Anthropology
Why pursue an anthropology degree at North Central College?
Have you ever wondered what makes us human? Anthropology is the scientific study of human behavior and human diversity in the broadest sense. Anthropologists ask questions about what makes life meaningful, the role of language in human cognition, how people secure energy from the physical environment, how group decisions are made, what makes a person a person, and so forth. The anthropological perspective addresses these questions by gathering data through various kinds of fieldwork, from excavation of archaeological sites to immersion in contemporary communities.
At North Central, you’ll join our fieldwork-intensive curriculum, studying a wide range of anthropological topics. We facilitate hands-on learning and encourage work with dedicated faculty on individualized projects and a robust study abroad program. Anthropological skills can lead to graduate school and a wide range of rewarding careers in the public or private sector.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Unraveling the evolutionary origins of humankind
- Studying human social and cultural similarities and differences
- Traveling abroad to study how people in other societies understand the world around them
then a degree in ANTHROPOLOGY might be for you.
Why study anthropology at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Cultural Ecology
- Field Methods
- Forensic Anthropology
- Indigenous Peoples, the State, and the Global Order
- Language and Culture in Community
- Mayas, Aztecs and Their Neighbors: Heart of Earth
- Native Nations of North America: Homelands, Reservations and Urban Indian Communities
- Social Life and Social Theory
- Stones and Bones: Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
Beyond the Classroom
As an anthropology major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Apply for a Richter Grant and explore your own research interests from anywhere in the world.
- Conduct research and present findings at local, regional and national conferences.
- Travel to Guatemala during the College’s May Term to study highland Mayan culture while working with indigenous artists and farmers.
- Apply for the Mironda K. Heston Scholarship for Public Service, which funds international human service projects.
Anthropology, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Sociology and Anthropology.
Foundational Courses
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ANTH 145 - Language and Culture in Community: Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 145 - Language and Culture in Community: Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology
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ANTH 165 - Stones and Bones: Introduction to Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
ANTH 165 - Stones and Bones: Introduction to Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
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ANTH 235 - Field Methods: Digging in the Earth
ANTH 235 - Field Methods: Digging in the Earth
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SOCI 200 - Social Inquiry I: Quantitative
SOCI 200 - Social Inquiry I: Quantitative
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SOCI 350 - Social Life and Social Theory
SOCI 350 - Social Life and Social Theory
Place-Oriented Courses
Two of the following:
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ANTH 355 - Native Nations of North America: Homelands, Reservations and Urban Indian Communities
ANTH 355 - Native Nations of North America: Homelands, Reservations and Urban Indian Communities
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ANTH 365 - Mayas, Aztecs and Their Neighbors: Heart of the Earth
ANTH 365 - Mayas, Aztecs and Their Neighbors: Heart of the Earth
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ANTH 375 - Urban Anthropology
ANTH 375 - Urban Anthropology
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ANTH 385 - Anthropology of Place
ANTH 385 - Anthropology of Place
Topical Courses
Two of the following:
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ANTH 305 - Cultural Ecology
ANTH 305 - Cultural Ecology
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ANTH 315 - Applied Economic Anthropology
ANTH 315 - Applied Economic Anthropology
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ANTH 325 - Indigenous Peoples, State and Order
ANTH 325 - Indigenous Peoples, State and Order
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ANTH 332 - Forensic Anthropology
ANTH 332 - Forensic Anthropology
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ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
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ANTH 352 - Law and Order in Cross-Cultural Perspective
ANTH 352 - Law and Order in Cross-Cultural Perspective
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ANTH 372 - Culture, Illness and Wellness: The Anthropology of Medicine
ANTH 372 - Culture, Illness and Wellness: The Anthropology of Medicine
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ANTH 382 - "The Naked Ape:" Human Evolution
ANTH 382 - "The Naked Ape:" Human Evolution
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ANTH 390 - Topics in Anthropology
ANTH 390 - Topics in Anthropology
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MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
Fieldwork
Two credit hours from the following:
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ANTH 445 - Interdisciplinary Field School
ANTH 445 - Interdisciplinary Field School
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ANTH 499 - Independent Study
ANTH 499 - Independent Study
Capstone
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ANTH 485 - Theory and Practice in Anthropology
ANTH 485 - Theory and Practice in Anthropology
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Anthropology Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Sociology and Anthropology.
20 credit hours, including:
Foundational Courses
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ANTH 145 - Language and Culture in Community: Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 145 - Language and Culture in Community: Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology
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ANTH 165 - Stones and Bones: Introduction to Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
ANTH 165 - Stones and Bones: Introduction to Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
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ANTH 235 - Field Methods: Digging in the Earth
ANTH 235 - Field Methods: Digging in the Earth
Place-Oriented Courses
Four credit hours from the following:
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ANTH 355 - Native Nations of North America: Homelands, Reservations and Urban Indian Communities
ANTH 355 - Native Nations of North America: Homelands, Reservations and Urban Indian Communities
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ANTH 365 - Mayas, Aztecs and Their Neighbors: Heart of the Earth
ANTH 365 - Mayas, Aztecs and Their Neighbors: Heart of the Earth
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ANTH 375 - Urban Anthropology
ANTH 375 - Urban Anthropology
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ANTH 385 - Anthropology of Place
ANTH 385 - Anthropology of Place
Topical Courses
Four credit hours from the following:
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ANTH 305 - Cultural Ecology
ANTH 305 - Cultural Ecology
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ANTH 315 - Applied Economic Anthropology
ANTH 315 - Applied Economic Anthropology
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ANTH 325 - Indigenous Peoples, State and Order
ANTH 325 - Indigenous Peoples, State and Order
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ANTH 332 - Forensic Anthropology
ANTH 332 - Forensic Anthropology
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ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
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ANTH 352 - Law and Order in Cross-Cultural Perspective
ANTH 352 - Law and Order in Cross-Cultural Perspective
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ANTH 372 - Culture, Illness and Wellness: The Anthropology of Medicine
ANTH 372 - Culture, Illness and Wellness: The Anthropology of Medicine
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ANTH 382 - "The Naked Ape:" Human Evolution
ANTH 382 - "The Naked Ape:" Human Evolution
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ANTH 390 - Topics in Anthropology
ANTH 390 - Topics in Anthropology
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MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
Anthropology Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
- The Field Museum, Chicago
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in anthropology have been accepted at:
- Cambridge University
- University of Chicago
- University of Louisville
- University of Illinois, Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Careers
Recent graduates in anthropology include:
- Library assistant, University of Chicago
- National Archives employee, Great Lakes Branch, Chicago
- After-school children’s club coordinator for refugee children, World Relief, Aurora, IL
- Fair trade importer, WorldFinds, Westmont, IL
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