Anthropology — Elementary, BAE

Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

45 Credits

Introduction

The Anthropology Department offers a combined major in accordance with the Woodring College of Education requirements. Anthropology is particularly valuable for teachers, because it provides a broad understanding of human behavior. Teachers often work with students of various cultural backgrounds and an awareness of specific cultural learning influences, attitudes, motivations, and patterns of interaction is an integral part of working effectively and respectfully in diverse communities. This is the basis of the core subjects in cultural anthropology.

This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.

Why Consider an Anthropology Elementary Major?

Through the required basic courses in Anthropology, education majors will acquire an understanding of the nature of human beings, the evolution of the human species and the tremendous variation of cultural traits that are both our heritage and potential. Through faculty advisement, prospective students will be informed of advanced coursework that are beneficial combinations to complete individual academic goals. One possible emphasis is the culture of the Native American Indians–a subject that most elementary teacher cover at some point in their curriculum. Another emphasis may be cultural minority groups in the Pacific Northwest. The relationship of cultural learning to personality development and the relationship of cultural expectations to the learning process itself are other important areas covered by courses which may be taken as part of the Anthropology Education Major.

Contact Information

Anthropology Department Chair Todd Koetje Arntzen Hall 334 360-650-4791 Todd.Koetje@wwu.edu	Anthropology Undergraduate Advisor James Loucky Arntzen Hall 322 360-650-3615 James.Loucky@wwu.edu	Anthropology Office Arntzen Hall 315 360-650-3620
Elementary Education  Professional Program Information Miller Hall 300 360-650-3336 wce.wwu.edu/eled/ elementary-education	Teacher Education Admissions Miller Hall 150 360-650-3313 wce.wwu.edu/admission	Elementary Education Program Manager Miller Hall 301D 360-650-7948

Sample Careers

Actuary | Financial Planner/Analyst | Government | Investment Banker | Budget Analyst | Banking Securities | Financial Economist | Business Forecaster

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Contact the Department of Anthropology at (360) 650-3620 or visit their office in Arntzen Hall 315 to declare the major and connect with a departmental advisor.

Advising Tips: Students are advised to declare their major early in their academic career. Anthropology advisors will provide information about the program, help develop a plan of study and answer any questions.

See the Elementary Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for courses in the elementary education professional program and all courses required for the endorsement.