Anthropology: Biological Anthropology, BA
Anthropology is the global social science. It is the study of the human condition everywhere; its cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity; and how it evolved and developed from the prehistoric past into the globalizing present. Anthropology is an interdisciplinary 14 credit major that intersects with programs and departments across the University. Students may major in anthropology as a whole (General Anthropology), or choose to concentrate in Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology, or specialize in two thematic concentrations: Medical Anthropology and Environmental Anthropology.
Biological Anthropology is the study of human evolution and the biology of modern populations. Areas of study include genetics, osteology, and forensics. Students have the opportunity to work in laboratory settings, as well as in the Penn Museum’s Physical Anthropology section or its Center for the Analysis of Archaeological Materials (CAAM). Biological Anthropology majors take introductory courses in all sub-fields of Anthropology, and complete the remainder of their coursework primarily in Biological Anthropology.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/anthropology/
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Block I: Introductory Courses | ||
| ANTH 0050 | Great Transformations | 1 |
| or ANTH 1480 | Food and Fire: Archaeology in the Laboratory | |
| ANTH 0020 | Anthropology, Race, and the Making of the Modern World | 1 |
| or ANTH 0040 | The Modern World and Its Cultural Background | |
| ANTH 0030 | Human Origins, Evolution and Diversity | 1 |
| Block II | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Archaeology: | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology: | 1 | |
| Block III | ||
| ANTH 1430 | Explorations in Human Biology | 1 |
| ANTH 2440 | Disease and Human Evolution | 1 |
| Select 1 course unit in Biological Anthropology: 2 | 6 | |
| Select 2 course units in Anthropology | ||
Attribute AAAR - Archaeology; Attribute AACL - Cultural and Linguistic; Attribute AABI - Biological Anthropology; Attribute AAEA - Environmental Anthropology; Attribute AAMA - Medical Anthropology | ||
| Select 3 Anthropology or Anthropology-related courses in another department 2 | ||
| Capstone Seminar | ||
| ANTH 4000 | Research Seminar in Anthropology | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
Up to three courses from NRSC, BIOL, HSSC and PSYC may be requested. All non-ANTH courses must be approved by the Undergraduate Program Chair.
Honors
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the Major and write a senior thesis.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.