Our program will prepare you to think critically and effectively about human origins and history, as well as the many issues facing humanity today, such as sustainability and the effects of globalization.
The solid coursework includes biological and forensic anthropology, archaeology, ethnology, anthropological and archaeological theory, globalization, research methods, language and culture. Our program includes the availability of special topics such as comparative religion, sociobiology and a variety of courses that focus on specific cultural areas (China and North America, for example). Opportunities for field work at home and abroad with remarkable professors make Oswego's anthropology program top-notch.
You have many opportunities for field work, including archaeological digs in historically rich Central and Northern New York as well as in France and the Bahamas. Participate in internships and study-abroad programs; recent examples include internships with the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office and studying in France, India, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Peru, Tanzania, Poland and Italy. Join the Anthropology Club, which sponsors guest lectures and social events, as well as trips to museums and meetings of national anthropological associations.
Several specialized facilities support research and teaching anthropology at Oswego. An Indoor Archaeology Dig Lab, Outdoor Experimental Archaeological Research Sites and Forensic Anthropology Lab provide a unique experience for our students.
Anthropology is a really diverse field, and it was kind of cool to see all the things that fall under this one giant umbrella and how those different fields play off each other.
I am doing research with human remains in the basement of Mahar. I will be presenting parts of this research during Quest, and also during our Anthropology Department Capstone presentations. I went abroad to Paris, France last year. One of the best parts was walking through the infamous catacombs under Paris. I've gone to several Anthropology Club trips like: Buffalo, Fort Drum and even Washington DC.
My experiences abroad changed my life in numerous ways. A trip to southern France landed me in front of 14,000-year-old cave paintings, amazing. A research grant afforded me the opportunity to travel to the Canadian Sub-Arctic to do ethnographic research and explore ideas for the kinds of career paths I might want to take. Traveling has taught me about my personal strengths, overcome fears and build friendships that I will hold close forever.
The Anthropology Department faculty at Oswego has turned into my second family. They have been my support system throughout most of my time at Oswego, and for that, I am forever grateful. The faculty, no matter the department, want every student to succeed and they will do anything to make that happen. I have met professors who knew nothing of me prior to my contacting them, but have turned into lifelong colleagues after a few short minutes in their offices. They are so easy to talk to and inviting to anyone that comes their way.
Learn what it's like to work in a professional setting while still in school.
Take classes and participate in internships while immersing yourself in all that region has to offer.
Apply the knowledge you learn in the classroom to research in the field and laboratory.