The Undergraduate Anthropology Program

Anthropology is a field of study that deals with both the biological and cultural aspects of humanity. Its basic concerns include the organic evolution of the human species; the origin, development and integration of customs, techniques, social relationships, and beliefs that define a way of life (culture) of human social groups; and the interrelations among these biological and cultural factors in human behavior.

Anthropology is divided into four major areas of study: anthropological archeology, biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology.

Anthropological Archaeology seeks to understand the human past by examining the preserved remains of human activities. Through analyses of material culture, anthropological archeologists explore changes in the social, economic, and symbolic organization of human societies over the longest possible time span.


Biological Anthropology considers human evolutionary history, the causes of present-day genetic diversity, and biological aspects of human behavior. It draws on the evidence and concepts of paleontology, primate studies, population genetics, growth and nutrition, and ecology.

 

Sociocultural Anthropology describes, analyzes, and compares the widest possible range of human cultures and social institutions, with emphasis on the present day. While some sociocultural anthropologists concentrate on societies that differ from our own in scale or cultural history and way of life, others examine contemporary European and American societies with the wider perspective gained from looking at other cultures and societies.

 

Linguistic Anthropology views language as one of the most distinctive characteristics of human beings. It studies language in the context of human evolution, social relationships, and cultural forms, and it explores the role of languages and ways of speaking in cultural difference and social action.

 

Anthropology can be an important component of a liberal arts education, complementing a wide variety of fields. While the undergraduate concentration program provides an excellent foundation for more advanced work in anthropology, it is not intended to be solely a preprofessional program. Many of our concentrators pursue advanced degrees in other disciplines, such as law, medicine, social work, public health, education, and history. Others find a concentration or coursework in anthropology helpful in government service or in a variety of international organizations and businesses. A number of our concentrators choose to combine an anthropology concentration with a second field of study. We also offer minors in the sub-disciplines of anthropology.

 

The Undergraduate Advisor will provide interested students with information and guidance in planning a concentration or minor. Upon review of the information below, we encourage you to meet with the Advisor in order to discuss specific courses and ways in which anthropology can contribute to your career goals.  You may schedule an appointment on-line at the following website http://www.lsa.umich.edu/anthro/undergrad_students/index.htm or contact the Department by telephone at 734-764-7274.

 

I.             Concentrations in Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology offers two undergraduate concentration programs, Anthropology and Evolutionary Anthropology, a joint program with the biology department. A third concentration, Social Anthropology is a joint program whose home department is Sociology. Students interested in pursuing Social Anthropology should contact the Sociology Department and may also speak with the general anthropology advisor.

1.           The Anthropology Concentration

The undergraduate Anthropology Program emphasizes the commitment of this department to four-field anthropology, providing exposure to Anthropological Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Sociocultural Anthropology and Linguistic Anthropology. This holistic approach serves Anthropology's intellectual goal to achieve a comprehensive and comparative understanding of humanity. An undergraduate concentration in Anthropology contributes to a liberal arts education, offering a disciplined awareness of human behavior and social institutions in different times and places.

Prerequisites to Concentration: ANTHRCUL 101 and ANTHRBIO 161 are recommended.

Concentration Program: Concentrators are expected to include at least one course in each of four subdivisions: anthropological archaeology, biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology. The remaining credit hours may be distributed within anthropology according to the student's chosen area of specialization and interests. At least 30 credits beyond the 100 level are required, 15 of which must be completed in residence at the University of Michigan unless approved by the undergraduate advisor. 15 of the required 30 credits must be completed in the department unless approved by the undergraduate advisor. Students should be aware that classes taken in Classical Archaeology and Linguistics do not fulfill this requirement unless they are cross-listed with the Anthropology Department. Note that the University does not permit more than 60 hours of coursework in the concentration. Courses in the concentration may not be taken pass/fail.

Please note that the following courses do not count toward the 30 credit requirement: ANTHRCUL 101, ANTHRBIO 161.

a)            Seminars

Students are strongly encouraged to elect at least one undergraduate seminar in anthropology. Seminars explore a specific anthropological topic in great depth in a smaller setting that offer greater opportunity for faculty-student interaction and involve more student participation than do  lecture courses.

 

b)            Independent reading and research

Some students would like to explore a particular anthropological topic in greater depth than is possible in regular coursework. Independent reading and research opportunities may be arranged in consultation with a faculty member. No more than 3 hours of independent reading or research (Anth. 471, 499) count toward the 30 credit hour requirement for the concentration. This does not imply that a student may not take more than three hours of independent work within the department.

 

c)            Cognates

It is recommended that all concentrators include at least two cognates that are selected in consultation with their concentration advisor. Cognates are classes outside of the concentration which, combined with classes in anthropology, offer students a broader perspective on the issues and topics that interest them. For example, a student interested in a particular region of the world will find classes in the area studies programs, sociology, or history that will be useful to them in pursuing their academic career. A student interested in a particular topic, such as religion, education, development or ecological issues, will find courses in other departments that supplement classes taken in anthropology. Students primarily interested in biological anthropology may wish to explore classes in biology, geology, or psychology, to name a few possibilities. Similarly anthropological archaeology students may select classes in history, area studies programs, classical archaeology, geology, or the program in the environment (PITE). The undergraduate advisor can help you develop a coherent program, including the use of cognates.

Please note that cognates do not count toward the required 30 credits for the concentration.

 

d)            Additional Information for those interested in Sociocultural Anthropology and Anthropological Archaeology

 

i)             Students Primarily Interested in Sociocultural Anthropology

For students primarily interested in sociocultural anthropology, we strongly recommend at least one course in each of the following categories: (1) regional courses; (2) topical courses; and (3) theory/method courses (classes are divided by category under Roster of Anthropology courses by subgroup in the LSA Bulletin, or in the Undergrad Courses by Sub-field handout available in the department or on the department website).

 

ii)            Students primarily interested in Anthropological Archaeology

 

For students primarily interested in anthropological archaeology, we strongly recommend taking the following sequence of courses:

 

1.    Anthrarc 282: Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology

2.    Anthrarc 385: Archaeology of Early Humans

3.    Anthrarc 386: Early Civilizations

 

The goal of these three courses is to give students a general introduction to anthropological archaeology and an overview of world prehistory. In addition to these three courses, students are encouraged to take at least two area courses: one that examines the archaeological record in the New World and one focused on the Old World.

 

e)         Students interested in Medical Anthropology

 

University regulations prohibit students from officially declaring a minor in the department of their concentration. However, the Department of Anthropology wishes to recognize those Anthropology graduates who have successfully completed the coursework required to fulfill a minor in Medical Anthropology as part of their concentration program. To that end, all anthropology concentrators who have fulfilled the requirements for the medical anthropology minor will be provided with an official document, signed by the department chair, indicating that they have done so. Students who have interest in medical anthropology may refer to section III. Academic Minors in Anthropology for requirements of the academic minor in medical anthropology. Students should let the undergraduate advisor know of their plans to complete this coursework. 

 

 

2.           The Evolutionary Anthropology Concentration

 

Evolutionary Anthropology is a joint concentration, requiring courses from the Biology and Anthropology departments as well as other LSA departments. It combines anthropological and zoological perspectives in the study of humans and related species. It is particularly appropriate for students planning to continue in the health sciences and for students interested in "whole organism" biology and ecology. Thus, many Evolutionary Anthropology concentrators are pre-med, while others are planning to pursue careers in Natural Resource Management, Conservation, Animal Behavior and a variety of other fields. The concentration is comprised of courses in Biological Anthropology and in Biology; no courses in the other sub-disciplines of anthropology are required. Because evolutionary biology is its primary theoretical orientation, with less emphasis placed on the cultural orientation of Anthropology, Evolutionary Anthropology differs from Biological Anthropology within the Anthropology concentration. In contrast, the Biological Anthropology concentration is grounded within four-field anthropology and has a stronger focus on the role of culture in human evolution and biological variation. Interested students should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Anthropology Department.

 

Prerequisites to Concentration: BIOLOGY 171, 172, 173 and ANTHRBIO 161.

 

Concentration Program: Requires 32 credits distributed as follows:

 

A. Anthropology: A minimum of four courses below, at least two of which must be at the 400-level or above, and must represent two of the three groups:*

 

1. Evolution, Paleontology, Morphology:                                     

 

ANTHRBIO 265, Human Evolutionary Anatomy (3)

ANTHRBIO 351, The Origins of Modern Humanity (4)

ANTHRBIO 360, Race and Human Evolution (4)

ANTHRBIO 365, Human Evolution (4)                                 

ANTHRBIO 465, Primate Functional Anatomy (3)

ANTHRBIO 564, Hominid Origins (4)

ANTHRBIO 565, Evolution of Genus Homo (4)                   

ANTHRBIO 566, Lab in Human Osteology (4)

ANTHRBIO 569, Hominoid Evolution (3-4)

 

2. Primatology, Ecology, Behavior:                                                           

 

ANTHRBIO 361, Biology, Society, and Culture (4)

ANTHRBIO 368/Psych 338, Primate Social Behavior (4)    

ANTHRBIO 467, Human Behavioral Ecology (4)

ANTHRBIO 468/Psych 439/WomenStd 468, Behavioral Biology of Women (4)

ANTHRBIO 560, Human Reproductive Ecology (3)

ANTHRBIO 562, Human Nature (2)                         

ANTHRBIO 568, Primate Behavioral Ecol. and Sociobiology (3)

 

3. Genetic, Growth, Adaptation, Race:                                         

 

ANTHRBIO 362, Problems of Race (3)

ANTHRBIO 364, Nutrition and Evolution (4)             

ANTHRBIO 450/451, Molecular Anthropology/Lab (3/3)

ANTHRBIO 452, Population Genetics & Anthropology (4)

ANTHRBIO 461, Genetic Basis of Human Evolution (3)

ANTHRBIO 462, Ecological & Genetic Variation in Human Pop. (3)

ANTHRBIO 464, Nutritional Functional Anthropometry (4)

ANTHRBIO 563, Mechanisms of Human Adaptation (4)

 

*Courses taken as ANTHRBIO 469 (Topics in Biological Anthropology) or graduate-level topics courses can be counted in the appropriate group.

 

B. Biology: A minimum of three courses representing both groups below:

 

1. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology:

                                                                       

BIOLCHEM 415, Introductory Biochemistry (3)

BIOLOGY 207, Introductory Microbiology (4)

BIOLOGY 225/226, Principles of Animal Physiology (3/2)

BIOLOGY 305, Genetics (3)                         

EEB 341, Parasitology (4)

EEB 490, Population and Quantitative Genetics (3)

MCDB 307/308, Developmental Biology (3/3)

MCDB 310, Introductory Biochemistry (3)    

MCDB 311, Introductory Biochemistry (3)    

PHYSIOL 201, Introduction to Human Physiology (4)

PHYSIOL 502, Human Physiology (4)

PHYSIOL 541/ANAT 541/BIOLOGY 541/PSYCH 532, Mammalian Reproductive Endocrinology (4)

PSYCH 438, Hormones and Behavior (3)    

 

2. Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior:

 

BIOLOGY 252, Chordate Anatomy and Phylogeny (4) 

EEB 315/ENVIRON 315, The Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (3)

EEB 381/ENVIRON 381, General Ecology (5)

EEB 390, Evolution (3)

EEB 451/ENVIRON 451/NRE 451, Biology of Mammals (4)

EEB 472, Plant-Animal Interactions (3)                     

EEB 476/ENVIRON 476/NRE 476, Ecosystem Ecology (3)                                   

EEB 492, Behavioral Ecology (5)

ENVIRON 281/BIOLOGY 281, General Ecology (3)

ENVIRON 415/EEB 424/NRE 415, Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Biology (4)

ENVIRON 425/EEB 496/NRE 425, Applied Population Ecology (4)

GEOSCI 418, Paleontology (3)

GEOSCI 419, Paleontology Lab (1)

GEOSCI 437, Evolution of Vertebrates (4)

GEOSCI 438, Evolution of the Primates (4)

GEOSCI 439, Fossil Record and Evolution of Mammals (4)

PSYCH 335, Introduction to Animal Behavior (4)

PSYCH 530, Topics in Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology: Behavior of Wolves and Dogs (3)

 

C. Any remaining credits required to complete the concentration may be selected, subject to approval by the program advisor, from other biological anthropology or biology courses on the list or from courses in other departments relevant to the concentration.

 

3.           The Social Anthropology Concentration

 

This interdepartmental program combines study in the Departments of Anthropology and Sociology. Mutual interest in problems of social organization and culture provides the interdisciplinary focus for the program. The program is designed to acquaint student with the factual, methodological, and theoretical contributions of sociologists and anthropologists.

Interested students should contact the Sociology Department to declare the concentration and may also speak with the general anthropology advisor.

 

Prerequisites: Anthropology 101 or 222 and Sociology 100, 109, or 400.

 

Requirements: At least 36 credits from anthropology and sociology distributed as follows:

 

A. Anthropology: Six courses in sociocultural anthropology, including at least one regional, topical, and theory/method course.

B. Sociology: 210 (elementary statistics), 310 (Research Methods), and four other courses. At least one of these courses must be from those listed under the heading general sociology chosen with approval of the concentration advisor.

 


II.       Honors Program

 

Students interested in conducting independent scholarly research in one of the subfields of anthropology and who qualify (have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher) are encouraged to consider writing an honors thesis in anthropology. Previous participation in the College Honors program is not a prerequisite for doing an honors concentration in anthropology. Seniors admitted to the honors concentration conduct research during their senior year under the supervision of two faculty members: the honors advisor in the subfield and a thesis advisor who works with the student on his/her individual research project.

 

During their junior year, students interested in honors should meet with the undergraduate advisor and the honors advisor in a particular subfield to discuss their plans for an honors research project.  Interested students will submit a short application briefly discussing their thesis research interests (deadline in late March).  During their senior year, students will enroll in a seminar in their research subfield: sociocultural and linguistic anthropology (Anthrcul 398), anthropological archaeology (Anthrarc 398), or an honors independent study course for biological anthropology (Anthrbio 398). These courses are focused on helping students design, conduct, and complete their honors thesis research.  At the end of their senior year, students will give a short presentation on their thesis research.

An honors thesis includes original research and is greater in scope than a course term paper.  Students are encouraged to explore topics that build on their individual interests.  Honors students in anthropological archaeology often conduct research on collections in the Museum of Anthropology. Sociocultural and linguistic anthropology honors students should plan on doing some participant observation or other field research. Biological anthropology honors students often conduct research on primates or skeletal remains.

 

Interested students should consult the Undergraduate Anthropology Advisor with any questions.

 

Prerequisites for an honors concentration in particular subfields of anthropology:

 

Students interested in completing an honors concentration in sociocultural anthropology are required to take a sociocultural or linguistic anthropology theory/method course (please see the Undergraduate Courses by Subfield document).

 

Students interested in anthropological archaeology should have taken Anthrarc 282 or have had archaeological field or laboratory experience.

 

 

III.          Academic Minors in Anthropology

 

Anthropology at the University of Michigan emphasizes four-field training. Our concentrators gain anthropological understanding of the human condition through exposure to Anthropological Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Sociocultural Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology.

Many students, however, take our courses to supplement other concentrations or out of general interest and have less need for four-field training. Academic minors in anthropology may benefit these students, providing structure to their course elections, and allowing thoughtful integration of anthropology into their academic plans. The department offers three minors: Anthropology (tracks in Archaeological, Sociocultural, and Linguistic Anthropology), Biological Anthropology, and Medical Anthropology.

 

Students wishing to pursue an academic minor in Anthropology must develop a specific plan for its completion in consultation with the Department’s designated advisor. Appointments are scheduled on-line at www.lsa.umich.edu/anthro/undergrad_students/index.htm by calling the department office at 734-764-7274.

 

 

1.   Anthropology


The sub-disciplines of anthropology are natural complements to many concentrations. The minor in Anthropology allows students with particular regional or topical interests to add an anthropological perspective to their studies, whether sociocultural, linguistic or archeological. Students may choose a track that emphasizes Sociocultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, or Anthropological Archaeology.

 

 

Prerequisites to the Academic Minor: None

 

Academic Minor Program: At least 16 credits in one “track” to be chosen from the following tracks, as described below.


1. Sociocultural Anthropology:

 

a)      One general introduction to Anthropology: ANTHRCUL 101 or 222.

b)      One upper-level course in anthropological theory from those listed under Sociocultural Anthropology - Theory/Method in the LSA Bulletin or under Course Info at: www.lsa.umich.edu/anthro/undergrad_students/index.htm.

c)      Three additional anthropology courses, chosen in consultation with the advisor. At least one must be at the 400-level, and one must be a regional course.

 

2. Linguistic Anthropology:

 

a)    One general introduction to Anthropology; Anthrcul 101 is recommended.

b)    ANTHRCUL 272.

c)    At least three upper-level courses from those listed under Linguistic Anthropology in the LSA bulletin or under Course Info at: www.lsa.umich.edu/anthro/undergrad_students/index.htm.

 

3. Anthropological Archaeology:

 

a)    ANTHRARC 282.

b)    ANTHRARC 385 or 386.

c)    Three additional regularly offered courses in anthropological archaeology, two of which must be 300-level or above, chosen from ANTHRARC 258, 285, 283, 284, 381, 382, 383, 385, 386, 392, 394, 407, 442, 482, 484, 490, or 495.

d)    Other less regularly taught courses in anthropological archaeology may also be used. Consult the undergraduate advisor for more information. Field courses (ANTHRARC 400 or 487) and Independent Reading and Research (ANTHRARC 499) may not be used toward the academic minor.

 

2.   Biological Anthropology

 

The academic minor in Biological Anthropology allows students with interests in evolutionary biology or medicine to add an anthropological perspective to their studies. Many students are interested in specific topics covered by Biological Anthropology, such as Human Evolution, the Evolution of Human Behavior, Primatology, Nutrition and Adaptation, Human Genetics, etc. Thus, an academic minor in biological anthropology offers several "tracks" to students depending on their interests.

 

Prerequisites to Academic Minor: None.

 

Academic Minor Program:  At least 16 hours, to be chosen from the following categories as stated:

 

1. ANTHRBIO 161: Introduction to Biological Anthropology.
2. At least four upper-level courses in biological anthropology (ANTHRBIO), chosen in consultation with an advisor, one of which must be at the 400-level or above.

 

3.   Medical Anthropology

 

Not open to students electing the Science, Technology, and Society academic minor in the Residential College.

 

The academic minor in Medical Anthropology allows students to focus on the social basis of illness and healing from different cultural perspectives. The academic minor might be elected by students interested in client-practitioner interactions, traditional and complementary medicine, the production of medical knowledge, body politics, bioethics, and reproductive health, among other topics. It might also be relevant for those students interested in adding anthropological perspectives to their preparation for a career in medicine, public health, and other health sciences.

 

Prerequisites to the Academic Minor:  Anthrcul 101 or 222 (recommended).

 

Academic Minor Program:  At least 16 credits from courses to be chosen from the following categories as stated:

 

  1. Anthrcul 344, Medical Anthropology (4 credit hours).

 

  1. Choose four courses from the following list:

 

Anthrcul 232, Genes, Genealogies, Identities: Anthropological Perspectives (4)

Anthrcul 256, Culture, Adaptation and Environment (3)

Anthrcul 258, Culture & Medicine (3)

Anthrcul 325/Womenstd 324, Childbirth & Culture (4)

Anthrcul 327, Critical Theory in Medicine and Healing (4)

Anthrcul 352, Anthropology of the Body (3)

Anthrcul 357, Ethnographies of Medical Anthropology (3)

Anthrbio 364, Nutrition & Evolution (4)

CAAS 365/Womenstd 365, Global Perspectives on Gender, Health, & Reproduction (3)

CAAS 409/Anthrcul 408, Maternal/Child Health & Environmental Pollution in Africa (3)

CAAS 458/Womenstd 483, Gender, Poverty, and Health (3)

History/CAAS 355, Health & Illness in African Worlds (3)

Or a course(s) approved by Undergraduate Advisor

 

The minor must include at least 2 courses at the 300-level or above.

 


IV. Other Resources

 

Anthropology Club: The Anthropology club is comprised of a group of students interested in anthropology who meet on a regular basis for a variety of activities. Some of the possible events are informal talks with faculty members, movies, and field trips. It is organized by the members, with aid from the Anthropology Advisor and the Undergraduate Student Services Associate. The Club meets on a bi-weekly basis. Please call 764-7274 for exact dates and times, or check the News & Events section of the website. Please come, even if you can't stay for the entire meeting. The Anthropology Club is a great place to meet new people, get new ideas, learn about career opportunities, graduate schools and lots of other things. It is always fun to meet others with like interests! You don't need to be a concentrator to come. Free refreshments provided.

 

The Mischa Titiev Library: The Mischa Titiev Library, established in 1976, has an extensive collection of anthropology books in all the subdisciplines as well as a collection of professional journals for both reference and circulation. In addition, the Library has audio-visual equipment for anthropological research. The Library is located in room 211 West Hall and is open to all students enrolled in anthropology classes and faculty of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Professors may put class materials on reserve in this library. Hours vary from semester to semester.

 

A.G. Ruthven Museums Library: The Museums library contains publications related especially to natural history and systematics. The anthropology section is housed in the Museum of Anthropology (on the fourth floor). Other sections of interest to anthropology students include a Mammalogy Library on living primates and a Paleontology Library containing works on fossil primates. These are housed on the second floor of the A.G. Ruthven Museum.

Museum of Anthropology: This museum is a separate University unit administered by the Director of the Museum. All members of the curatorial staff of the museum offer instruction and hold academic titles in the Anthropology Department. The collections and laboratory facilities of the Museum of Anthropology are made available to qualified students in the Department of Anthropology for instruction and research. The Museum has extensive collections of material on the sociocultural anthropology and archaeology of the Great Lakes Region and of the Eastern United States. Other major collections include cultural materials from the American Southwest; materials from  Japan, China and Tibet; and considerable archaeological, cultural and skeletal material from the Philippines. There are smaller, representative collections from Africa, Oceania, Latin America and Europe. While no formal program in museology is offered, two courses in Museum Techniques (ANTHRARC 496 and 497) provide an opportunity to learn museum research methodology and administration through individually supervised work.

 

The UM Training Program in Archeology: The UM Training Program in Archaeology provides students with a unique opportunity to participate in original field research. Students receive training in basic methods of archaeological survey, excavation, artifact recording and analysis, while participating in ongoing research in the area chosen by the course director. Field training is integrated with lectures on archaeological method and theory, and the prehistory and ethnography of the area under study. Laboratory sessions introduce students to the analysis of archaeological artifacts, including stone tools, ceramics, animal bones, and plant remains. In addition to learning the basic technical skills of field archaeology, each students works together with the program director and staff to develop a small but original research problem, based on the archaeological data recovered and analyzed during excavations. The results of this research are presented as a written paper at the end of the field session.

 

For the highly motivated Michigan student, each fall academic term following the field session the Department of Anthropology offers laboratory courses of independent research (ANTHRARC 496 and 499 or ANTHRCUL 499) that allow the student to continue the research he or she began in the field, refining the original research question, expanding the data base, and producing by the end of the term a more comprehensive and sophisticated paper. Through independent research students also learn about the long-term curation in museums of archaeological materials. Research by the most dedicated and professionally motivated students may be developed into undergraduate Honors theses (ANTHRBIO 398, ANTHRCUL 398, or ANTHRARC 398).

 

 

Study Abroad, Field School and Internship Opportunities: Anthropology students can benefit a great deal from experiential programs such as study abroad, field school and internship opportunities (please see  above for UM field school opportunities in anthropological archeology). The International Center, Career Planning and Placement, Office of International Programs, and anthropology undergraduate advising in 101 West Hall can each help you locate these opportunities.

 

Work Study: The Anthropology department has openings for work study students in the office and the Mischa Titiev Library. Concentrators who qualify may wish to apply for these.

 

Talks: The department sponsors public talks and lectures, both formal and informal, throughout the Fall and Winter terms. All students are welcome to attend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated 3/18/2009