropology, using
ethnographic methods, and internships, and practical archeology field and laboratory
techniques. More information on the certificates can be found in the
Sociology/Anthroplogy office, Old Main 108.
The Minor in Anthropology
Liberal Arts students have to have a minor as well as a major, and Science students
may opt to have a minor. Minoring in Anthropology offers an excellent combination with
many majors, such as Psychology, Communications, Criminal Justice, Political Science,
History, Biology, Geology, and Sociology. It emphasizes the role of culture and long-
term human history. To do the minor, you need 18 credit hours in anthropology
(including nine at the advanced level); these credit hours include ANTH 1301, 1302, and
4380. You can be advised about the minor at the Sociology/Anthropology office, Old
Main 108. You declare your minor at the office of your major College.
Updated 1/18/13
Date: Jan 1, 2011
Expires: Dec 31, 2021
Contact: [email protected]