Broadly speaking, Anthropology can be defined as 'the study of humanity'. Anthropologists at the University of Waikato are particularly concerned with sociocultural anthropology - the comparative study of the whole range of human societies and cultures in their many forms. Here, the distinguishing methodology is the 'ethnographic' or 'face-to-face' study of specific communities and lifeways. The Pacific region, with its diverse societies and cultures, is the main focus of teaching and research in Anthropology.

Anthropology is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Anthropology may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Anthropology as a single major for the BA, BCC or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete both ANTHY101 and ANTHY102.

To complete Anthropology as part of a double major for the BA, BCC, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete both ANTHY101 and ANTHY102.

To complete a minor in Anthropology, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Anthropology major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note:

Normally, candidates must gain at least 60 points at 100 level in any subject(s) before enrolling in Anthropology papers above 100 level, and at least 90 points at 100 and 200 level before enrolling in Anthropology papers above 200 level.

Other qualifications

Prescriptions for:

Anthropology papers

Code and paper titlePoints
ANTHY101Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropologyright arrow

An introduction to sociocultural anthropology and the comparative study of human societies and cultures, in all their various forms. An examination...

1525A (Hamilton)
ANTHY102Exploring Cultures: Aotearoa and the Pacificright arrow

Social and cultural change in Aotearoa-New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with special emphasis on national identities, regional relations and...

1525B (Hamilton) & 25B (Secondary School - Unistart)
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2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 26 Feb 2025 01:00am