 |
Upon completing the Anthropology major, Pomona students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of complex research problems, and apply
appropriate methods and theories to the study of these problems.
- Design and carry out an anthropology research project, understand both
qualitative and quantitative research methods, and identify the underlying
assumptions in theoretical orientations and methodological approaches.
- Critically evaluate humans as social, cultural, and biological beings; how
people and groups vary across time and place; and the effects of such
variation.
- Think holistically and comparatively in describing human ways of life, and
recognize how ethnographic, archaeological, and biological knowledge
contribute to that understanding.
- Demonstrate anthropological skills applicable to solutions to present day
concerns, both locally and globally.
- Effectively communicate anthropological knowledge through writing and oral
presentation in various formats for diverse audiences.
Current curriculum
The required courses for the anthropology major encompass the majority of
these goals, especially Social Anthropology, Archaeology, Theory in
Anthropology, and the methods courses (either Methods in Anthropological
Inquiry or Archaeological Methods). Every student majoring in anthropology is
required to take a total of three courses in theory, methods, and statistics,
as well as in at least two, Social Anthropology and Archaeology, but usually
three, Language, Thought, and Culture, introductory courses in the major
subfields. Among our goals are to expose students to the diversity of
theories, methods, and data encompassed within the umbrella of anthropology,
and, as a result, for students to become proficient in the practice of
anthropology and its application to a variety of contemporary issues.
The remainder of the major and minor requirements, including electives,
reflects the attempt to provide both curricular breadth and depth,
particularly with respect to cross-cultural comparison, diachronic
perspectives, and holism (Appendix A). North and South America, East Asia, and
the Middle East are among the geographic regions are expertise of the faculty
and are addressed in relevant coursework. Courses are also organized major
themes of human behavior including language, sexuality, politics,
globalization, traditional lifeways, as well as altered states of
consciousness and religion.
Conducting and presenting original research is also an integral component to
anthropology curriculum, emphasized in formal coursework (e.g. the methods
courses and in Archaeology) and the senior thesis.
Student assessment
In addition to formal coursework, the anthropology department regards the
senior thesis to be a particularly useful way of assessing student
understanding of anthropology, especially in the following ways (Appendix B):
- Engaging in original research
- Application of anthropological theory to frame research questions
- Application of quantitative and/or qualitative methods
- Critical thinking and reading
- Writing and presenting (submission of their thesis and presenting their
research to the department and at other college functions)
- Professionalism and ethics (e.g. presenting their research at the end of
the semester and at professional meetings)
To enhance the utility of the overall experience and more effectively
evaluate student proficiency, we have been implementing changes in the senior
thesis exercise. In 2005 we started scheduling thesis meetings at which students
informally discuss their theses with their peers and faculty throughout the
year. We have continued these meetings, and this year invited juniors to attend
to start thinking about conducting original research (in the context of study
abroad, summer research, or otherwise). In addition, we have changed our thesis
requirements from one to two readers in the anthropology department.
The department also requires that students present their research at the end of
the spring semester, which is consistent with many other departments and
programs. However, in the past few years we have been focusing professionalism,
expecting that presentations will be of a caliber suitable for a professional
meeting. Also, when appropriate we encourage students to attend and present at
conferences as well as publish papers. Should the number of majors increase
dramatically in the future we would consider administering comprehensive exams
as part of this assessment.
We will continue to engage in discussions about the senior thesis and other
aspects of the anthropology curriculum. In particular, we are considering the
development of a more formal senior seminar. In the addition to the senior
thesis, we would address career issues such as applying to graduate school, job
opportunities, and grant writing. Likely in association with the senior seminar,
we have also discussed requiring students to develop graduate portfolios of
writing samples, research projects, and other undergraduate accomplishments that
would be useful for graduate school and job applications. For now, we feel that
the thesis meetings and presentations are working well, especially given the
emphasis we place on conducting original research, and that we are moving
forward with other positive changes.
Furthermore, we have developed a tracking sheet for advising that assists both
the advisor and student in the completion of coursework, senior thesis, and
other requirements.
|
