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

100 Level 200 Level 300 Level 500 Level 800 Level 900 Level
Code and paper title Points
ANTHY101 Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology right arrow

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

15 25A (Hamilton)
ANTHY102 Exploring Cultures: Aotearoa and the Pacific right arrow

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

15 25B (Hamilton) & 25B (Secondary School - Unistart)
Code and paper title Points
ANTHY201 Patriots, Racists, and Foreigners: Ethnicity and Identity in Global Perspective right arrow

This paper focuses on ethnicity and related categories of division such as "race" and nation. It explores how these concepts link to identity in...

15 25A (Hamilton)
ANTHY207 Magic, Witchcraft and Religion right arrow

This paper introduces students to the anthropological study of religion and illustrates the crucial role religion has played in shaping human...

15 25A (Hamilton)
ANTHY208 Protest Movements in the Asia-Pacific right arrow

This paper is about how people across the Asia-Pacific region act collectively to challenge the status quo of powerful political, social, economic...

15 25B (Hamilton)
Code and paper title Points
ALPSS390 Directed Study right arrow

This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their...

15 25X (Hamilton)
ANTHY300 Culture and Power in the Pacific right arrow

This paper examines the cultural logics of different systems of political action, leadership and ideology in Pacific Island societies.

15 25B (Hamilton)
ANTHY301 Radical Thinking in Anthropology right arrow

This paper introduces students to influential theoretical ideals in anthropology from the 19th century to the present. Students will investigate...

15 25B (Hamilton)
ANTHY315 Ethnographic Research Skills right arrow

This paper introduces students to the theories, ethics and methodologies of ethnographic research. Students' work will include undertaking a small...

15 25A (Hamilton)
HISTY302 Blood, Land, DNA: Contemporary Indigenous Histories and Archives right arrow

This paper explores critical questions about power, sovereignty, and belonging in contemporary Indigenous history, focusing on Aotearoa, the Pacific...

15 25B (Hamilton)
MAORI304 Sustainability in Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Contexts right arrow

This paper looks at Indigenous epistemological formations of sustainability as one of the most pressing issues for Indigenous peoples particularly in...

15 25A (Hamilton)
PACIS300 Contemporary Critical Issues in the Pacific right arrow

This paper provides an in-depth examination of a number of contemporary critical issues in the Pacific as identified by leading Pacific scholars...

15 25A (Hamilton)
Code and paper title Points
ALPSS500 Academic & Professional Research & Writing right arrow

In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills...

30 25A (Online) & 25B (Online)
ALPSS590 Directed Study right arrow

This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their...

30 25X (Hamilton)
ALPSS591 Research Project right arrow

A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 12,500 words maximum).

30 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga)
ALPSS592 Dissertation right arrow

A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 25,000 words maximum).

60 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga)
ANTHY501 Critical Thinking in Anthropology right arrow

Students learn about the history of anthropology from a critical perspective and develop specialist skills in applying different theoretical...

30 25B (Hamilton)
ANTHY515 Ethnographic Research Methods right arrow

This paper provides an in depth introduction to ethnographic research, including its ethical, theoretical, and methodical components.

30 25A (Hamilton)
ANTHY521 Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Issues right arrow

This paper uses an anthropological lens to understand human-environment relations and critically engages with current environmental concerns...

30 25B (Hamilton)
ANTHY593 Anthropology Thesis right arrow

An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

90 25X (Hamilton)
Code and paper title Points
ANTHY800 Anthropology MPhil Thesis right arrow

120 25X (Hamilton)
Code and paper title Points
ANTHY900 Anthropology PhD Thesis right arrow

120 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
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2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 23 Dec 2024 01:00am