Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Patrick Marasso
- Associate Deans
- Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor
- 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
Sohnya Castorena
Professor, Anthropology/Women and Gender Studies
B.A., University of San Diego
Ph.D, Temple University
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.)
The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.
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 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 0002 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 0005 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| Select 3-4 units from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biological 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 | ||
| Global Problems | ||
| Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality | ||
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
ANTH 0001. Biological Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Broad introduction to the science of biological anthropology. Topics include: the field of anthropology, the scientific method, evolutionary theory, genetics and inheritance, human variation, biology and behavior of living primates, and the fossil evidence of human evolution. (C-ID ANTH 110) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0001L. Biological 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. Students are responsible for fees associated with required field trip. (C-ID ANTH 115L) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0002. Cultural Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the study of human culture. Examines continuity and diversity in lifeways, knowledge, perspectives, practices and social institutions. Examples drawn from many different cultures and addresses multiple aspects of people’s lives. Explores cultural change and intercultural interactions at local and global scales. Addresses the contemporary relevance of culture, cultural humility and cultural anthropology. (C-ID ANTH 120) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0004. Native Peoples of North America
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Anthropological survey of the indigenous peoples and cultures of North America. Emphasizes ecological knowledges/practices, languages, material culture, social organizations, religion, mythologies, world view, and artistic representations and responses to change. Critical examination of the impact of tribal nations on each other as well as the interactions with other groups of people. Examines current conditions of Native American tribes and communities as well as 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
Explore the many different ways people communicate. Examine how language is linked the way we see the world, ourselves and each other. Investigate how language works and how it changes over time. Study beliefs about language and their impacts. Examine how people use language to build and share meaning, to form, perform and change identities as well as to enact or resist power. (C-ID ANTH 130) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0007. Native Peoples of California
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Anthropological survey of the indigenous peoples and cultures of California. Emphasizes ecological knowledges/practices, languages, material culture, social organizations, religion, mythologies, world view, artistic representations and responses to change. Critical examination of the impact of tribal nations on each other as well as the interactions with other groups of people. Examines current conditions of Native American tribes and communities in California as well as contributions of indigenous 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. Analysis of the forms and functions of myths, rituals, altered states of consciousness, spirit possession, religious movements, witchcraft, and curing. Investigation of the relationship between science, supernatural belief systems, and medicine. Examples dawn from many different cultures and addresses multiple aspects of people’s religious and spiritual lives. (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 trauma and pathological processes. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0014. Global Problems
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
An anthropological approach to the study of major global problems and current world situations. Examine the multidimensional impacts of global capitalism and assess participation within it. Course utilizes a critical approach and emphasizes knowledge from indigenous and other social movements which resist and advocate for alternatives. Highlights discussions about practical strategies for personal and collective positive global impacts. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0027. Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the study of sex, gender and sexuality from multiple anthropological perspectives, including biological, cultural, linguistic and archaeological. Examine the diversity and complexities of human sexes, genders and sexualities in many different sociocultural, historical, and cross-species contexts. Investigate complex interactions of biological and cultural systems in the development and dynamics of sexes, genders and sexualities. Discuss relevant issues and current research pertaining to sex, gender and sexuality. (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.
