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Anthropology

College of Liberal Arts

	QUICK JUMP
	Anthropology
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Anthropology Facilities
	Careers in Anthropology
	Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Campus Organizations and Activities
	Contact Information

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human diversity in all places and at all times, addressing the most fundamental questions about human origins and human nature. Four subfields are available in the anthropology program: • Archaeology • Cultural anthropology • Linguistics • Physical anthropology Perhaps the most popular concentration is archaeology, for which Washington State University is internationally known. • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of arts, minor, master of arts, doctorate • Available at: Pullman

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology The bachelor of arts in anthropology requires 120 semester hours. At least 40 of the total hours must be in 300- and 400-level courses. A minimum of 33 hours in anthropology courses is required. REQUIRED COURSES Anth 203—Peoples of the World Anth 230—Introduction to Archaeology Anth 260—Introduction to Physical Anthropology Anth 490—Integrative Themes in Anthropology One 300- or 400-level course in each of the four subdisciplines:      Archaeology      Physical Anthropology      Cultural Anthropology      Linguistics Three anthropology electives MINOR IN ANTHROPOLOGY A student who has completed 60 semester hours may petition for a minor. A total of at least 18 semester hours in anthropology is required in each course contributing to the minor. Requirements include: Three of the following      Anth 101 (or 198)—General Anthropology      Anth 203—Peoples of the World      Anth 230—Introduction to Archaeology      Anth 260—Introduction to Physical Anthropology At least nine hours must be Anth 300-400 level work NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the catalog to graduate.

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Anthropology Facilities

In addition to offering a thorough, practical education in archaeological techniques, several research projects have provided students with hands-on experience and employment. The University has leading national labs for palynology (identification of pollens for reconstruction of past environments), zooarchaeology (identification and interpretation of animal bones from archaeology sites), geoarchaeology (study and interpretation of sediments from archaeology sites), and lithic technology (analysis and interpretation of stone tools). WSU is one of the few schools where students can learn to replicate stone tools, which makes it possible to interpret the stone tools and waste flakes found in archaeological sites. The Museum of Anthropology offers employment and volunteer opportunities for students. Its exhibits and activities enrich instruction and draw the public. The museum’s collections include aboriginal baskets of notable importance from several areas of the western United States and collections resulting from the activities of WSU archaeologists during the last 40 years.

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Careers in Anthropology

Training in anthropology provides an excellent liberal arts background for many professions. WSU anthropology graduates are employed in museums, the National Park Service, archaeological crews, and the Peace Corps and other international development organizations. Other graduates find that their understanding of human diversity is also useful in jobs that don’t require an anthropology degree. A major in anthropology is an excellent basis for teaching, legal professions, international business, foreign service, and graduate work in other social sciences or the humanities.

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Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• A strong interest in people and culture • Good research skills

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

All anthropology majors may apply for University-level scholarships and more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

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Campus Organizations and Activities

The Anthropology Club provides activities to bring faculty and students together in informal gatherings.

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Contact Information

Department of Anthropology

College Hall, Room 150 Washington State University PO Box 644910 Pullman, WA 99164-4910

anth@wsu.edu

509-335-3441

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Strengths of the Program

• Enrich your opportunities in an environment where a relatively small undergraduate program works alongside a relatively large graduate program.
• Join faculty at field sites in western North America for cultural, linguistic, archaeological, and physical anthropological research.
• Meet Timothy Kohler, an innovative archaeologist who could lead your field experience.
• Learn from instructors who are experts in the evolution of cooperation and sharing, cultural ecology, education, religion, international development, and stone-tool manufacturing.
• Attend the department’s weekly public anthropology colloquium, which offers a venue for faculty, advanced graduate students, and visiting experts to share their work.
• Pursue a flexible undergraduate curriculum in which you can concentrate in cultural anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, or physical anthropology—or receive a broad background in all four.
• Experience cultural anthropology classes with some of the leaders in the fields of cultural ecology and international development.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us