Anthropology, B.A.: Forensic Anthropology Concentration

About the Anthropology, B.A.: Forensic Anthropology Concentration

The anthropology program reflects the broad scope of the discipline, including the three subfields of archaeology, ethnology, and biological anthropology. International and/or regional field schools in all three areas are highlights of the curriculum, and well-equipped laboratory facilities support faculty and student research in all three subfields.

Forensic Anthropology Concentration. The department offers a concentration in forensic anthropology for students seeking the notation “Forensic Anthropology Concentration” on their transcript. The concentration requires five 3-hour courses (15 hours) with a grade of C or better from the three following groups:

• ANTH 3303 , ANTH 3314 , and ANTH 4343  (required core courses)
• One course chosen from ANTH 3350  or ANTH 4320  
• One course chosen from FSCI 2308 ; ANTH 3350 , ANTH 4320 ; GIST 3300 , or GIST 3301  (if not already taken)

The anthropology major with a concentration in forensic anthropology requires a total of at least 34 hours of anthropology courses. Students must receive a grade of C or better in each course that counts toward the forensic anthropology concentration. The minimum prerequisites recommended for all advanced courses are ANTH 2100  and ANTH 2300  or consent of instructor. ANTH 3314  is a prerequisite for ANTH 4343 . 

Communication Literacy Requirement. Communication literacy in anthropology focuses on three forms of communication: written, visual, and oral. The required theory course and two of the foundational courses each deliver instruction and training pertaining to one of these forms of communication. These pairings are based, in part, on differences between the subfields. For example, visual communication in the form of poster presentations is more common in biological anthropology than ethnology. Therefore, ANTH 3310  or ANTH 3311  provide students with training in effective visual communication. The theory course, ANTH 3316 , focuses on written communication. Oral communication is emphasized in ANTH 3380 . There is not a set order in which students must complete these courses. However, students must complete the necessary introductory-level coursework before enrolling in the foundational courses.

Recommended Sample Curriculum