Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

at Navitas Group - Queens College, City University of New York USA

The different concentrations in Family & Consumer Sciences cover interdisciplinary subjects. The Human Development & Family Studies track concerns family services and consumer economics. The Food Service Management track involves institutional food administration and food science. The Textiles & Apparel track pertains to those materials’ design, production, distribution, and retailing. Finally, Secondary School Teacher Education is a co-major with Secondary Education & Youth Services.

Classics involves the study of ancient Greek and Roman civilization and history, including the Greek and Latin languages. In courses on language, literature, art, philosophy, religion, and history, students learn about the pioneering thinkers, writers, leaders, and cultural innovators who shaped much of the Western intellectual and artistic legacy.

The study of Italian connects students to one of the world’s great civilizations. From medieval times to the present, Italy has produced great literature, art, architecture, philosophy, science, and scholarship. Its history and politics continue to fascinate scholars while Italian film is synonymous with the highest achievements of cinematic art.

At Queens College, students can expect to achieve proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the Italian language, followed by advanced courses in translation, literature, and culture. They may also opt for a minor in Italian American studies, an interdisciplinary subject area relevant to the larger history and culture of the American nation. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities. The college also houses a chapter of Gamma Kappa Alpha, the national Italian honor society.

Graduates use their proficiency in Italian and their knowledge of Italian culture in a variety of careers in business, translation, publishing, and the arts. Many prepare for a career in teaching Italian in the secondary schools. For some, the major or minor gives a solid foundation for graduate study.

Urban Studies involves the interdisciplinary study of metropolitan areas. Drawing mainly on the social sciences and humanities, it explores the origins, growth, economics, politics, and social fabric of cities, and focuses on the many sorts of problems and challenges they face—such as poverty, segregation, homelessness, and pollution. The program introduces students to critical theory and urban policy analysis, and trains them in a mix of practical research, community-building, and report-writing skills that empower them as urban professionals and citizens. The curriculum, which includes a service-learning component, benefits from the program’s location and networks in a vibrant, diverse world city.

Cultural knowledge, along with the ability to use a foreign language, are essential components of a liberal arts education. In addition to language courses, the faculty of this department offers a wide variety of literature and culture courses both in English and in foreign languages. Students who already know the languages are able to take advanced courses to enrich their understanding of the humanities in these traditions; sequences of such courses can become important components of interdisciplinary concentrations, minors, or double-majors that complement a student's primary field of study. "In-translation" courses give students an understanding of the ancient Western and Asian classics, and of various modern Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures.

The program in women and gender studies is interdisciplinary, exploring society, history, and culture as well as the ways in which gender intersects with class, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, and sexuality. In addition to core courses within the program, more than 30 faculty members teach a wide variety of electives from across the curriculum, including the social sciences, humanities, and science.

Because of its roots in multiple disciplines, women’s studies provides an exceptional liberal arts education. Because of its relevance to social, moral, economic, political, and cultural issues around the world, it also can be a very effective step toward numerous careers. In addition, women’s and gender studies have pioneered groundbreaking research methodologies, as well as critical reading and writing strategies that are useful in many fields.

Spanish is spoken across a Hugh territory ranging from Spain through Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. It is the official language of Spain, Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean, and most of South America. It also is the first or second language of about 10 percent of the U.S. population. Much of the world’s great literature is written in Spanish, and Hispanic civilization includes masterpieces of music, the visual and performing arts, and the history of ideas. Thus, coursework in Spanish both instructs students in reading and speaking the language, and introduces students to Spanish-language literature, arts, culture, history, and civilization.

In a globalizing world, Spanish offers a versatile degree, adaptable to many interests and career goals. It has long been a popular field for teachers, and also can facilitate careers involving Spanish-language proficiency in publishing, journalism, international affairs, business, travel and tourism, international agencies, government, nonprofit organizations, and the arts. In addition, students are well equipped to continue on to graduate or professional school.

People in modern societies often have health issues linked to poor diet and exercise habits, a problem that is costly in both economic and human terms. The degree in Nutrition & Exercise Sciences prepares students for careers in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and fitness through healthy diets and regular physical activity.

The curriculum combines core courses with biology, chemistry, and statistics coursework. Graduates go on to work in corporate- and hospital-based programs in health, cardiovascular fitness, wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation; community-based programs for adults and senior citizens; and adult health and fitness programs in health clubs, adult education centers, sports medicine and physical rehabilitation centers, and preventative health agencies.

The interdisciplinary major is designed for students who wish to develop their own concentration area in a subject not covered by any one department or program. Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary major should confer with the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, which will provide guidance in developing a proposal for approval. The proposed concentration must have a distinct, coherent interdisciplinary theme and the coursework required for it should provide substantial expertise in that theme. Since an interdisciplinary concentration requires competence in more than one discipline, the major involves a minimum of 36 credits and may require the approval of several departments.

Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies is an interdisciplinary field concerning the history, language, arts, and culture of the Greek people from Byzantine times to the present. Combining the humanities and the social sciences, it offers advanced coursework in four areas: Byzantine studies, modern Greek studies, modern Greek literature and culture, and Greek American studies. In the United States, the opportunity to earn an interdisciplinary BA in this field is unique to Queens College.

The bachelor’s degree offers excellent preparation for graduate work in Byzantine or modern Greek studies. In addition, it serves as an entrée to a career for students interested in the Greek experience and language.