Anthropology Department

Department at a Glance

ABOUT THE ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENT
(revised Fall 2009)

Anthropology is the study and understanding of humans in all places and throughout time, including the effects of culture on individuals and of individuals on their society. Anthropology offers a perspective for critically analyzing culture and prepares students for multicultural career settings in the United States and abroad. We offer both an anthropology major and minor; B.A. and B.S. Anthropology contributes substantially to the General Education Program, teaching four Foundation Courses, nine Theme Courses, ten World Perspectives courses and one U.S. Diversity course. The Anthropology Department currently has 130+  (compared to 20 majors in 1990) and 50+ minors.

At a Glance:

Unit Head: Dr. Russell Rhoads
Coordinator: Cindy Zehner
Curator of Archaeology Lab: Dr. Janet Brashler
Lab Supervisor: Dr. Ann Kroll Lerner
Academic Year System: Semester
Highest Degree Offered: BA/BS
Student Clubs/Organizations: Anthropology Club; Lambda Alpha Honor Society Description/Special Programs: Summer field schools in archaeology and ethnology, internships in museum studies, cultural resource management, Native American studies, study abroad program.
Research Facilities: Anth Lab with part-time supervisor; full-time staff
Support Opportunities: Richard E Flanders Anth Scholarship ($5,000/year); Walton B. Koch Anthropology Scholarship ($1,500/yr)
Publication: Student Publication "The Anthropology Advocate"
Address:
1138 AuSable Hall Allendale, MI 49401, USA    Ph: (616) 331-2325 Fx: (616) 331-2328 E-mail:rhoadsr@gvsu.edu

Programs: The department offers anthropology B.A. and B.S. majors, a minor in anthropology, and participates in the Inter-departmental Minor in Archaeology. In addition, Anthropology contributes substantially to the General Education Program, teaching four Foundation Courses, nine Theme Courses, ten World Perspectives courses and one US Diversity course.

 

The Anthropology Department currently has over 130 majors and 55 (registered) minors.

 

The Anthropology Department offers various opportunities for students:

 

1. Fieldwork, Research, and Internship Opportunities

The anthropology program regularly sponsors field schools in archaeology and cultural anthropology. Summer programs are locally based and are accessible to commuters as well as on-campus students. Students join faculty on research projects at sites ranging from local to international. Our Internship Program connects students to local and international organizations.

 

2. Anthropology Lab

The anthropology lab houses a collection of over 200,000 artifacts from more than 100 sites.  It is available to faculty and students for class-based and independent research. The Anthropology Lab is the academic, research, and social hub of the department. Our lab is located in 249 LMH. 

 

3. Honors Organization

Lambda Alpha is the National Scholastic anthropology fraternity. Grand Valley State University’s Michigan Beta Chapter of Lambda Alpha is dedicated to promoting and recognizing scholarly achievement by students working toward degrees or minors in anthropology; or students with a strong interest and background in anthropology.

 

4. Anthropology Club

The Anthropology Club is open to all majors and interested students. It works with Lambda Alpha Honor Society in sponsoring speakers and fundraising events and participates in local, regional, and national meetings of anthropology. The club is involved in local and international community service projects.

 

5. The department offers two scholarships for anthropology majors and minors

  • Richard E. Flanders (University Club Scholarship)

  • Walter Boston Koch Scholarship

  • A third scholarship, the George Quimby Scholarship, is scheduled for future payout.