Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Anne Fleischmann (Interim)
- Associate Deans
- Susan Lucyga, Lynn Medeiros (Interim)
- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
Anthropology is the academic discipline concerned with the study of the biological and cultural development of mankind. The approach is comparative and holistic, focusing attention on the physical behavioral characteristics of humans, the range of their variations worldwide and the constants which cut across all human activity. Anthropological studies include people throughout the world since the beginning of human life.
TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Anthropology are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Positions for which four-year graduates in Anthropology are qualified are archaeologist, anthropology instructor, environmental consultant and state and national park anthropologist.
Faculty
Matt S. Archer
Professor, Anthropology/Women and Gender Studies
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Jennifer L. Molina-Stidger
Professor, Anthropology/Women and Gender Studies
B.A., University of California, Davis
M.A., University of New Mexico
Degrees/Certificates
Anthropology for Transfer
AA-T Degree
Anthropology is the study of humans, past and present. To understand the full sweep and complexity of cultures across all of human history, anthropology draws and builds upon knowledge from the social and biological sciences as well as the humanities and physical sciences. A central concern of anthropologists is the application of knowledge to the solution of human problems. Historically, anthropologists in the United States have been trained in one of four areas: sociocultural anthropology, biological/physical anthropology, archaeology and linguistics. Anthropologists often integrate the perspectives of several of these areas into their research, teaching and professional lives.
The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To earn the Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:
- completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
- completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)
It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 0001 | Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 0002 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 0005 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| Select 3-4 units from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physical Anthropology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
or SOC 0015 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
| Select 3-4 units from the following or any unused courses from the preceding area: | 3-4 | |
| Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science and Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Science | ||
| Select 3-4 units from the following or any unused courses from the preceding areas: | 3-4 | |
| Native Peoples of North America | ||
| Native Peoples of California | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Anthropology of Games and Play | ||
| Globalization Studies | ||
| Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality | ||
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
ANTH 0001. Physical Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Broad introduction to the science of physical anthropology. Topics include: the field of anthropology, the scientific method, evolutionary theory, genetics and inheritance, human variation, biology and behavior of living primates, and fossil evidence of human evolution. (C-ID ANTH 110) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0001L. Physical Anthropology Laboratory
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in ANTH 1
Hours: 54 laboratory
Introductory laboratory course designed to investigate the science of biological anthropology. Areas of study include the production and distribution of genetic variation, human osteology, human variation, comparative primate taxonomy, behavior and osteology, and fossil evidence for human evolution. Field trip required. (C-ID ANTH 115L) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0002. Cultural Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to anthropological approaches in the study of human culture and diversity. Examines continuity and diversity in peoples' lifestyles, social institutions, and cultural practices in a variety of global societies. Cultural phenomena studied include language, power, kinship, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ecology, economics, politics, religion and ritual. Explores cultural change. Addresses the contemporary relevance of cultural anthropology. (C-ID ANTH 120) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0004. Native Peoples of North America
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Anthropological survey of the peoples and cultures of North America. Emphasizes native ecological adaptations, languages, social organizations, religion, mythologies and world view, and artistic representations. Critical examination of the impact of tribal nations on each other as well as the interactions with other groups of people. Examines the roots of present-day conditions of Native communities and the contributions of Native Americans to the cultures of the Americas. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0005. Introduction to Archaeology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of the history and theory of archaeology. Emphasis placed on techniques of archaeological data collection and analysis, cultural innovations and variations, reconstruction and interpretation of the past, and Cultural Resource Management work. Field trips may be required. (C-ID ANTH 150) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0006. Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of the role of language in social interaction and world view. Examines minority languages, dialects, bilingualism, literacy, and social influences on language change. Introduction and application of analytical techniques of linguistics and demonstration of their relevance to language in sociocultural issues. (C-ID ANTH 130) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0007. Native Peoples of California
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the many cultures of the native inhabitants of California from the prehistoric period to the present time. Introduction to the diversity and complexity of aboriginal California. Includes environmental adaptation, material culture, social structure, ideology and response to change. Explores the impact of interactions with other groups of people as well as the contributions of Native Californians to the cultures of the Americas. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0009. Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of supernatural beliefs and practices around the world and over time. Cross-cultural survey and analysis of the forms and functions of myths, rituals, altered states of consciousness, spirit possession, messianic and cargo cults, witchcraft, and curing. Investigation of the relationship between medicine, science, myth, and supernatural belief systems in Western and non-Western societies. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0010. Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Overview of forensic anthropology, an applied field of physical anthropology. Emphasis on current techniques used in the analysis of human skeletal remains, medico-legal procedures, and the role of the anthropologist in the investigative process. Examines the basics of bone biology, methods of skeletal analysis, and recognition of bone pathology and trauma. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0012. Anthropology of Games and Play
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Study the role of play, the experience of fun and the influence of games in our lives. Develops methodological and conceptual tools used in the academic and/or commercial analysis of games and their development. Use knowledge and skills gained to design and implement our own games. (CSU)
ANTH 0014. Globalization Studies
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of globalization and its effects. Addresses issues such as the historical, political, economic, cultural and environmental impacts of globalization. Development of tools for evaluating globalization in general as well as its local manifestations. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0027. Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
A cross-cultural comparison of gender roles and sexuality viewed from biological, evolutionary and socio-cultural perspectives. Addresses contemporary, traditional and prehistoric societies. Explores the relationship between language and gender ideologies and practices in all societies. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Identify, gather, and evaluate anthropologically relevant data; explain and apply anthropological theories and concepts.
- Use anthropological data to generate representations of diverse human dynamics including linguistic, cultural, physical, and archaeological characteristics.
- Discuss anthropologically informed and relevant perspectives regarding the interaction between biology and culture.
- Critically investigate and analyze how one's personal life relates to linguistic, biological, archaeological, and behavioral aspects of the human condition.
