Majors & Minor

Degree Options

Degree or Credential Requirements Summary*
Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology
  • 3 Foundation Courses
  • 7 Additional Cultural Anthropology Courses with at least 5 at the 100+ level, and 1 at the 300+ level
Interdepartmental Major
  • 3 Foundation Courses
  • 4 Additional Cultural Anthropology Courses with at least 1 at the 300+ level
Minor in Cultural Anthropology
  • Introductory Course
  • 4 Additional Cultural Anthropology Courses with at least 3 at 100+ level


*Click the heading bars below to view full requirements for each major and minor

Major Requirements
 

A total of ten courses distributed in the following manner: 

  • CULANTH 101 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - offered both fall and spring 
  • CULANTH 301 - Theoretical Foundations - offered spring term
  • CULANTH 302 - Fieldwork Methods - offered fall term only beginning 2024-25
  • 6 CULANTH courses at the 100 level or above, including at least one at the 300 level or above
  • 1 additional CULANTH courses at any level (may include FOCUS program and Duke Engage courses cross-listed with Cultural Anthropology, as well as approved study abroad courses)
     

Navigating the Foundation Courses

The three Foundation courses for the Cultural Anthropology Major include: 

  • Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (CA 101)
  • Theoretical Foundations (CA 301) offered every spring
  • Fieldwork Methods (CA 302)* offered every fall beginning 2024-25

CA 101, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, is required of all majors and minors, is taught in fall and spring terms, and should be taken in the first or second year of study.
Cultural Anthropology majors are strongly encouraged to complete CA 101 and and either CA 301 or CA 302 before a study-away semester. 

*Beginning academic year 2024-25, CulAnth 302 Fieldwork Methods (which is a required course for majors and 2nd majors) will only be offered in the fall semester.  If you have any questions, please contact our DUS Harris Solomon. 

Additional Details

  • 3 courses may be counted toward the Cultural Anthropology major from study abroad or transfer institutions. Students seeking Cultural Anthropology approval for a study-abroad class need to send the full syllabus to the DUS for approval. Independent studies done abroad will not be counted.
  • CULANTH 101, 301 and 302 cannot be satisfied through study abroad or at other institutions.
  • Students must take at least 5 of their 10 courses with instructors whose primary appointment is in Cultural Anthropology. Senior Seminar counts toward this requirement. If you have questions about a particular course/instructor, be in touch with the DUS.
  • For information about any of the classes listed above, see the Duke course catalogue. 

IDM Requirements: 7 Courses

  • CULANTH 101 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - offered both fall and spring
  • CULANTH 301 - Theoretical Foundations - offered spring term 
  • CULANTH 302 - Fieldwork Methods - offered fall term only beginning 2024-25
  • 1 CULANTH course at the 300 level and above.
  • 3 additional CULANTH courses at any level (may include FOCUS program and Duke Engage courses cross-listed with Cultural Anthropology, and approved study abroad courses).

IDM application: Write a short essay outlining your IDM plan, the key issues that the IDM examines, and the rationale for choice of classes. 1-2 pages, double spaced. Submit to DUS.

Minor Requirements: 5 Courses

  • CULANTH 101 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  • Three courses at the 100+ level
  • 1 additional CULANTH course at any level (may include FOCUS program, Duke Engage courses cross-listed with Cultural Anthropology, and approved study abroad courses).