Luther s Northeast Iowa location, rich in artifacts, history, and lore, provides students with exposure to a variety of prehistoric and historic cultures extending from 9000 B.C. to the present. The Luther College Archaeological Research Center is the largest archaeological laboratory in the Iowa. Complementing this facility is a collection of thousands of prehistoric and historic artifacts collected locally and from other world cultures. In addition to offering excellent research opportunities, Luther's Archaeological Research Center serves as the base for regular summer excavations. During the past 10 summers, research has focused on the Effigy Mounds and the later prehistory of the Upper Midwest.
Cultural anthropology stresses the application of theory to practice.
Some Luther students have worked on Native American reservations or in culturally diverse metropolitan centers. Other students have taken extended field trips to Nepal and other areas of choice during January term. Luther s anthropology program also includes studies of a variety of cultural activities, institutions, and ethnic communities in Northeast Iowa. Understanding familiar cultural patterns provides the foundation for understanding those that are unfamiliar. The Luther anthropology curriculum allows maximum flexibility so that students can be involved in the courses and experiences that match their individual interests and career objectives.