Where to Start?

Not everyone who takes Anthropology courses is planning to major in the discipline. Any member of the Anthropology faculty will be glad to talk to you informally about the field and our class offerings, regardless of your major.

If you have a general curiosity about Anthropology, or if you are considering a major in Anthropology, we recommend that you start with ANTH 200: Contemporary Problems in Anthropological Perspective.  It is a core requirement for the major and also meets a COLL 200, COLL 350 and CSI Domain requirement.  ANTH 300: History of Anthropological Theories is mandated for majors, satisfying the Major Computing Requirement, as is a four-credit Senior Seminar in Anthropology (ANTH 470), which fulfills the Major Writing Requirement.

Anthropology majors also have to take one course each in archaeology, sociocultural anthropology, and biological anthropology. ANTH 201: Introduction to Archaeology, ANTH 202: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, and ANTH 203: Introduction to Biological Anthropology are all good introductions to those sub-fields. These courses also meet COLL requirements. ANTH 201 and ANTH 202 are based in the CSI Domain, ANTH 203 is an NQR course.

Not a major?

We have many courses that complement other areas of study. Many do not have pre-requisites, and are available to all W&M students. Several meet COLL requirements. Look through the Undergraduate Catalog's course list and see what interests you. Here are some suggestions:

• Just about any of our courses would enhance a Sociology or History major's portfolio.
• Global Studies and International Relations majors will find courses that address specific countries or regions. 
• English, Linguistics, and Modern Language majors may find ANTH 205: Anthropology and Language useful.
• Geology and Environmental Science majors could take ANTH 315: Environmental Archaeology.

Remember that not every course is taught every semester. Use PATH Class Search to see what's offered next semester.