The Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies (IIAS) at Western Michigan University is a multidisciplinary hub for exploring, understanding, and celebrating the rich melange of human cultures. Established in 2018 and housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, IIAS provides students, faculty, and community members with unique opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborative instruction, and intercultural activities.
IIAS is currently home to two dynamic academic programs that complement each other:
- The undergraduate major and minor in African American and African Studies (AAAS), focusing on the history, culture, and contributions of African peoples and the African diaspora.
- The undergraduate major and minor in Anthropology, which explore the global diversity of human societies, past and present.
The institute fosters a vibrant academic and co-curricular community, offering:
- Collaborative teaching, learning, and discovery in interdisciplinary intercultural studies.
- Co-curricular programming and dedicated physical spaces to support its programs.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in research and creative activities related to intercultural studies.
- Experiential learning while engaging in democracy and community.
Looking ahead, the IIAS aims to expand its offerings, potentially serving as the administrative home for future programs such as Indigenous Peoples Studies.
Explore how you can incorporate AAAS or anthropology into your academic journey by visiting our WES Clusters page, where you can design your Essential Studies around themes like social justice, global consciousness, or global diversity.
Our Mission
The Institute is a place that welcomes all students and fosters a sense of belonging. The teaching across academic programs in the IIAS complement one another and offers intellectual investigations of the human experience in an ever-changing global context. We train students to develop critical perspectives, transferable skills to apply to a variety of workforce programs and careers, and to serve as strong advocates and allies for a wide range of communities.
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Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies celebrate AntroDay
Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project: A Living Laboratory for Anthropological Discovery
The Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project offers students at WMU an unparalleled opportunity to engage in hands-on archaeological fieldwork. The project provides a dynamic learning environment where students gain practical experience in excavation, artifact analysis, and public outreach.
Located in Niles, Michigan, this 18th-century colonial site serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, combining archaeology, history, and cultural studies to uncover stories of the past. The project not only enriches the academic experience but also fosters community engagement through events, educational outreach, and collaborations with local organizations.
Discover how this flagship program helps students bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application while contributing to the preservation and understanding of regional history.
