Archaeologists use material remains to study crucial issues in human history, such as the evolution of human behavior, the origins of agriculture and animal domestication, and the development of cities and states. In historically-documented societies, material remains can also illuminate the history of art and architecture, the development of religious ideas and practices, and migration and colonialism in the early modern world.
The minor offers opportunities for field work. In addition to the Tel Aviv program, students may also receive credit for archaeological field work at Yeronisos Island in Cyprus through the Department of Classics. Other field opportunities are available on a for-credit or not-for-credit basis with permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Grants are available to support summer fieldwork in archaeology through the Center for Ancient Studies.
Minor Declaration
To request declaration of a CAS minor, CAS students should visit the host department. To request declaration of a minor in another NYU school, CAS students should complete the online Minor Application available in their Albert Student Center. Students may also use the Minor Application in Albert to request cancellation of a minor in CAS or in another NYU unit.
Program Requirements
The minor requires five 4-credit courses (20 credits) completed with a grade of C or better (courses graded Pass/Fail do not count) and comprised of the following:
Minors may consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to request other courses to count as electives. Relevant courses offered by the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, the Institute of Fine Arts, or the Museum Studies Program may be counted with permission of the DUS.
Transfer Courses
If the College of Arts and Science accepts transfer of credits for an anthropology course(s) taken at another university, students may petition to apply the equivalent of no more than two courses (8 credits) toward the minor. Students must present the director of undergraduate studies with a copy of the syllabus and reading list for each course. The Department’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will then review the course and decide if it is appropriate to count toward the minor. For all students, at least two anthropology courses for the minor must be taken within the department.
Grading
In order to count a course toward the minor, students must receive a minimum grade of C. Pass/Fail courses may not be counted toward the minor.