Anthropology : About Us

General Departmental Information

Anthropology presents an integrated perspective on human nature and human culture. Anthropologists study past and present cultural diversity.

Students may pursue classroom, laboratory, and field studies in the areas of social and biological anthropology, including archaeology, linguistics, ethnology, and applied anthropology. The course of studies can be organized into programs such as cultural ecology, museology, community studies, etc. The Department's museum, through workshops and exhibits, provides further scope for research and community service. A departmental honors program is available at the upper division level. The Central Washington Archaeological Survey (CWAS) is a service and research facility associated with the Department which conducts archaeological research in the central counties of the state and the greater Northwest, while promoting public involvement in the identification, interpretation and protection of local archaeological resources. Also associated with the Department are the Hyperlab (a Macintosh departmental multimedia lab), and the Geographic Information Systems Laboratory (a full-time computer facility for spatial analysis in the natural and social sciences). The Anthropology Student Association sponsors academic and social events.

Classes at the 100 level within Anthropology include a general survey of the field (107) and major sub-fields. 300 level classes focus on selected sub-fields in Anthropology; upper division standing or relevant lower division anthropology courses are desirable. The 400 level classes are directed to students with previous background in Anthropology. With the exception of variable-credit classes (490, 491, 496, 498), other 400 level classes assume completion of at least three of the introduct ory level classes (ANTH 110, 120, 130 or 180), plus 15 credits in Anthropology or permission of the instructor.

Regular advisement is an important part of Anthropology majors. All majors must fill out a major application form (available in the Department office) at the time of entrance to the major, and an advisor will be selected at that time. Department approved electives must be selected in close consultation with the advisor. With assistance of the advisor, adjustments can be made to meet the s pecial needs of transfer students. Special topics courses (-98s) and courses from closely related disciplines may be included within electives by advisement; major program credit is not given for ANTH 107.

Departmental Honors

The honors program is designed to facilitate individualized research and study in a sub-area of Anthropology. It is open to junior and senior students; honors students are eligible to graduate "with honors in Anthropology." Programs of stu dy must be developed in consultation with an advisor who will guide the research and honors thesis; programs must then be approved by Department faculty. Normally such programs include at least 10 credits of directed individual study for the honors thesis, as well as focused research in connection with regular departmental coursework. Further information on the program is available from the Department Chair.

Courses and Programs:

• Anthropology 45 Credit Major, B.A.
• Anthropology Major, B.A.
• Anthropology Major, B.S.
• Anthropology Minor
• Museum Studies Minor
• Museum Studies Specialization
• Primate Behavior and Ecology, B.S.