Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Anthropology/Social Studies, BA
What Is the Study of Anthropology-Social Studies?
Anthropology explores what it means to be human. Anthropology is the scientific study of humankind in all the cultures of the world, past and present. This study includes humankind’s physical development and creation of diverse lifestyles. The cross-cultural approach of Anthropology provides a framework for understanding all the diverse facets of what it means to be human.
The Anthropology Department provides training in four sub-disciplines: Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Physical Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics. Using ethnographic, ethnological and ethnohistorical tools and information supplied by the four sub disciplines, the Anthropologist studies cultures and the processes of human development comparatively.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Do you find human diversity and various cultures fascinating? Do you like to approach subjects from multiple perspectives? Do you prefer a holistic style of learning? Do you want to know why as well as how? Are you fascinated by human diversity? Are you enthusiastic, intelligent, and open-minded? If so, you may wish to consider a major in Anthropology. Students earning a degree in Anthropology will be able to apply their learning to a variety of jobs locally and internationally in the global economy of today’s world.
How to Declare:
Contact the Department of Anthropology at (360) 650-3620 or visit their office in Arntzen Hall 315 to declare the major and connect with a departmental advisor.
Advising Tips: Students are advised to declare their major early in their academic career.
Anthropology advisors will provide information about the program, help develop a plan of study and answer any questions.
Coursework
- ANTH 201 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 210 - Introduction to Archaeology
- ANTH 215 - Introductory Biological Anthropology
- ANTH 496 - Portfolio Assembly
- HIST 103 - Introduction to American Civilization: American History to 1865
- HIST 104 - Introduction to American Civilization: American History Since 1865
- HIST 391 - History of the Pacific Northwest
- PLSC 250 - The American Political System
- One course from:
- ANTH 481 - Childhood and Culture
- ANTH 484 - Cross-Cultural Education
- One course from:
- ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics
- ECON 446 - Economics for the Teacher (preferred)
- One course from:
- ECON 207 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
- ECON 447 - Methods for Teaching About the National Economy in the Public Schools (preferred)
- One of the following:
- ENVS 221 - Geographic Information Systems Survey
- Or two additional Geography credits
- Electives under departmental advisement — at least one course from each of the following groups:
- Cultural area courses:
- ANTH 361 - Native Peoples of North America
- ANTH 362 - Peoples of Asia
- ANTH 365 - Peoples of Latin America
- ANTH 460 - Culture and Society of Japan
- ANTH 462 - Native Peoples of the Northwest
- ANTH 463 - Peoples of East and Southeast Asia
- ANTH 465 - Peoples of Mexico and Central America
- ANTH 476 – Borderlands Topical cultural
- Anthropology courses:
- ANTH 247 - Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
- ANTH 330 - Religion and Culture
- ANTH 338 - Economic Anthropology
- ANTH 351 - Family and Kinship Organization
- ANTH 352 - Cross-Cultural Study of Aging
- ANTH 353 - Sex and Gender in Culture
- ANTH 424 - Medical Anthropology
- ANTH 429 - Politics, Power and Inequality
- ANTH 453 - Women of the Global South
- ANTH 475 - Global Migration
- ANTH 480 - Applied Anthropology
- Three additional history courses (minimum 12 credits) distributed as follows:
- One course in Ancient History,
- One course from two of the following areas:
- Europe
- East and South Asia
- Africa and Middle East
- Western Hemisphere (Outside U.S.)
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- HUM: HIST 103, 104
- SSC: ANTH 201, 210, 247; EGEO 201; PLSC 250; ECON 206, 207
- ACGM: ANTH 362, 365
- BCGM: ANTH 361, 353
- LSCI: ANTH 215
- WP: Three Writing Proficiency points are required for graduation (they are noted as WP1, 2, and 3). Check Classfinder or Online Timetable for departmental offerings each quarter.
Sample Careers
- Teacher
- Education
- Attorney
- Researcher
- Politician
- Governmental Advisor
- Diplomacy
- Human Services
Department
Contact
Anthropology/Social Studies Advisor:
Dr. James Loucky
AH 322 360-650-3615
James.Loucky@wwu.edu
Anthropology Office:
AH 315, 360-650-3620