Anthropology Program
Western Michigan University's anthropology program is designed to provide you with an understanding of the human condition in its plurality through the integration of historical, cultural and biological perspectives. Through course offerings, you will broaden your familiarity with diverse ways of life, past and present; gain knowledge of human adaptation and variation from our earliest ancestors to modern peoples; and be exposed to perspectives and methods that challenge multiple forms of social inequality.
The anthropology faculty places an emphasis on anthropology as a critical social science. You will have opportunities to participate in various field programs here and abroad and will receive preparation for graduate study in anthropology.
Anthropology major
A consists of a minimum of 34 hours of anthropology courses and must include:
- ANTH 2100, 2400 and 2500.
- One writing-intensive course in anthropology (3530, 4400 or 4750).
- One experiential learning course (4040, 4900, 4970, 5030, 5040, 5330 or 5400).
- Three additional hours of coursework at the 4000 level or above.
- No more than three hours of coursework at the 1000 level.
- C or better in every anthropology class counted in the major.
- No more than 12 hours of anthropology classes may be transferred.
A student with a major in anthropology is strongly encouraged to take a broad range of courses in all sub-disciplines of anthropology: archaeology, cultural anthropology and biological anthropology.
anthropology minor
A consists of a minimum of 18 hours of anthropology courses and must include:
- Three hours of coursework at the 3000-level or above, and three hours of coursework at the 4000-level or above.
- No more than six hours of coursework at the 1000 level.
- C or better in every anthropology class counted in the minor.
- No more than nine hours of anthropology classes may be transferred.
Advising
- For major and minor requirements, meet with the department undergraduate advisor at least once every semester prior to selecting courses for the following semester.
- For University and general education requirements, meet with a College of Arts and Sciences advisor.
Courses
Visit our WES Clusters page to see how to design your Essential Studies to incorporate AAAS and Anthropology around topics such as social justice, global consciousness, or global diversity.