Anthropology (B.A., B.S.)

Departmental Requirements (18 hours)

All Anthropology majors MUST take the following 6 courses to gain an understanding of the breadth of the discipline.

• ANTH 210 - Cultural Anthropology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• ANTH 220 - Biological Anthropology [SGR #3, HSDC]
• ANTH 230 - Introduction to Archaeology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• ANTH 281 - Socio-Cultural Theory
• ANTH 485 - Practice of Anthropology (Capstone course taken in junior year)
• ANTH 490 - Seminar (C)

Additional Requirements (12 hours)

After completion of introductory courses, students will complete their major by taking 12 hours of ANTH elective courses, 9 hours of which are 300 level or above. Elective courses may focus on a single sub-discipline (Cultural, Physical or Archaeology) or majors may elect courses providing a broader range of the entire discipline.

Students who want additional coursework in Archaeology are encouraged to pursue an Archaeology minor.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs

USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan. 

• Anthropology, B.A. 4-year plan guide  
• Anthropology, B.S. 4-year plan guide  

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand human evolution.
2. Students will understand the major theoretical schools that have shaped Anthropology.
3. Students will master social science reasoning that includes multiple lines of evidence.
4. Students will be able to systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments and break down complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them.
5. Students will comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion, and combine or synthesize existing ideas, images or expertise in original ways reflecting a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
6. Students will be able to demonstrate cognitive, effective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
7. Students will intentionally engage with diversity in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions leading to opportunities for equal access to participation in educational and community programs for all members of society.
8. Students will connect ideas and experiences in order to synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus. 

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization