Program Overview

---

Anthropology Program

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a comprehensive Anthropology program that encompasses the scientific study of human beings and their cultures across time and space. Anthropology is a unique field that combines elements of social science and natural science, providing students with a broad understanding of human development, cultural diversity, and societal structures.

Overview

Anthropology is about how the human species came to be, how it developed myriad ways of living in the world, and how those ways may change in the future. It is the major most closely associated with archaeology. Students in the Anthropology program at UWM will be exposed to all types of anthropological work, including field experience and research opportunities locally and globally.

Requirements

To complete a major in Anthropology, students must satisfy all the requirements of the major as stated in the catalog. The major in Anthropology requires 36 credits within the department, with at least 15 credits in advanced-level courses (numbered 300 or above) taken in residence at UWM.

• Required courses:
  • ANTHRO 101: Introduction to Anthropology: Human Origins
  • ANTHRO 102: Introduction to Anthropology: Culture and Society
  • ANTHRO 103: Digging Up the Past: Approaches to Archaeology
  • ANTHRO 460: Anthropological Theory 1
• 9-15 credits satisfying the following requirements:
  • 1 methods course
  • 1 course satisfying the research requirement
  • 1 course in each of the three subfields (Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, Sociocultural Anthropology)
  • 6-15 additional ANTHRO credits

Methods Courses

Methods courses may overlap with each other or with one of the three ANTHRO subfields. Examples of methods courses include:

• ANTHRO 405: Forensic Anthropology 1
• ANTHRO 497: Study Abroad: 1
• ANTHRO 525: Zooarchaeology: Analysis of Faunal Remains 1
• ANTHRO 535: Analysis of Archaeological Ceramics 1
• ANTHRO 560: Introduction to Research Methods in Anthropology 1

Research Requirement Courses

Research requirement courses may also satisfy a methods and/or subfield requirement in the Anthropology major. Examples of research requirement courses include:

• ANTHRO 401: Primate Populations 1
• ANTHRO 497: Study Abroad: 1
• ANTHRO 525: Zooarchaeology: Analysis of Faunal Remains
• ANTHRO 535: Analysis of Archaeological Ceramics
• ANTHRO 560: Introduction to Research Methods in Anthropology

Three Anthropology Subfields

The Anthropology program at UWM is organized under three subfields:

Biological Anthropology

Biological Anthropology focuses on the study of human evolution, variation, and biology. Courses in this subfield include:

• ANTHRO 301: Human Evolution and Variation
• ANTHRO 401: Primate Populations 1
• ANTHRO 402: Primate Evolution
• ANTHRO 403: The Human Skeleton
• ANTHRO 404: Human Biological Variation

Archaeology

Archaeology focuses on the study of past human cultures through the analysis of material remains. Courses in this subfield include:

• ANTHRO 304: Violence and Warfare in Prehistory
• ANTHRO 305: The Celtic World
• ANTHRO 306: European Archaeology
• ANTHRO 307: World Archaeology: Foundations of Civilization
• ANTHRO 308: Archaeology of North America

Sociocultural Anthropology

Sociocultural Anthropology focuses on the study of human cultures and societies. Courses in this subfield include:

• ANTHRO 302: Anthropology and Popular Culture
• ANTHRO 314: American Indian Societies and Cultures
• ANTHRO 320: Peoples and Cultures of Africa
• ANTHRO 322: Europe in Anthropological Perspective
• ANTHRO 325: Japanese Culture and Society

Advising

The College of Letters and Science requires that students work with both a College Advisor and a Faculty Advisor. College Advisors assist students in defining their academic and life goals, creating an educational plan, and understanding curriculum and degree requirements. Faculty Advisors mentor students in the major, assist them in maximizing their development in the program, and provide guidance on opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, and career paths.

Accelerated Program Option

The Anthropology program is offered as part of an accelerated bachelor's/master's program. For more information, see Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Honors in the College of Letters and Science

The College of Letters and Science offers several honors options, including the Dean's Honor List, Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction, Commencement Honors, and Final Honors. Students who complete Honors College requirements, achieve a high cumulative GPA, or complete a minimum number of graded UWM credits may be eligible for these honors.