Requirements for Distinction in Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at Syracuse University offers students majoring in anthropology the opportunity to pursue Departmental Distinction. Distinction is awarded to majors who successfully complete an advanced research project under the supervision of a faculty supervisor, and a second reader (at least one whom are in the Department of Anthropology). The project will involve significant library and/or field work, resulting in a paper of at least 30 pages in length. Students may pursue Distinction if their overall GPA is 3.4 and their GPA in Anthropology is 3.5. Upon successful completion of the project, the student shall receive the designation “Distinction” on his or her final academic transcript. Department distinction will also be granted upon successful completion of the Renee Crown University Honors Program (no additional research paper is required however, additional paperwork must be completed).

Student starts by identifying a faculty member who will supervise the project. This faculty member will generally be someone the student already knows, or whom the student identifies in consultation with the Undergraduate Director or other Departmental advisor. Working closely with the project supervisor, the student will identify a thesis topic and general plan for completing research and writing. In the student’s senior year, in close consultation with the project supervisor, the student will choose coursework that contributes to the successful completion of the project. The student will register for two distinction paper courses: ANT 495, usually in the fall, and ANT 496 (or honors ANT 499) usually in the spring. These courses will allow the student to pursue intensely the proposed project. Registering for both of these courses requires department consent, obtained by completing the Proposal to Enroll in Distinction in Anthropology form each semester. The completed and signed forms are due to the department prior to the first day of classes each semester, so that there is time to grant consent and register for the classes by the Add Deadline.

A first draft of the project will usually be completed by the end of spring break of the senior year. The draft is then read by the project supervisor and one other faculty member identified by the project supervisor. In the event that the two faculty members ask the student for revisions, these will be completed in time for the committee to offer a final evaluation by the end of the term. Students completing distinction will be invited to present their research to the department during the Undergraduate Research Presentation Panel, typically held during the last week of classes. Students either receive Departmental Distinction; or no Distinction.