Nov 24, 2024  
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog

Anthropology — Elementary, BAE

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


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 Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual 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

Department Chair
Todd A. Koetje
Arntzen Hall 322
360-650-4791
tkoetje@wwu.edu

Department Manager
Mariah Perez
Anthropology Office
Arntzen Hall 315
360-650-2229
perezm21@wwu.edu

Elementary Education 
Professional Program Information

Miller Hall 300
360-650-3336
wce.wwu.edu/eled/
elementary-education

Teacher Education Admission
Miller Hall 254F
360-650-6161
wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact

 Sample Careers

Teaching

 Major/Career Resources

careercenter.wwu.edu/connectmajorcareer

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.

Declare your Anthropology — Elementary, BAE major as soon as you discover you are interested. Contact the Anthropology Department at 360-650-3620 or visit its website at chss.wwu.edu/anthropology for details.

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 Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual 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.

Requirements


Additional Requirements


Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements


Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education, Woodring College of Education

105 credits

Introduction

This program centers an anti-bias, anti-racist, social justice philosophy and leads to a recommendation to the state of Washington for a teaching certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Admission and Declaration Process

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

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Professional Field Experiences & Methods Courses (38 credits)