Studies in the Department of Social Anthropology and History are organized in two cycles of studies, each lasting four semesters. The organization of the program of studies is based on introductory and specialized courses and on their allocation to two cycles of studies according to their level of difficulty. This organization aims at the optimum articulation of the courses and the widest range of choice.
The first cycle of studies offers the main body of courses in Social Anthropology and History, as well as supplementary courses such as Art History, Political Economy, Linguistics, etc., which broaden the horizons of the students by offering them the possibility of a better familiarization with the two major fields served by the Department.
The second cycle of studies includes a wide range of courses on the basis of which the students can either develop their interests or specialize by choosing courses with relative thematic concerns. As regards the selection of courses in the second cycle, students may consult with their advisor.
In the same cycle of studies a special category of courses is also available, that is seminars, which is usually related to one of the courses offered in the Undergraduate Program of Studies.
Generally, the Undergraduate Program of Studies of the Department offers approximately seventy-five courses that cover a wide range of topics in Social Anthropology and History on a four-year basis. Courses last 3 hours per week.
Classification of courses
The courses are divided into three categories: compulsory courses [C] elective courses [E], and seminars[S].
a) Compulsory courses [C] are the ones covering basic subjects and are offered every academic year. A prerequisite for graduation is the successful performance in these courses which may not be substituted by others. Compulsory courses include all the courses of the first two-year cycle (including foreign language courses).
b) Elective courses [E] are courses in which students pursue and cultivate their specific interests. They are on offer exclusively during the second cycle of studies. Elective courses are not constantly available in the program, and their offer depends on individual instructors. This flexibility offers the instructors the possibility to organize new courses in place of former ones. Moreover, students can opt for a wider choice of subjects. Students can also take elective courses from the program of studies of the Department of Environment, the Department of Geography, and the Department of Sociology.
c) Seminars constitute a special category of courses and they are offered exclusively during the second cycle of studies. The fundamental feature of these courses is the limited number of students as well as the specialized topic. The objective of the seminars is to familiarize students with methodological and theoretical tools as well as the development of skills under the immediate supervision of the instructor. The weekly instruction of the seminars lasts three hours. Students are obliged to obtain a passing grade in at least one of the seminars.
Final Year Project
Within the scope of the second cycle of studies, students have the opportunity to develop a B.A. thesis, provided they have already enrolled in this cycle. The B.A. thesis is optional. The choice of topic for the B.A. thesis is decided in agreement with a supervisor and it is in an area related to one of the courses offered in the Undergraduate Program of Studies. As regards the final assessment of the B.A. thesis, it is decided upon by a committee consisting of three instructors: by the supervisor and two instructors proposed by the supervisor who wish to participate in the assessment process.
Study Advisor
Given the regional character of the Department and the difficulties students may face until they have familiarized themselves with the new academic and social environment, the Department has introduced the institution of the Study Advisor. Study Advisors are members of the academic staff and are assigned at the beginning of each academic year.