An image of students with the Anthropology Department doing a clay facial model.

Anthropology Program

The Anthropology program 51福利社 Michigan University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the human condition, past and present. Through the integration of historical, cultural, and biological perspectives, students gain valuable insights into human diversity, adaptation, and social change.

Students leaning into an excavation pit working the ground for artifacts.

Why Study Anthropology?

Anthropology at 51福利社 provides students with the tools to critically examine cultural and biological change, social inequality, and human diversity. Through engaging coursework, field experiences, and hands-on research opportunities, students will:

  • Broaden their appreciation of human diversity and its historical and contemporary context.
  • Develop skills in critical analysis, oral and written communication, and research methodologies.
  • Prepare for careers or graduate studies in fields such as archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, public policy, education, health sciences, and more.
Anthropology department showing off new outreach poster.

Program Highlights

Two 51福利社 anthropology faculty members looking through a magnifying glass at an artifact

The Anthropology program fosters an academic environment of liberal thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from:

  • World-class faculty who bring expertise in archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology.
  • Field experiences that provide hands-on learning opportunities locally and globally.
  • Courses and research opportunities that explore critical topics such as social inequality, cultural diversity, and human evolution.

Areas of Study

 

Archaeology

Archaeology at 51福利社 focuses on the material and symbolic dimensions of human history, from prehistoric times to the modern world. Students explore topics such as:

  • Ethnohistory and historical archaeology.
  • Social archaeology, including class, gender, and ethnicity dynamics.
  • Public archaeology and heritage tourism, including the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project.
Image of a hand holding a small artifact tablet with writing on it and pointing to a symbol with a pencil.

 

Biological Anthropology

Biological anthropology examines the biological and cultural evolution of humans and other primates. Areas of focus include:

  • Anthropological genetics, primatology, and paleoanthropology.
  • Skeletal biology and bioarchaeology, with applications in health, diet, and human behavior.
  • Comparative anatomy and human variation.

 

Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology investigates human beliefs, behaviors, and material culture. Research topics include:

  • Medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, and food and culture.
  • Social stratification, globalization, and marginalized communities.
  • Geographic research areas, including East Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

 

Field Experience

Field experiences are integral to the Anthropology program, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.

  • Archaeological Field Schools: Engage in excavations at sites like Fort St. Joseph in Niles, Michigan.
  • Cultural Anthropology Fieldwork: Work on individualized research projects in collaboration with faculty.
  • Biological Anthropology Research: Participate in projects on skeletal biology, primate behavior, and more.

Students also have access to funding opportunities for independent research projects through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Archeology student taking part in field work for experience.

Academic Tracks and Requirements

The major in anthropology requires a minimum of 34 credit hours, including:

  • Core courses: ANTH 2100, 2400, and 2500.
  • A writing-intensive course: ANTH 3530, 4400, or 4750.
  • An experiential learning course: ANTH 4040, 4900, 4970, 5030, 5040, 5330, or 5400.
  • Three additional credit hours at the 4000-level or above.

Students are encouraged to take a broad range of courses across archaeology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology.

The minor in anthropology requires 18 credit hours, with at least:

  • Three credit hours at the 3000-level or above.
  • Three credit hours at the 4000-level or above.