Anthropology
Anthropology is about experiencing the amazing expression of human culture, whether by interacting with other cultures through travel; studying clothing, artwork, and tools; or seeking clues to the lives of past people through archaeological excavation. The central thread in each of these experiences is the desire to both understand human diversity and at the same time reveal the common factors that bind us together. An education in anthropology provides the holistic perspective and analytical skills needed to understand human culture, which is increasingly valued in our interconnected and multicultural world. Above all, studying anthropology requires a sense of adventure and a willingness to transform your understanding of other people and yourself.
Anthropology Course Descriptions
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 5B), C-ID (ANTH 110)
Advisory: Eligibility met to enroll in transfer-level English
Students learn about human evolution by examining evolutionary
theory, human genetics, classification, primate behavior, the hom-
inid fossil record, and modern human variation. Students will be
able to underline the historical path to natural selection, describe
the five factors of the evolutionary process, identify biological char-
acteristics of primates, discuss features of primate behavior, dia-
gram the origin of mankind through comparing skulls from the hom-
inid fossil record, and interpret modern human variation.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4), C-ID (ANTH 120)
Advisory: Eligibility met to enroll in transfer-level English
Students are introduced to the field of socio-cultural anthropology
and will examine the diversity of human life around the world. Top-
ics covered include the culture concept, ethnography, language,
kinship, gender, religion, political and economic organization, glo-
balization, and culture change. The objectives of this course are to
employ a relative perspective in the appreciation of the world's cul-
tural diversity, and to apply case studies to describe this variation.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4), C-ID (ANTH 150)
Advisory: ENGLISH028 OR ENGLC1000 Placement
This course is an introduction to the study of concepts, theories,
and methods of anthropological archaeology as well as a review
of significant data and models that contribute to knowledge of the
human past. The course will include select archaeological discov-
eries and cultural sequences; a discussion of the history and inter-
disciplinary nature of archaeological research; dating techniques
and methods of survey, excavation, and analysis; cultural resource
management; and professional ethics.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4)
Students learn about the origins and varieties of religious beliefs
and practices by exploring the biological and cultural dimensions
of religion, as well as the evolutionary origins of religious features.
Topics include consciousness, mythology, symbolism, shamanism,
traditional healing, altered states, magic, divination, witchcraft,
and the question of cults.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4)
Advisory: PHOTO007 OR CINEMA002
Students survey and analyze the use of film and video in anthropo-
logical research, teaching, theory, and methodology. Films are stud-
ied for their anthropological content and as artifacts of Western cul-
ture, which reveal significant aspects of that culture. Students learn
techniques in still photography and video production in the creation
of a final visual product.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU
Students pursue directed study in Anthropology on a contract basis
under the direction of a supervising instructor.
Useful Links
Social Sciences Department
College Catalog
Schedule of Classes