Anthropology, BA
Department Chair
Christopher DeCorse, Chair
209 Maxwell Hall
315-443-2200
Faculty
Mona Bhan, Christopher R. DeCorse, Amanda Hilton, Azra Hromadžić, Jok M. Jok, Heather Law Pezzarossi, Kyrstin Mallon Andrews, Shannon A. Novak, Guido Pezzarossi, Robert A. Rubinstein, Theresa A. Singleton, Lauren Woodard
Anthropology explores the full range of human experiences in the past and present. Our department offers undergraduate courses across the discipline, including physical anthropology (the study of human evolution and biological variation); archaeology (the study of prehistoric and historic cultures through material remains); linguistics (the study of language - its structure, historic developments, and social use); cultural anthropology (the study of contemporary societies); and applied anthropology (the use of anthropological methods and theory to address real-world problems). Faculty and graduate student research spans a wide range of topics, from Atlantic trade in Ghana and Sierra Leone to war and militarism in Kashmir; from state building in Bosnia to the archaeology of capitalism in Guatemala; from slavery in plantation America to the movement of indentured laborers from India to the Caribbean. Current research sites span the glove, including South Asia, North and South America, Russia, West and East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Undergraduate training in anthropology is useful in many fields, including education, business, law, journalism, cultural resources management and public service. For students interested in future graduate studies in anthropology, our program offers a solid ground in theory, methods, ethics and practical application.
Undergraduate students are encouraged to explore anthropology not only through coursework, but with direct involvement in laboratory research and field work. Our department has fully equipped archaeology and physical anthropology laboratories, providing a variety of research opportunities. Well-established archaeological field training programs are offered each summer. Field experience in cultural anthropology is available through community internships, independent studies, and ongoing faculty research. We also recommend that students consider spending a semester or two in another country through the University’s Syracuse Abroad Program, as a way of enhancing their major with true cross-cultural experience. For information, contact the Department of Anthropology Undergraduate Director.