Research and data presentation are the core of what anthropologists do.

The undergraduate anthropology major culminates in the Senior Capstone Sequences in which students formulate an anthropological or archaeological question that can be answered through the analysis of data they collect and/or analyze.  Capstone Projects can be based on student-faculty research, supervised independent research, off-campus practicums, field schools, or internships. Seniors ultimately present their Project as either a traditional research paper, or at University Research Day as a poster or a talk

Capstone Advising (ANTH 498)
Senior Capstone Advising (ANTH 498) is a 0-unit course typically taken in the Fall of Senior year. Through regular meetings with their academic advisor, students develop a project that asks a valuable anthropological or archaeological question that is undergirded by a solid theoretical and methodological approach and can be completed given their resources and timeline. Students pass by successfully defending their proposed project before two faculty readers.

 

Capstone Workshop (ANTH 452)
In the Spring of their senior year students take a 3-unit course, Senior Capstone Workshop (ANTH 452). This workshop has three goals. First, it is designed to get Seniors to produce the sections of their Capstone Projects in a timely manner. Second, it provides a welcoming forum for them to share ideas, solicit advice, and incorporate constructive criticisms. Finally, going through the writing experience as a group develops cohort bonds that will last beyond each students’ time at CUA. The workshops is designed so that Seniors will have completed their projects in time for University Research Day,