A minor in Medical Anthropology consists of six courses.
The student must take:
- either AN 101 (Introduction to Cultural Anthropology), CAS AN 103 (Anthropology Through Ethnography), or AN 102 (Human Biology, Behavior and Evolution)
- AN 210 (Medical Anthropology)
- 2 other courses in the Department of Anthropology, at least 1 at the 300-level or higher
- 2 courses chosen from the list of 600-level GMS courses in the Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice program at the BU School of Medicine (for a current list see the GMS website); AN 210 should be completed before taking these courses
Total credits for the minor: 24
***Note: GMS courses are 3 credits while CAS courses are 4 credits. Work related to the fourth credit for each of the 2 three-credit GMS courses will be arranged with the GMS instructor, and may include such things as several more short papers than the number assigned for three credits, or additional pages to a final paper. The student may also propose other specified tasks, subject to the instructor’s approval.
Students pursuing the minor develop their programs in consultation with a faculty advisor in the Department of Anthropology (usually the Director of Undergraduate Studies). A minimum grade of C must be earned in all courses taken toward the minor. The minor is not open to students with a concentration in Anthropology.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I sign up?
Fill out the CAS Minor Declaration form and make an appointment with either the DUS in Anthropology or an advisor (see below) who will discuss your program of study with you.
Note: This form is for CAS students only. If you are non-CAS student seeking to declare a CAS minor, please contact your home school for instructions.
Who can give me advice on what courses in Anthropology I should take?
You can speak with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), with the Associate Chair, or with Professor of Biological Anthropology, Cheryl Knott. They will discuss with you your minor requirements and course choices, but for specific questions or problems regarding your college or general university degree, you should check with CAS advising at the Student Center. You should also periodically check your student course audit through the student link.
Note that for informal advice, social networking, academic support, and fun, consider joining the anthropology student club, Anthropology in the Works. If you can’t make their meetings, then join their Facebook page to get information on activities, lectures, new course offerings, grants, study abroad programs, and internships. http://www.facebook.com/groups/14667060987/
Are there internships available in Medical Anthropology?
There may be relevant internships available through our biological anthropology program. For more information you should contact Professor Cheryl Knott in the Department of Anthropology. You can also talk with your GMS professors about internship possibilities. Check out the possibility of relevant projects through the UROP program. Finally, there are also possibilities for internship experiences abroad. For more information, you should contact the Study Abroad Office. And don’t forget to periodically check the department’s FB page, Anthropology in the Works.
Do I have to take AN 101 or 102 before taking other Anthropology courses?
No, most anthropology courses at the 200 and 300 level do not have prerequisites. However, it is nonetheless a good idea to begin with one of the introductory courses: AN 101, 102 or AN 210 (Medical Anthro). And note that the GMS courses do have the prerequisite of AN 210.
Can my minor courses count for divisional credit?
The answer is generally, no, but you should talk to a CAS advisor about the specifics of your general program of study and also plug your courses into your student audit on the Student Link to see how they are distributed.
But note that you are allowed:
-a two course overlap between a major and minor
-a two course overlap between a minor and a minor
-a 5 course overlap for a double major
How soon can I sign up?
You can sign up NOW! But even if you don’t have the time to file the paperwork just yet, do go ahead and register for relevant courses for next semester! AN 101, 102, and 210 are all being offered Spring Semester.
More Questions?
Contact:
Cheryl Knott, Assoc Prof., Dept. of Anthropology knott@bu.edu
Dr. Linda Barnes, School of Medicine lbarnes@bu.edu
Dr. Nancy Smith-Hefner, Associate Prof, Dept. of Anthropology smhefner@bu.edu