Anthropology

Britt Rhodes (department head), Colin Betts (program director)

With its broadly based curiosity about humankind, anthropology focuses upon a variety of human experiences. While archaeology and physical anthropology explore the biological and prehistoric aspects of that evolutionary process, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology examine those practices which have allowed human beings to emerge as manipulators of environments and creators of communities, customs, and myths.

In an area particularly rich with prehistoric Native American artifacts and earthen mounds, ethnic American technology and folkways, Luther's anthropology program tests its classroom studies and theories against such substantial cultural expressions. Additionally, a laboratory containing thousands of prehistoric and historic artifacts provides an environment where analysis integrates concepts from biology and geology, history and sociology, and all those other academic areas which lend understanding to the mosaic of human experience and evolution.

Required for a major: Minimum of 8 courses in anthropology, including ANTH 101, 102, 103, 104, 401 and one additional course numbered 300 or above. The senior project, if completed in anthropology, will be in addition to the 8 courses required for the major. The anthropology major is founded upon five core courses which define the holistic nature of the discipline. The 100-level core courses introduce students to the four subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. ANTH 401, taken in the junior year, is an exploration of the theoretical perspectives that have shaped the discipline.

Building upon this core each student will, in consultation with an advisor, develop an individualized program of study emphasizing personal interests and goals. Three or more electives in the discipline complete the major, but in planning the individualized program of study it is strongly recommended that students also consider complementary courses in other disciplines. Majors in anthropology are encouraged to have a field experience, accomplished either through regular course offerings, an internship or study abroad.

Students interested in teaching should see the education department for secondary education minor requirements.