Alex Tarzy ’08
Anthropology Major, Psych minor
X06-S07 D-plan: R-R-O (FSP)-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: My favorite aspect of the Anthropology department is the personable and approachable attitude that the professors have and the department works to foster. I have never met a professor in the department who wasn’t willing to and in fact did not enjoy talking to students before and after class, and who didn’t truly treat you as a peer rather than just a student. My least favorite thing is that information regarding the major, the FSP and the classes is not particularly easy to access for non-anthropology majors.

Important info for potential majors: Due to the unique, multi-faceted nature of the anthropology department and its course offerings, I would advise a potential major to explore the various subject areas in the department to decide which field of anthropology they find most interesting.

Internship experience: I have spent my two previous off terms (05X & 06S) working full time at a healthcare software startup in San Diego and I will be working as a consulting intern at Altman, Vilandrie & Company in Boston during X07.

Most valuable academic information learned: I wish that I had learned earlier that a major is not the same as a career path. I spent so much time agonizing over my major because I saw my major as defining what I could do for the rest of my life. It is much more important to find a major that you enjoy and find interesting.

Favorite class and professor: My favorite class has been Anthropology 6, Introduction to Biological anthropology taught by Professor Korey. The subject matter was vast and varied but as with all great courses, it was Professor Koery that made the course an experience that I looked forward to three times a week. Not only did it seem like Professor Korey knew EVERYTHING, but he had an energy and a love for sharing his knowledge that made the class so enjoyable.

Major classes taken: Anthro 3, 6, 12, 26, 38, 43, FSP courses

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth believing that I was going to graduate an Economics major, but during my sophomore fall that I took Anthropology 6 and really began to consider majoring in anthropology.

Other activities: Casual Thursday; Jack-o-lantern, DREAM

Off Campus Program: Anthro FSP, New Zealand 07W.

Talk to me if: Talk to me if you are considering going to New Zealand on the FSP or are particularly interested in cultural anthropology.

Molly Fales ’08
Anthropology Major
X06-S07 D-plan: R-R-L-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: I like the size of the anthropology department. It is relatively small, so as a major everyone in the department knows who you are. The major requirements are easy to fulfill, in terms of time constraints. Classes are designed around the Professors area of expertise and interest. This creates a wide spectrum of classes, but also ensures that the Professor really enjoys the subject and is able to pass that on to the students.

Important info for potential majors: The Anthropology department offers a wide range of classes and it is important to take classes in all of them, in order to figure out what area interests you the most. Trying everything is highly recommended. It’s also good to take some classes early on to improve your chances of going on the FSP.

Internship experience: I’m working as a general intern for the Colorado Coalition of Landtrusts during X07. The job will involve policy research comparing conservation policies of different states, working to help answer the state taskforce’s questions concerning tax benefits, and interviewing people who have placed easements on their land.

Most valuable academic information learned: I wish I had learned to take advantage of office hours earlier. Freshman winter I took linguistics with professor Pulju, where it was mandatory to come in discuss the final paper topic with him. I discovered that it was easy to talk to him and that he was interested in what I had to say and eager to help.

Favorite class and professor: My favorite class was Government 5 with Professor Valentino. Lectures were organized, and interesting. We also had a mock nuclear weapons summit in which the class was broken into groups and each group represented a different country. Everyone knew and understood their country’s position, which led to great debates. Professor Valentino was amazing. I have also loved all classes taught by Professor Pulju, for his wit, and Professor Endicott.

Major classes taken: ANTH 3, 6, and 12.3.

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth with absolutely no idea what I wanted to major in. Freshman spring, I stumbled across Professor Endicott’s cultural anthropology class and loved it. Since then I have taken several anthropology courses, worked in the department, and will be going on the FSP next winter.

Other activities: Women’s crew team; Matthews-Fuller Library at DHMC

Off Campus Program: Anthropology FSP in New Zealand W07.

Other major-specific activities: I worked in the department this past winter helping in the office and scanning slide for several professors.

Talk to me if: Talk to me if you have any questions about the FSP to New Zealand!

Thesis status: I think I would like to work on something with cowboy/ ranching culture in the western United States.

Ashia Sheikh ’08
Anthropology and Government Major
X06-S07 D-plan: R-R-O (FSP)-L

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: Well to start with the Anthropology department, it is a bit smaller than other departments and so it is very personable. The staff is so friendly and you really have a great opportunity to develop some close relationships. The thing that becomes the most difficult with the Anthropology department is that almost all the faculty specializes in a certain location (ie. Malaysia, Southern India) so it may be difficult to find a professor who is very familiar with your particular area of interest.

Important info for potential majors: A student should most definitely consider doing a senior thesis early on. Most theses are written based on actual fieldwork done by the student, which requires a lot more planning. The fieldwork, usually done during Junior Summer, requires approval by the department and the application for grants.

Internship experience: Cross Cultural Solutions, Madre Tereza Orphanage, Volunteer, Salvador, Brazil, X07

Most valuable academic information learned: You make your own choices based on your own interests.

Favorite class and professor: My favorite professor by far was Professor Korey who I had for Biological Anthropology. He was so full of life and excited about the subject and he reflected his attitude on the students. He did everything he could to keep us engaged from power points, stuffed monkeys, human skull models, and videos.

Major classes taken: ANTH 1, 3, 6, 12, 23.

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth as a Pre-Med hoping to become a Pediatrician. During the fall term I took Intro to Anthropology and was completely intrigued by the topic. It was amazing to learn about societies and cultures and they way they interact with each other.

Other activities: Programming Board, 2008 Class Council; UGA; Hill Winds Society

Off Campus Program: Anthropology FSP in New Zealand W07.

Talk to me if: Talk to me if you want to go to New Zealand, if you are most interested in International Relations.

Thesis status: Yes, I am currently considering a thesis in Anthropology which would include fieldwork in Poland and possibly dealing with religious influences on daily life.

Emi Ito ’08
Anthropology/Classical Archaeology, Japanese Minors
F07-S08 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: Teachers are very friendly and encourage you to explore your interests in the many areas of anthropology (biological, archaeological, ethnographic, cultural), but recently, the biological anthropology classes have become so popular that they are difficult to get in to!

Important info for potential majors: There are four main subfields of anthropology—biological, ethnographic, cultural, and archaeological. If you are interested in becoming a major, I recommend sampling a course from each of these main areas, because they are all different and interesting in their own ways. You may become interested in one of these fields (for me, it was both biological and archaeological), which will help you in your future plan of taking anthropology classes for the major which are interesting to you. Also, at least one class in each subject area is required for the major, so it would help you on your way toward the major.

Internship experience: PortAnta Program—Assistant to Excavation of Dolmen of Carcavelos, 06S, Osteological Research Assistant 07X. Both were in the Lisbon area of Portugal. ; Research assistant to Professor Nichols, on her study of Cerro Portezuelo, Basin of Mexico. (Hanover, NH) (Sophomore year—05F-06S) ; Research assistant to Professor Dobson, on his study of primate facial expressions. (Hanover, NH) (Junior Year—06F-present) ; Assistant to Anthropology Department (05F-present)

Favorite class and professor: any class offered by Professor Korey in the anthropology department. Professor Korey is so smart, kind, and inspiring. Unfortunately he has just recently retired. However, another great professor in the anthropology department is Professor Dobson. He is new this year and specializes in the study of primates and biological anthropology. He gives very organized and interesting lectures, and he answers any question you might have, as well as makes himself available outside of class for help.

Major classes taken: ANTH 6, 8, 12.8, 32, 41, 43, 78, 85

Major journey: I took a long time trying to decide my major. When I came to Dartmouth, I started out pre-med and began taking the required classes, however, I realized that as much as I like science, going into medicine just isn’t for me. I started taking varieties of classes from all different departments in order to see what else was out there, and I happened to take Anthro 6, Biological Anthropology, taught by Professor Korey and quickly became fascinated with the subject.

Major specific activities: Research assistant to Professor Nichols, Research assistant to Professor Dobson, Assistant to the Anthropology Department

Off Campus Program: Japanese LSA+, 05X

Other activities: Assistant to the Anthropology Department; Research Assistant to Professor Nichols; Research Assistant to Professor Dobson; Member of American Anthropological Association; Delta Delta Delta; Green Key Society; SAPA; Photographer for The Dartmouth

Thesis Status: Planned; Professor Dobson and Professor Nichols; dental changes in the Lisbon area caused by the transition to agriculture.

Lauren Breach ’09
Double Major in Economics and Anthropology
F07-S08 D-plan: L-L-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: My favorite thing about the Anthropology department is the quality of the professors. Not only are the professors amazing in class, but they are so approachable and easy to talk to outside of class as well. My least favorite thing about the department would have to be how its small size affects the number of courses offered. I would love for there to be greater variety in the types of classes or areas of study available to students. But the department is definitely working on this by hiring new professors with varied backgrounds in Anthropology.

Important info for potential majors: I think a potential major should try to take a class in each of the four subfields early on in their Dartmouth career. Not only does this give you more freedom in picking classes later on, but it also allows you a greater opportunity to discover your interest in a particular subfield before it is too late.

Most valuable academic information learned: I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned at Dartmouth is to take classes that interest you. Choosing a major you like is going to make your experience here so much more enjoyable!

Favorite class and professor: I took a Primates class (Anth 12.7) with Professor Dobson during my sophomore winter, and it was an amazing experience. Dobson, who is new to the department, gives organized and interesting lectures, and his tests are extremely fair. While in class with Professor Dobson, it is easy to tell how excited he is about what he is teaching, and his enthusiasm is contagious.

Major classes taken: ANTH 3, 5, 12, 17, 38, 48

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth expecting to be a double major in Economics and Mathematics. I took an Anthropology class in the winter of my freshman year on a whim, and I absolutely fell in love with the department. I’m now a double major in Anthropology and Economics and very happy with my decision.

Off Campus Program: Anthropology FSP in New Zealand, 08W

Other activities: UGA; Alpha Xi Delta- Philanthropy Chair, Public Relations VP; Programming Board; Project Bangladesh; Tour Guide

Talk to me if: you think you want to go on the FSP to New Zealand!

Thesis Status: I’m not sure if I’m doing a thesis yet.