2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Nov 14, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Anthropology, MA


Douglas V. Armstrong, Chair
209 Maxwell Hall
315-443-2200

The Master of Arts degree signifies an important step in a student’s scholarly development.  The requirements for a Master of Arts degree in anthropology at Syracuse University emphasize comprehensive understanding of anthropology and the articulation of its various sub-fields. The department feels this is the core strength of their discipline.  Coursework and qualifying examinations reflect the department’s intent to expose students to the breadth of anthropology prior to engaging in more narrowly defined scholarly studies and doctoral research topics. 

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Explain and evaluate anthropological theory generally and apply relevant theories to specific anthropological problems

2. Describe, explain, and evaluate anthropological research methods applicable for their subfield and demonstrate ability to choose and use relevant research methods in relation to the examination of specific research problems

3.  Demonstrate capacity to produce publishable quality research by formulating, designing, and conducting theoretically and methodologically rigorous research

4. In a chosen field of specialization, explain and illustrate the connections between social structure, cultural values, and individual experience; the functioning of social institutions; and the ways social inequality and power operate

1. Credit and core courses requirements:


30 graduate credits that include at least five core courses, including a two-course sequence within their subdiscipline, (ANT 611 -ANT 711  for cultural students; ANT 641 -ANT 741  for archaeology students) and at least three core courses in other subdisciplines.

Additional Information


Students are expected to complete core courses and qualifying examinations within the first two years in residence.

2. Qualifying examination:


Successful completion of the qualifying examinations in History of Anthropological Theory and Ethnography for cultural students and Archaeological Method and Theory for archaeology students.

3. Writing requirement:


Students who do not continue beyond the master’s level are required to submit a master’s paper, which is a significant piece of work on a subject of the student’s choosing, and approved by the advisor. Minimally, it should demonstrate original thinking and knowledge of the literature on a given area, topic, or issue. See “Position Papers ” for the writing requirements leading to a doctoral degree.

4. Tools and methods requirement:


Cultural students choose either:


Archaeology students choose one of the following:


Archaeological Field training or Field Program


Archaeology students must also fulfill a field training course (ANT 643 - Advanced Field Methods in Archaeology ) or complete an accredited archaeological field program.

5. Advisor and master’s committee:


Students are expected to select an advisor by December 15 of their second year in residence. (The graduate director will serve as an interim advisor until an advisor is selected.)