Anthropology Minor

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Anthropology Minor: A Global Perspective on Culture and Society

The Anthropology minor provides students with a diverse and interdisciplinary perspective on human societies, examining both historical and contemporary cultures through a holistic lens. By studying the symbols, rituals, and social structures that shape human life, students gain insight into how individuals and communities make sense of their world. The program covers key areas of the discipline, including cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistics, and applied anthropology, with an emphasis on the global issues and post-colonial dynamics that influence modern societies. Students are encouraged to apply anthropological theory and methods to real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, community engagement, and problem-solving skills. With a combination of foundational courses, specialized topics, internships, and research opportunities, the Anthropology minor offers a well-rounded approach to understanding the complexities of human behavior and societal development.

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 18 credits
  • Gain a broad understanding of human societies through multiple disciplines
  • Build practical skills in advocacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking
  • Apply your learning with hands-on internships and research projects

Requirements

Program Description

Anthropology is the holistic, comparative and interdisciplinary study of human beings in cultural context. Anthropologists study human beings and the symbols and rituals they use to create meaningful lives, and how they affect their worldviews. The Anthropology minor embraces the study of people's past and present in natural and social environments. Anthropology is an interdisciplinary social science that draws its methodology and theoretical understandings from the humanities as well as the social and natural sciences. The Anthropology minor uses the broad and current definition of the discipline, which uses a five field program of study that recognized global development and post-colonial economic and political forces at work in the world today. The five fields that students will be introduced to in their introductory coursework and can develop beyond the requirements include 1) cultural anthropology, 2) archeology, 3) biological anthropology, 4) linguistics, and 5) applied anthropology. Our minor emphasizes the practical application of anthropological theory and method of community support, advocacy, problem-solving and critical thinking perspective on global development.

Requirements for the Anthropology Minor - 18 credits

Core Requirements - 3 credits

Core Areas - 9 credits

Internship in Anthropology - 3 credits

  • SOCI 0300 - Internship in Sociology
  • This course may be used to fulfill the GERO 0370 for students who are also minoring in Gerontology or this course can be fulfilled through a related internship or practicum in another department with permission of the minor's advisor.  Alternatively students can complete this requirement through a research project from a related department or independent study with permission of the anthropology advisor.

Electives - 3 credits

Additional courses not listed may be used but require the approval of the Anthropology advisor.  In additional advances standing students may be able to fulfill requirements through independent studies from the Department of Sociology or the Department of Ethnic and Gender Studies with guidance of the Anthropology minor's advisor.  All requests for course approval should be submitted to the Anthropology advisor through the Department of Sociology or the Department of Ethnic and Gender Studies.

What Can You Do with an Anthropology Minor?

An anthropology minor can expand career opportunities and enrich various fields of study or work. Here are some possibilities:

  • Case Manager
  • Community Health Worker
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Cultural Resource Assistant
  • HR Assistant
  • Museum Assistant
  • Nonprofit Program Assistant
  • Research Assistant
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Broaden Your Perspective and Build Your Future

At Westfield State University, the Department of Sociology, Hispanic, Liberal, and Interdisciplinary Studies offers a transformative educational experience that prepares you for a successful career. You'll explore cultural frameworks, social structures, and global issues while developing communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. With hands-on learning, internships, and small class sizes, you'll receive personalized attention from expert faculty who are committed to supporting your academic and professional goals.

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Anthropology Minor