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Anthropology Minor: Degree Requirements
Minor (Minimum of 22 credits)
Required courses (16 credits, 5 courses)
Anthropology 202: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (4 credits -lab & lecture)
Anthropology 204: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
Anthropology 206: Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology (3 credits)
Anthropology 208: Introduction to Archaeology (3 credits)
One 300-level course (3 credits)
Elective Courses: Sufficient courses from the departments offerings in Anthropology to meet the minimum requirement (6 credits, approximately 2 courses)
About the Anthropology Program
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is always interesting with almost limitless topics to explore.
- Laboratory Experiences in Primitive Technology–Ancient Tool Making
- Archaeological Analysis
- Field Work–Archeological Excavations
- Native American Experience
- Human Anatomy
- Primate Evolution
Anthropology is the study of humanity in all of its wondrous chronological and geographic diversity and complexity. From the day of humanity over two million years ago to the latest breaking technological revolution, from the Arctic to the tip of Tierra del Fuego (South America), anthropology introduces students to the variety and complexity of contemporary and past human societies and cultures. The goal of anthropology is to make sense out of that complexity and to understand the processes that have shaped and continue to shape the lives of people around the world.
To accomplish this goal different anthropologists examine biological, archaeological, linguistic and cultural aspects of humanity striving collectively for integrated understanding.
Studying anthropology with its main focus on humanity means that the topics you can explore are almost limitless.
The Relevance of Anthropology
Given our rapidly changing world and ever increasing interaction with people form different places, with different ideas and different ways of doing things, an understanding and appreciation of those changes is more important now that ever before. Anthropology, with its focus on a perspective and methods to gain a greater understanding. Government and non-government organizations, businesses and the public in general turn to anthropology to answer questions of culture differences, of culture change and our place in the biosphere.
Grave problems confronted our human ancestors. Grave problems confront us today. How did they solve them? How will we? Anthropologists are in the middle of debates on world hunger, world poverty, disease, justice, globalization and the care of the environment.
Unique Experience
A central focus of anthropology is the use of field research to develop and investigate ideas about people, societies and culture both in the past and the present. So in addition to the course work, we offer laboratory experiences in primitive technology (ancient tool making), archeological analysis, human osteology and primitive behavior.
We also offer field experiences in:
- Archeology: where students actively participate in archeological excavations on a diverse range of sites in the Midwest, Ukraine and elsewhere
- Culture Anthropology: offers opportunities to travel to Belize and various Native American communities within the United States to explore their rich heritage and vibrant culture
- Primatology: where students participate in the collection of data on primate behavior and ecology as well as community management
- Forensic Anthropology: investigation with local law enforcement and research sites
A large number of our students participate in independent study projects that investigate subject areas not covered in standard courses. Many of our graduate have told us that these laboratory and field experiences were the most rewarding of their college careers.