Barnard Anthropology Program?

Hi, I'm pretty interested in majoring in anthropology in college and thinking about Barnard as one of my options. Does anyone know about their anthropology program? What types of courses do they offer and how are the professors?

Barnard College has an excellent anthropology program that covers a wide range of topics within the field. As a liberal arts college, Barnard places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, which means you'll be able to explore connections between anthropology and other fields throughout your coursework.

The anthropology department at Barnard offers courses in four main subfields: sociocultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeological anthropology, and biological anthropology. Within these subfields, you can find courses on topics such as medical anthropology, political ecology, urban anthropology, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, as well as courses on specific regions, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. They also offer courses on anthropological research methods and contemporary issues.

The professors in Barnard's anthropology department come from diverse backgrounds and each bring their own particular expertise to the classroom. They have conducted extensive research and published works on various subjects, which means you'll have the opportunity to learn from faculty members who are actively engaged in all kinds of subfields within anthropology. While each student's perception of a particular professor will vary, many of the professors are known for being approachable and genuinely invested in the intellectual growth of their students.

As a Barnard anthropology major, you'll also benefit from the close association with neighboring Columbia University, which will grant you access to additional courses and resources through the Columbia Anthropology Department. This cross-registration opportunity allows you to take courses at both institutions and exposes you to a wider range of faculty, research opportunities, and disciplines.

Finally, being situated in New York City gives Barnard anthropology students access to various cultural institutions, museums, and research centers that can enhance your learning experience. You can attend lectures, conferences, and events related to anthropology at institutions like the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Public Library, and more.

Overall, Barnard offers a strong anthropology program with a broad range of course options and dedicated faculty. And with close ties to Columbia University and the resources available in New York City, you'll have nearly endless opportunities to expand your knowledge and engage in the anthropological community.

If you decide Barnard is the place for you to pursue your anthropology studies and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle each of Barnard's school-specific supplemental essay prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-barnard-college-essays/. After all, Barnard is a highly selective school, and at such institutions, the essays are often just the thing that distinguish one talented applicant from another. Best of luck with your college process!