Prof. LaShandra Sullivan introduced me to anthropology and fundamentally changed how I see the world. I learned that affective and bodily knowledges tell us more than intellectual, mental knowledge and that we are all always in relation with each other across physical and temporal boundaries.
What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology
Anthropology is a holistic and comparative approach to studying human life and experiences. Reed’s anthropology department focuses on two subfields within the discipline—linguistic and cultural—and emphasizes research and real-world experience. You can also choose to add a concentration in linguistic anthropology or science, environment, and technology studies. Develop a comprehensive understanding of human diversity and gain the analytical tools to critically examine and interpret the complexities of the human experience through the anthropology major at Reed.
Roadmap to the BA in Anthropology at Reed
Learn and apply conceptual frameworks and research techniques used by anthropologists. Your expert professors guide your courses with engaging readings, discussions, and writing assignments to help you explore different perspectives. Take advantage of the anthropology major’s interdisciplinary focus to study abroad, cross academic boundaries, and complete independent research.
Year One
Build an Intellectual Foundation
Preview the scope of anthropology through Topics in Contemporary Anthropology, a gateway course with several topic options that introduces you to the field.
In addition, start building your proficiency in a second language. Complete a major requirement while expanding your cross-cultural communication skills.
Finally, take Reed’s signature interdisciplinary course, Humanities 110, in which you explore the foundations of human thought and culture.
Year Two
Apply Anthropological Research Methods
Deepen your understanding of anthropology through the required course, Introduction to Anthropology: History, Theory, Method. Continue building your language proficiency, enhancing your ability to engage with diverse cultures.
By the end of your sophomore year, decide if you will add a concentration to your anthropology major. Choose between linguistic anthropology and science, environment, and technology studies.
Outside of the classroom, explore opportunities to engage in research projects. You can assist faculty members in their work, find fieldwork opportunities, or conduct independent research. The anthropology department and Reed even provide grants and fellowships to help fund your projects.
Year Three
Develop Skills at Reed and Abroad
Take more advanced courses that align with your interests and career goals, such as Language and Medicine; Nature, Culture, and Environmentalism; Anthropology of Science; and Race and Immigration. Study for and take your junior qualifying exam, which prepares you for your senior thesis.
Your junior year is also a great time to study abroad. Expand your perspective by immersing yourself in a different culture while taking courses for credit.
Year Four
Ready for the Real World
The senior thesis is the culmination of your studies at Reed. Undertake an independent research project with the guidance of a faculty mentor, demonstrating your mastery of anthropological research methods and critical analysis.
Conclude your senior year by taking more anthropology courses, from Urban Anthropology to Suffering, Narrative, and Subjectivity.
Your final year at Reed will show your grasp of the methods and processes of contemporary anthropology and your ability to write and present your work persuasively.
Why Study Anthropology at Reed College?
Choose an Anthropology Concentration
Anthropology is a highly interdisciplinary field that encompasses various perspectives and approaches to understanding human societies, cultures, and behavior. Along with our regular major, we also offer two concentrations so you can specialize your studies.
Focus on the politics and dynamics of language as social action with a concentration in linguistic anthropology. Along with your anthropology courses, take at least three classes in the linguistics department to increase your understanding of linguistic analysis. Your senior thesis will integrate your linguistic anthropology findings.
Analyze science and the environment through a social and cultural lens with a concentration in science, environment, and technology. Combine your anthropological learning with courses in our Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences to write a unique senior thesis. You can study a combination of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or statistics.
My Favorite Courses
Elena Carmen Turner ‘22
Hoyoung "Jodie" Moon ‘16
Prof. Paul Silverstein taught me there are always multiple realities lived and operating at once.
Careers
Reed’s anthropology department equips graduates with the research skills and knowledge to enter graduate programs or pursue roles in many fields. Here’s a sampling of positions held by our alumni:
- Associate attorney, Maune Raichle Hartley French & Mudd, LLC
- Development and communications associate, Sefaria
- Director of talent recruitment and mobility, Teach for America
- Equity research manager, UCLA Institution of Transportation Studies
- Head of content localization, Lezhin Entertainment
- Proposal management specialist, Accenture
- Senior investigative reporter, Bloomberg News
- Staff archaeologist, Archaeological Services, LLC
Achievements
Our anthropology majors and alumni have garnered recognition for their contributions to the academic community and beyond. Here is a selection of their notable achievements:
- Emilie Kelly ‘25, President’s Summer Fellowship
- Stevie Hoesel ‘22, Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
- Alisa Chen ‘21, Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program and Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
- Jolon Timms ‘18, Harold K. Schneider Student Prize in Economic Anthropology
- Nicole Cohen ‘16, Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
- Hoyoung “Jodie” Moon ‘14, Sylvia Forman Prize
- Heather Marie Prentice-Walz ‘11, National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- Christine Lewis ‘07, Portland Business Journal's 40 Under 40
Learn from Distinguished Professors
Reed has one of the largest stand-alone anthropology departments among American liberal arts colleges. It offers a breadth of expertise that spans six continents, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse learning experience. Our professors actively engage in both research and teaching, bringing their expertise to the classroom and contributing to the global discourse in anthropology.
