Although not many may be aware, Oakland University’s Golden Grizzlies are able to acquire a minor in Archeology thanks to Anthropology Professor Spencer-Wood. The department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice provides an additional minor to the Anthropology program in order to further student’s success.
The study of archaeology, which is the study of human activity through recovered material, is a subfield of anthropology, the study of human culture past and present. Having such a minor would allow for students of “majors in sciences, math, computer science, history, art or other non-anthropology majors who are interested in applying their major to archaeology,” the schedule catalog says.
“I found out about the Archaeology minor while choosing my concentration for my Anthropology major. I found out about the Anthropology program in May of 2023,” Alexandria Knox, an anthropology major, said. “I believe a student that loves history and does not mind getting dirty while exploring is the perfect student for this minor. You have to be very open-minded in this minor, as things change all the time, as new information is presented.”
Whether it is soil science in geology, chemistry in artifact dating or measuring isotopes in teeth to figure out when a person was born, Spencer-Wood explained that archaeology can be integrated to any major, opening career opportunities in museums, government agencies and labs that otherwise students wouldn’t have thought about.
“For me, I hope to work in the United States National Parks in preserving the importance of natural beauty, as Former President Roosevelt intended,” Knox said. Having a background in art, she has found that a minor in archeology would be incredibly helpful for the future of her career.
“This minor is useful in this career, as archaeology is all about preservation,” Knox said. The National Parks also preserve historical sites of famous people or important ones of those who came before us. This helps us and future generations learn about history in an unbiased and accurate way.
Spencer-Wood highlights that archaeology is a good way to create cultural bridges between people at a time of political tensions. This is because it allows one to understand the history of those around us and how modern worldviews have continued to evolve.
Spencer-Woods has taught Konx in various courses like archeological theory, human evolution through archaeology and ancient civilization. She highlights curiosity as a key trait to succeed and enjoy the archaeology path.
“These classes are bursting with so much information that it’s almost impossible for her to share the extent needed,” Knox said.
Professor Spencer-Woods has shared that her wishes with this minor are for students who hold different majors like chemistry, biology, environmental science and graphic design can use archaeology to enhance their careers. For chemists to use data to identify prehistoric diets, biologists to study human remains, environmentalists to study geology and for artists to properly showcase what materials once meant to civilizations of the past.
Archaeology can be used as a manner to tie differentiating careers that focus on various fields to learn from the past. The world of archaeology, and its corresponding areas of knowledge, implement a level of resourcefulness in learning about the differences in cultures of the world. There is an advantage that can be used, regardless of one’s career, that comes from learning from the past.
For more information on how to achieve an archaeology minor, various classes and advisers can be reached through the Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Criminal Justice.
