Anthropology BA

Anthropology combines the biological, historical, and social sciences in a unique study of humankind. It is the only discipline that examines and attempts to understand humankind as a whole. The undergraduate program includes the subfields of archaeology, cultural anthropology and physical anthropology. Students should specialize in one of these sub-disciplines.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge:

• To display sophisticated knowledge of core concepts, theories and methods in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and/or anthropological archaeology.
• To appreciate and understand the diversity of human experience, interpret complexity.
• To demonstrate global awareness and understanding of other cultures.
• To conduct research: pose questions, conduct fieldwork, obtain evidence, analyze sources, assess information, instruct an argument.
• To use critical reading skills and think critically.
• To use effective written communication skills: express a point of view on a subject and support it with evidence.
• To organize and orally present research results in a meaningful way.

The Anthropology Department offers courses in three subfields of anthropology: archaeology, cultural anthropology and physical anthropology. Archaeology is a discipline that employs a multitude of historical and scientific methods to study past societies through physical remains. Cultural anthropology is the study of shared and transmitted beliefs, behaviors and products within human societies. Physical anthropology is the study of the origins and evolution of our own species and our primate relatives.

Classes offered by the department range from large lecture to small seminar formats. Students complete a capstone senior seminar in addition to a range of area studies and theoretical or problem-oriented courses. Students in physical anthropology engage in laboratory work, while those studying archaeology perform practical research on human artifacts. The department requires independent study in the form of a practicum project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.

The Department of Anthropology office is located at 380 Fillmore in the Ellicott Complex. The department holds classes in centrally scheduled spaces throughout the campus, which include traditional classrooms and lecture halls that can accommodate the program’s teaching philosophies.

Archaeology students who enroll in the department-sponsored field school have the opportunity to conduct artifact identification and material analysis in a working Cultural Resource Management (CRM) firm, UB’s Archaeological Survey.

The Physical Anthropology program has two specialized labs: a wet lab to conduct specimen dissections and a morphology dry lab outfitted with a skeletal collection.

The Marian E. White Anthropology Research Museum and Anthropology Library provide resources to undergraduate students conducting research.

Dr. Sirianni, Dr. Stevens, and Dr. Bacigalupo have each received awards for excellence in teaching. Dr. Sirianni is a State University of New York Distinguished Teaching Professor. Two faculty members, Dr. Sirianni and Dr. Stevens, have been recognized with the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Stevens and DrBacigalupo have received the Student Association's Milton Plesur Teaching Excellence Award. Recent internal and external evaluations have given high marks to the department.

Please visit the Anthropology department website for additional information about our faculty.

To work in any branch of anthropology, an advanced degree is needed, usually a PhD. Most anthropologists work for universities and colleges; some for museums or government. There are only a few thousand anthropologists in the entire country and openings are scarce. The BA degree in anthropology, however, has practical applications. The anthropology student learns to develop skills for understanding differences in cultures. This is helpful in health careers, social services, business and urban planning, among others.

Work settings include, but are not limited to government agencies, education, research, banking, business, human resources, public relations, marketing research, human services, international intergovernmental organizations, non-profit corporations, museums, the tourism and cultural heritage industries and media. Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position and work setting to another.

Students are assigned an advisor based upon their interests and plans once they are admitted to the program. The student and advisor devise a plan of study and meet at least once per term. Students may choose to concentrate in one of the sub-disciplines or enroll in the pre-medical/pre-dental concentration.

Students have the responsibility to plan their programs carefully with their advisors, to understand applicable expectations and deadlines, and to meet with their advisors at least once each semester to ensure they are on track. Depending on the student's plans for the future, advisors may also suggest additional coursework in computer science, geology, geography, linguistics or other departments.

For advising information, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies:

Dr. Frederick Klaits
380 Millard Fillmore Academic Complex
Email Dr. Klaits
716-645-6388

The Phyllis Hartrich Memorial Fund provides support on a competitive basis for anthropology majors conducting independent research. Project proposals are submitted annually to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.