Program Overview

Anthropology/Social Studies, BA

Introduction

Anthropology explores what it means to be human and encompasses the scientific study of diversity as well as similarities of all cultures of the world, past as well as present. Its scope includes human physical development, adaptation to vastly different environments, and creative expressions of meaning and belonging. The cross-cultural approach of Anthropology provides an inclusive and holistic framework for understanding all facets of humanity.

The Anthropology Department provides training in four sub-disciplines: Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Physical Anthropology, and Anthropological Linguistics. Using ethnographic, comparative, and ethnohistorical methods and working in partnerships with communities and peoples worldwide, anthropologists contribute in multiple ways to addressing contemporary human problems and highlighting evidence that points to both past and potential solutions.

Why Consider an Anthropology/Social Studies major?

Do you find human diversity and various cultures fascinating? Do you appreciate the benefits of examining topics from multiple perspectives and value a holistic approach to learning? 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 and open-minded? If you are also excited about transmitting that enthusiasm and understanding to others, a major in Anthropology/Social Studies may be for you. Students earning a degree in Anthropology/Social Studies will be able to apply their knowledge and experience to a variety of careers locally and globally, particularly in settings for learning and teaching such as schools and learning across the life span.

To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the teacher certification program, including the content methods course SEC 426, offered by the Department of Secondary Education, as a part of the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree, or as a post-baccalaureate program, or as a part of the Master’s in Teaching degree. See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements. Completion of this combined major leads to an endorsement in social studies.

Requirements (88-91 credits)

• ANTH 201 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (5 credits)
• ANTH 210 - Introduction to Archaeology (5 credits)
• ANTH 215 - Introductory Biological Anthropology (5 credits)
• ANTH 481 - Childhood and Culture (5 credits)
• ANTH 496 - Portfolio Assembly (1 credit)
• ENVS 204 - Human Geography (4 credits)
• HIST 103 - Introduction to American Civilization: American History to 1865 (5 credits)
• HIST 104 - Introduction to American Civilization: American History Since 1865 (5 credits)
• HIST 121 - World History to 500 (5 credits)
• HIST 123 - World History, 1500 to the Present (5 credits)
• HIST 391 - History of the Pacific Northwest (5 credits)
• PLSC 250 - The American Political System (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECON 446 - Economics for the Teacher (3 credits) (preferred)
• One course from:
  • ECON 207 - Introduction to Macroeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECON 447 - Methods for Teaching About the National Economy in the Public Schools (3 credits) (preferred)
• One of the following:
  • ENVS 320 - GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science (4 credits)
  • ENVS 342 - Geography of the World Economy (4 credits)
• Electives under departmental advisement — at least one course from each of the following groups:
  • Cultural area courses:
  • ANTH 361 - Indigeneity and Colonialism (5 credits)
  • ANTH 362 - Anthropological Perspectives on Asia (5 credits)
  • ANTH 365 - Latin American Perspectives (5 credits)
  • ANTH 462 - Critical Issues in Indigenous Northwest Studies (5 credits)
  • ANTH 463 - Critical Issues in East and Southeast Asia (5 credits)
  • ANTH 465 - Critical Issues in Mexico and Central America (5 credits)
  • ANTH 476 - Borderlands (5 credits)
  • Topical cultural anthropology courses:
  • ANTH 247 - Intro to Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
  • ANTH 330 - Religion and Culture (5 credits)
  • ANTH 338 - Economic Anthropology (5 credits)
  • ANTH 353 - Sex and Gender in Culture (5 credits)
  • ANTH 424 - Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
  • ANTH 453 - Women of the Global South (5 credits)
  • ANTH 480 - Applied Anthropology (5 credits)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.