Anthropology

Anthropology is the scientific study of humans that is holistic and cross-cultural. Through anthropology a student achieves a broad geographical and temporal perspective of human biological and cultural adaptations. This perspective includes an understanding of cultural diversity in our own society, in our world at large, and in the past.

The Anthropology Standard Major provides students with a challenging, scholarly educational experience. Training in archaeology, physical anthropology and cultural anthropology involves classroom, laboratory, and field work. Electives focus primarily on huntergatherer adaptations. Students majoring in Anthropology at Western apply information from the classroom as they participate in field studies. Majors are required to attend the Anthropology Field School, offered every summer session. The Field School gives students hands-on field experience in anthropology. Laboratory skills are an important feature of the Anthropology curriculum, and students have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty. Students majoring in Anthropology have used this experience to further careers in archaeology, forensics and law enforcement, teaching, community planning, international business, and governmental research. With additional graduate work, careers in ethnology, archaeology, and physical anthropology are possible.