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
- California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
or SOC 0015 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
| 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 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 and cultural diversity. Examination of the nature of culture as well as its profound and diverse influences upon our perspectives, practices, and experiences. Learn and practice cultural anthropological methods for studying culture with a focus on cultivating cultural humility and intercultural engagement. Explores culturally specific ways of knowing, being, and belonging. Uses cross cultural cases to examine holistic interconnections between languages, worldviews, religions, families, economies, ecologies, politics, and other key aspects of our and others’ lives. (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. Informed by archaeological and ethnographic data, in addition to native perspectives, the course emphasizes traditional ecological knowledges/practices, sustainability, languages, material culture, art, medicine, social organizations, religion, 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. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0005. Introduction to Archaeology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of the concepts, methods and theoretical perspectives employed in the scientific study 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. Students are responsible for fees associated with required field trips. (C-ID ANTH 150) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0006. Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ENGL C1000 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the core concepts and approaches of linguistic anthropology and the study of language in culture and society. Examine the many ways people communicate, linguistic acquisition and socialization, how languages work and change. Provide an overview of the methods and analytical techniques of linguistic anthropologists, the structure of language, language variation, sociolinguistics, nonverbal communication and literacy. Explore the influence of language on our world view, critical thinking, and social interaction, how language is used to create and reinforce relationships of power (race, class, gender), multilingualism, and the impact of language endangerment and revitalization are examined in contemporary language use. (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 people’s religious and spiritual lives around the world and through time. Comparative analysis of the forms and functions of myths, symbols, and rituals as well as religious specialists, institutions, and movements. Examination of cross-cultural cases of altered states of consciousness, medicines, ancestor veneration, spirit possession, divination, witchcraft, monsters, haunting, and other phenomenon which connect with religious worlds. Addresses religious dimensions of power and control as well as the relationship between religious and sociocultural change. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0010. Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Overview of forensic anthropology, an applied field of biological 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. Explores the broader aspects of applied anthropology and its role working with law enforcement agencies, human rights issues, and ethical considerations. (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 variations and complexities of human sexes, genders and sexualities in diverse sociocultural, historical, and cross-species contexts. Investigate complex interactions of biological and cultural systems in the development and dynamics of sexes, genders and sexualities. Engage with current anthropological research pertaining to sex, gender and sexuality; use course learning to address relevant issues. (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, methods, approaches, and concepts.
- Use anthropological knowledge to challenge assumptions and cultivate humble awareness of human cultural, linguistic, historical, and biological diversity.
- Apply anthropological approaches to discuss relevant interactions between biology and culture.
- Critically investigate and assess how one's personal life relates to linguistic, biological, archaeological, and cultural aspects of humanity.
- Contribute to a cohesive and compassionate global community after being informed by a holistic perspective within a positive environment centered upon dynamic, collaborative, and student-centered learning.



