Culture Clubbing

If someone has ever wanted to learn about the ancient Aztec ruins of Tenochtitlan, investigate the pre-historic ruins of the Anasazi, or even learn middle-eastern dances, the Anthropology club just might be something that may be of interest to Weber State University students. Quite simply, anthropology is the study of people throughout the world and their various cultures, society and history. Some of the areas of interestsclub members study are linguistics, archeology, ethnology and biological anthropology. The purpose of the club is to help promote anthropological interests by helping students develop a strong social network between the students and faculty. "I love studying different cultures," said WSU senior Cat Guibord. "One day I decided to take an anthropology class and I was hooked." Guibord, who is the club president, says the people in the club are more than just members, they are really good friends. "We are a close-knit community," she said. "Everyone just has a really good time whenever we get together." One of the benefits the club offers members is the opportunity to receive scholarships. Groups such as the Golden Key Honors, Society help support members' academic achievements through scholarships and honor programs. The members also work closely with other WSU clubs and community groups. Some of the groups they work with include: Metaphor (the university's literary journal), Human Anatomy Laboratory, the Martial Arts Club, the WSU Leadership Academy, Adopt-a-Native-Elder program, American Anthropological Association and Society for Applied Anthropology, just to name a few. The club also works closely with the students who major in the social sciences, including history and sociology majors. According to Guibord, involvement with these various groups has helped strengthen the program by giving them an opportunity to work with many diverse backgrounds and interests. Membership in the Anthropology Club is not restricted to anthropology majors. Many students outside the discipline also show an interest in the club. WSU Psychology major Lauren Rankin became involved with the club simply out of her appreciation for different worldwide cultures and societies. "The club is a way to find out about the world and the people who live in it," Rankin said. According to Social Science Senator Jason Sout, Anthropology Club membership is growing. "The club has such a great turnout that the large room we had was bulging at the seams," said Sout. Aoccrding to Stout, one of his main goals as senator is to increase general involvement in the social science clubs, including increasing a greater amount of collaboration beween the clubs. Many members said they feel all WSU students would really enjoy club membership because, despite all the global conflicts and tensions, it can help people better appreciate the diverse world cultures. "We, as Americans, are so concerned about our own cultures, we sometimes forget there are other cultures that have as rich and significant society that we do," Rankin said. "The club can help students better appreciate all the different people throughout the world." In the members' eyes, the anthropology club is much more than a bunch of people sitting around talking about dead cultures. A benefit members receive is the chance to listen to a wide variety of lectures from faculty, visiting cultural scholars and other professionals in the anthropological field. They have had speakers from visiting universities, officials from the National Park Service and archeologists. Although the club's atmosphere is mostly academic, it is also very relaxed. A benefit the students receive from these meetings is that they get to enhance their relationship with their teachers. "The faculty is really involved with the club," said WSU sophomore Patrick Kelleher. "Their relationship provides helpful insights that you just do not get from a classroom." Kelleher also mentioned that the relationship between the students and faculty is so firm that they get to plan many activities together, such as bowling nights at the Shepherd Union building. The club also plans field trips, which are designed to help enhance the students' anthropological interest and education. For instance, the club recently took a field trip to Mesa Verde, Colorado to study the ancient Anasazi ruins. Many students feel that the trips better prepare them for their classes. "I feel I appreciate what I am studying more from going on these trips," Kelleher said. The club is also a growing attraction. The members meet on a weekly basis; Guibord says that with 45 members and growing, they are now meeting biweekly to accommodate all the members' needs. Membership fees for the club are $6 per semester or $10 for an annual membership. The fees also cover the lectures, activities and field trips. The club usually meets in the Social Science Building. For more information, contact Guibord at wsuanthropology club@yahoo.com, or go to http://departments.weber.edu/socanthro/Anthropology_club.htm.

You can reach reporter Ryan Hale by calling 626-7621.