Anthropology & Languages

Mission

The Department of Anthropology and Languages is committed to fostering a deep understanding of human diversity, past and present. By exploring the biological, socio-cultural, archaeological, and linguistic dimensions of human experience, we empower students to become critical thinkers, worldly citizens, and effective problem-solvers. Our programs provide rigorous academic training in anthropology and language studies, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing global challenges. Through research, teaching, and community engagement, we strive to preserve cultural heritage, promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Anthropology Goals

Students who have completed a graduate degree in Anthropology at Idaho State University should be able to:

1. Comprehend and critique core anthropological theories and debates within the Cultural, Biological, Archaeological, and Linguistic sub-disciplines.

2. Evaluate the appropriate application of a variety of Anthropological methods to sub-discipline specific research questions.

3. Articulate the relationship of humans to physical, cultural, and metaphysical environments.

4. Design and carry out research and application of methods and theories at a Master's level.

Anthropology Measurable Outcomes

The Thesis, Professional Paper, or Applied Project should show the following competencies based on the
learning objectives:

1. Write a proposal for the option that you choose. Working with your advisor, outline how you will complete your chosen option. Depending on the option you choose your proposal may include a library-based review of the topic, a description of your proposed research, or a description of an applied application of anthropological theory to a contemporary social issue.
2. Perform quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of data appropriate to the chosen sub-discipline if your option includes gathering data.
3. Competently conceive, conduct, and write research and/or applications of anthropology at a level suitable for publication.

Anthropology Admission Requirements

Prospective students must apply to the Graduate School and meet all criteria for admission. In addition, applicants must provide:

1. A letter of application, including areas of interest and professional goals, identifying an academic advisor in the Department of Anthropology;

2. A curriculum vitae;

3. Three letters of recommendation;

4. Official undergraduate transcripts and transcripts of any previous post-graduate coursework;

5. An undergraduate degree in anthropology is not required for acceptance into the program; however, students without upper division coursework in sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, and human origins equivalent to ANTH 5501, ANTH 5503, ANTH 5530, and an upper division linguistic anthropology course may will be required to take these courses or approved readings courses in consultation with their adviser before enrolling in content-respective graduate seminars.

Students admitted to the graduate program are considered Classified students. Some students may be admitted as Classified with performance requirements. These students must fulfill requirements indicated with their admission and are not eligible for a graduate teaching assistantship until they achieve Classified status.

Spanish MA Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will converse in Spanish at the ACTFL Advanced-Low level

2. Students will write in Spanish at the ACTFL Advanced-Low level

3. Students will identify and discuss major literary and historical moments in Hispanic letters

4. Students will analyze literary texts using appropriate critical frameworks

5. Students will identify and demonstrate contemporary pedagogical approaches to foreign language teaching 6. Students will design and create a research project that integrates their personal or professional aspirations with their Spanish coursework.

Spanish MA Admission Requirements

1. Applicants submit a complete online application and pay the application fee.
   1. Applicants send official transcript(s) of all university-level academic work to the Office of Graduate Admissions at Idaho State University. Students may upload unofficial transcripts to the application while they wait for official transcripts to arrive. If accepted, students may not register until all official transcripts have been received.
2. Applicants upload a 3-5 minute video Statement of Intent spoken in the Spanish language addressing a) their experience with the language, b) their goals, and c) how this program will help them reach those goals. This should not be a scripted response, but rather an example of your ability to speak extemporaneously in the Spanish language. 
   1. Alternatively, the applicant may submit a recent OPI evaluation (conducted in the past 4 years) as evidence of their speaking ability.
3. Applicants must submit a Writing sample in Spanish of at least 2.0 pages (approximately 1,000 words) that conforms to the traditional 5-paragraph essay structure. A university paper or professional report written in Spanish would be ideal. If the applicant does not have such, then the applicant should write a paper on a topic of their choice demonstrating command Spanish and using the aforementioned 5-paragraph structure to support a claim or thesis.
4. Applicants must provide emails of two references (non-family members)
   1. One of these references must be able to speak to the applicant’s academic qualifications and the applicant’s potential as a graduate student in an online program in Spanish (Desirable qualities include passion for Hispanic language and cultures, intelligence, work ethic, prioritization and time management skills, collegiality, professionalism, and resilience.) This recommender will be contacted to submit a letter of recommendation electronically.
   2. The other reference must be able to speak to the applicant's proficiency with the Spanish language and will be asked to complete an online form to this effect.

Anthropology Courses

Spanish Courses