Anthropology

J. Wies, Chairperson

www.bsu.edu/anthropology

As the study of humankind, anthropology is part of the social sciences at Ball State University. It draws upon theory, methodology, and data from the humanities and biological sciences as well. Cultural anthropology is concerned with the ways people organize themselves socially in different types of groups. Archaeology is concerned with how human culture has evolved and changed through time. Biological anthropology examines the evolution and adaptation of the species, and explores variations among past and present living populations, the biological bases of human behavior, and primate studies. Linguistics, which is taught in the Ball State University Department of English, is concerned with the nature and history of language and its role in human culture. The department offers cultural field trips in the United States and cultural field schools abroad, prehistoric and historic archaeological field schools, educational opportunities through Ball State’s Applied Anthropology Laboratory, and internship opportunities.

The anthropology major offers a core program designed to develop a foundation in anthropology and four specialized concentrations. Concentration 1 is intended for majors interested in a general degree in anthropology that covers cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. Concentration 2 is intended for majors specializing in archaeology including those who will continue their studies in a graduate program or who intend to pursue careers in cultural resource management. Concentration 3 is intended for majors who are interested in applied work in cultural anthropology. Concentration 4 is intended for majors who are interested in biological application within anthropology such as forensics and medical anthropology. All four concentrations prepare students for graduate studies. A concentration for department honors is also available. The department also offers a minor in anthropology.