A. Curricular/Research/Programmatic needs
Anthropology, in the narrowest sense of the word, is the science of man. In the current sense of the word, it brings together many disciplines: cultural (social) anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology and linguistics. In addition, each sub-discipline has numerous subdivisions, of which folklore is one. The Department offers a BA or BS undergraduate degree and two graduate degrees, an MA and a Ph.D. The department offers a new master's degree, Professional Applications of Anthropology, and new materials for this program may be needed. Special program emphases include: "agriculture and the environment; social inequality and social institutions; public policy and cultural impact assessment; systems of communication and meaning; and medical and legal issues". A particular program of importance is the Culture/Resources/Power Concentration in Sociocultural Anthropology. In addition, the Department offers field course work in archaeology. Finally, there is a strong connection between the Anthropology Department and the MSU Museum, with many Anthropology faculty holding adjunct positions on the Museum staff.
B. History of the Collection/Existing Strengths and Emphases
To support instruction, teaching, and research for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs in cultural (social) anthropology, physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology. Major areas of interest are Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the North America. Specific subjects areas include: medical anthropology, cultural change, and language. Archaeology and folklore continue to be areas of research interest.
