MA in Anthropology
The Masters Program (MA) in Anthropology allows you to develop your skills in critical thinking, increase your knowledge of anthropological theory and methods, and gain specialized knowledge in a particular area of research. Through the development of the thesis or major research paper, our MA prepares you for a career outside of the academy and/or provides you with a stepping-stone to doctoral programs in Anthropology. Current MA students in or program are working on a variety of research projects. Alumni of our program have gone on to do doctoral programs and to work in a range of fields.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the MA degree by thesis must fulfil the following requirements:
Courses
Two and a half courses are required, of which one must be the full course in Theory (Social Anthropology 5010 6.0) with one half course in Methods (Social Anthropology 5020 3.0). Two additional half-courses should be selected from the theme courses in Social Anthropology, or from some cognate discipline,with the permission of the Graduate Director. In certain cases, the required Methods course may also be substituted by an equivalent course suitable to specific thesis research needs of individual students, subject to the approval of the Graduate Director and the Dean of Graduate Studies.- Thesis and Oral Examination
Candidates must conduct an approved research study based on library research, or field research, or a combination of both. The results of the study are to be embodied into a substantial and original thesis, demonstrating the candidate’s independence and understanding of the area of research at an advanced level. The thesis is normally expected to be about 150 pages in length, although this may vary according to the needs of a particular study. After the formal submission of the thesis, an oral examination is held, normally centred on the thesis and matters relating to it.
Candidates for the MA degree by major research paper must fulfil the following requirements:
Courses
Three full courses, or equivalent, including the full course in Theory (Social Anthropology 5010 6.0) and the half course in Methods (Social Anthropology 5020 3.0). Other courses should be selected from the list of graduate theme courses offered in Social Anthropology, with substitutes from cognate disciplines at the discretion of the Graduate Director, with prior approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies.Major Research Paper and Oral
Candidates must write a research paper (in the range of 60-80 pages) under the supervision of a two-member committee, on a topic approved by that committee and by the Director of the Graduate Program in Social Anthropology. The paper should demonstrate creative and analytical ability and an advanced understanding of the selected topic. After submission of the paper, a candidate will be examined orally on the paper and related matters by the supervisory committee together with the Program Director.
Other Regulations
- The Social Anthropology program is organized on a twelve-month basis. Students are normally expected to be engaged on a fulltime basis in research and study during the summer terms.
- Any graduate student in the Graduate Program in Social Anthropology who wishes to engage in field research activities involving human subjects utilizing the name or the facilities of York University must do so in accordance with the University’s code regulating the use of human subjects, in compliance with departmental ethics procedures, and only under the supervision of a Graduate Program faculty member .
- All graduate students are expected to attend and participate in the Graduate Seminar. Here students give presentations based on their research; in addition, faculty members and, whenever possible, guest speakers lead the seminar in topics related to student interests.
