Anthropology
Overview
Anthropology is the study of humans. Anthropologists study our species throughout time; focusing on our diverse modern culture and cultural adaptations, our biological classification as a species and our inclusion in the Order Primates, and our species past developments, including our first steps to our first civilizations. The goal of Anthropology is to study the similarities and differences in biological and cultural adaptations and features across the globe throughout our human history.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Dean Emilie Mitchell
- Department Chair Amanda Paskey
- Career and Academic Community Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Phone (916) 691-7142
- Email mitchee@crc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Anthropology
The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer Degree (AA-T) is designed to meet common lower-division requirements for a major in Anthropology at California State University (CSU) campuses by completion of 60 transferable semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, to include either the California State University General Education Breadth pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum; students must earn a grade of C or better in all the courses for the major as described in the Required Program.
Anthropology is the study of humans. Anthropologists study our species throughout time; focusing on our diverse modern culture and cultural adaptations, our biological classification as a species and our inclusion in the Order Primates, and our species' past developments, including our first steps to our first civilizations. The goal of Anthropology is to study the similarities and differences in biological and cultural adaptations and features across the globe throughout our human history.
Anthropology is a holistic discipline, which means that anthropologists study all aspects of humans and our behavior. The field of Anthropology has been broken up into four main sub-fields: Cultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology and Linguistics. Cultural Anthropology is concerned with the study of human culture and its variations across time and space. Biological Anthropologists aim to study our species from a biological perspective- examining our DNA, relationship to our closest animal relatives, the primates and the fossil evidence of our earliest human ancestors. Archaeology is the study of our past, focused specifically on reconstructing past behavior by looking at objects used by past people. Linguistic Anthropologists study human language and communication.
This degree offers courses that satisfy lower division General Education requirements in both the physical and social sciences, providing students with a solid foundation in anthropology as well as the standard prerequisites for upper division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Students planning to transfer to a four-year school with a major in Anthropology should consult the lower division requirements at the university they plan to attend.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core: | ||
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory | 1 |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | 3 |
| or ANTH 313 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: Medical Focus (3) | |
| ANTH 323 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | 3 - 4 |
| or PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| Anthropology Electives: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ANTH 303 | Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 316 | Global Forces in Culture Change (3) | |
| ANTH 324 | World Prehistory (3) | |
| ANTH 331 | The Anthropology of Religion (3) | |
| ANTH 332 | Native Peoples of California (3) | |
| ANTH 334 | Native Peoples of North America (3) | |
| ANTH 341 | Introduction to Linguistics (3) | |
| ANTH 374 | Birth to Death: The Anthropology of Primate Culture and Behavior (3) | |
| ANTH 336 | Anthropology of Sex, Sexuality and Gender (3) | |
| Science Electives: | ||
| [[[ GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | 3 - 4 |
| and GEOL 301 ] | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| or [ GEOL 305 | Earth Science (3) | |
| and GEOL 306 ]] | Earth Science Laboratory (1) | |
| or GEOG 335 ] | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Applications (3) | |
| or PSYC 335 | Research Methods in Psychology (3) | |
| Total Units: | 19 - 21 | |
The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROCESSES OF SCIENCE, THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ESTABLISHED KNOWLEDGE. (PSLO 1)
- Recognize the way in which research leads to generally accepted conclusions and the integration of new research data with the building of a body of scientific knowledge.
- Recognize that the information presented in science textbooks and other established "authorities" is the result of research conducted in the field or the lab and is based on an accumulation of data.
- Design a scientific inquiry.
- CLEARLY EXPRESS SELF WHEN WRITING OR SPEAKING ABOUT ANTHROPOLOGY DEMONSTRATING KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC ANTHROPOLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY AND UNDERSTANDING MAJOR ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTS. (PSLO 2)
- Produce laboratory exercises or field projects which address background information, procedures, results and analysis of data developed during the event of activity.
- Write essays explaining anthropological processes in clear and concise terms
- DEMONSTRATE BOTH CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AND TEST TAKING SKILLS WHEN COMPLETING ESSAY, OBJECTIVE AND MULTIPLE CHOICE EXAMS. (PSLO 3)
- Demonstrate problem solving abilities in major content areas of Anthropology including evolution, genetics, culture, archaeology and human evolution.
- Analyze the logic of multiple choice questions and choose the correct response from among related items.
- Write clear responses to essay question prompts without including extraneous information or omitting information necessary to provide a clear answer.
- Demonstrate content knowledge in the broad areas of anthropology including evolution, culture, genetics, archaeology and human evolution.
- UTILIZE APPROPRIATE FIELDWORK TECHNIQUES FOR ANTHROPOLOGY. (PSLO 4)
- Conduct participation observation studies.
- Take appropriate field notes while conducting participant observation studies.
- Gather data in an appropriate, non-judgmental manner.
- Perform skeletal measurements.
- Identify major bones and features of both human and non-human primates.
- Design an anthropological experiment.
- Use diagrams, sketches and maps appropriately in field write-ups.
- EVALUATE ANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA, DRAW REASONABLE CONCLUSIONS, RECOGNIZE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THESE CONCLUSIONS AND APPLY THESE CONCLUSIONS TO PERSONAL, COMMUNITY AND SCIENTIFIC PROBLEMS. (PSLO 5)
- Choose appropriate data to collect in order to address a specific hypothesis.
- Collect data and keep organized records.
- Use basic graphical and statistical analysis of data.
- Reach and express logical conclusions drawn on anthropological data.
- Present data in the form of posters, presentations, and/or written reports how anthropological information is relevant to personal and community issues.
- Recognize the ethical implications of research on human subjects.
- EMPLOY INFORMATION GATHERING TOOLS TO INVESTIGATE ANTHROPOLOGICAL IDEAS. (PSLO 6)
- Use the Internet in order to gather scientific information, including the ability to recognize the relevance and scientific validity (or lack thereof) of information when found.
- Use the library in order to gather scientific information, including the ability to recognize the relevance and scientific validity (or lack thereof) of information when found
Career Information
Anthropologists with baccalaureate or graduate degrees work as archaeological technicians or project directors for private, state or federal organizations, museum management, forensic specialists in police departments and crime labs, primatology and zoo curation, teaching, consultant or analyst for private, government or educational institutions, non-profit organizations, information technologies, tourism, public health services, and social work. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions, because many universities require more lower division courses than those in this degree. Even the CSU's that accept this transfer degree may likely require more lower division courses to achieve the Bachelor degree. It is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.
Associate Degrees
A.S. in Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humans. Anthropologists study our species throughout time; focusing on our diverse modern culture and cultural adaptations, our biological classification as a species and our inclusion in the Order Primates, and our species past developments, including our first steps to our first civilizations. The goal of Anthropology is to study the similarities and differences in biological and cultural adaptations and features across the globe throughout our human history.
Anthropology is a holistic discipline, which means that anthropologists study all aspects of humans and our behavior. The field of Anthropology has been broken up into four main sub-fields: Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Archaeology and Linguistics. Cultural Anthropology is concerned with the study of human culture and its variations across time and space. Physical Anthropologists aim to study our species from a biological perspective- examining our DNA, relationship to our closest animal relatives, the primates and the fossil evidence of our earliest human ancestors. Archaeology is the study of our past, focused specifically on reconstructing past behavior by looking at objects used by past people. Linguistic Anthropologists study human language and communication.
The CRC Anthropology program offers courses that satisfy lower division General Education requirements in both the physical and social sciences. In addition, the program offers an Associate Degree in Anthropology that provides students with a solid foundation in anthropology as well as the standard prerequisites for upper division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Students planning to transfer to a four-year school with a major in Anthropology should consult the lower division requirements at the university they plan to attend.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Fall, Spring or Summer Term: | ||
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| Fall, Spring or Summer Term: | ||
| ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory | 1 |
| Fall, Spring or Summer Term: | ||
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | 3 |
| or ANTH 313 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: Medical Focus (3) | |
| Spring Semester: | ||
| ANTH 323 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| Check with department for schedule: | ||
| PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| Check with department for schedule: | ||
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| ANTH 303 | Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 316 | Global Forces in Culture Change (3) | |
| ANTH 324 | World Prehistory (3) | |
| ANTH 331 | The Anthropology of Religion (3) | |
| ANTH 332 | Native Peoples of California (3) | |
| ANTH 334 | Native Peoples of North America (3) | |
| ANTH 341 | Introduction to Linguistics (3) | |
| ANTH 374 | Birth to Death: The Anthropology of Primate Culture and Behavior (3) | |
| ANTH 495 | Independent Studies in Anthropology (1 - 3) | |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| Any other Anthropology course listed above | ||
| BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| GEOG 331 | Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3) | |
| GEOG 335 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Applications (3) | |
| MUFHL 330 | World Music (3) | |
| NUTRI 310 | Cultural Foods of the World (3) | |
| PHIL 352 | Introduction to World Religions (3) | |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| Total Units: | 22 - 23 | |
The Anthropology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROCESSES OF SCIENCE, THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ESTABLISHED KNOWLEDGE. (PSLO 1)
- Recognize the way in which research leads to generally accepted conclusions and the integration of new research data with the building of a body of scientific knowledge.
- Recognize that the information presented in science textbooks and other established "authorities" is the result of research conducted in the field or the lab and is based on an accumulation of data.
- Design a scientific inquiry.
- CLEARLY EXPRESS SELF WHEN WRITING OR SPEAKING ABOUT ANTHROPOLOGY DEMONSTRATING KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC ANTHROPOLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY AND UNDERSTANDING MAJOR ANTHROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTS. (PSLO 2)
- Produce laboratory exercises or field projects which address background information, procedures, results and analysis of data developed during the event of activity.
- Write essays explaining anthropological processes in clear and concise terms.
- DEMONSTRATE BOTH CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AND TEST TAKING SKILLS WHEN COMPLETING ESSAY, OBJECTIVE AND MULTIPLE CHOICE EXAMS. (PSLO 3)
- Demonstrate problem solving abilities in major content areas of Anthropology including evolution, genetics, culture, archaeology and human evolution.
- Analyze the logic of multiple choice questions and choose the correct response from among related items.
- Write clear responses to essay question prompts without including extraneous information or omitting information necessary to provide a clear answer.
- Demonstrate content knowledge in the broad areas of anthropology including evolution, culture, genetics, archaeology and human evolution.
- UTILIZE APPROPRIATE FIELDWORK TECHNIQUES FOR ANTHROPOLOGY. (PSLO 4)
- Conduct participation observation studies.
- Take appropriate field notes while conducting participant observation studies.
- Gather data in an appropriate, non-judgmental manner.
- Perform skeletal measurements.
- Identify major bones and features of both human and non-human primates.
- Design an anthropological experiment.
- Use diagrams, sketches and maps appropriately in field write-ups.
- EVALUATE ANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA, DRAW REASONABLE CONCLUSIONS, RECOGNIZE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THESE CONCLUSIONS AND APPLY THESE CONCLUSIONS TO PERSONAL, COMMUNITY AND SCIENTIFIC PROBLEMS. (PSLO 5)
- Choose appropriate data to collect in order to address a specific hypothesis.
- Collect data and keep organized records.
- Use basic graphical and statistical analysis of data.
- Reach and express logical conclusions drawn on anthropological data.
- Present data in the form of posters, presentations, and/or written reports how anthropological information is relevant to personal and community issues.
- Recognize the ethical implications of research on human subjects.
- EMPLOY INFORMATION GATHERING TOOLS TO INVESTIGATE ANTHROPOLOGICAL IDEAS. (PSLO 6)
- Use the Internet in order to gather scientific information, including the ability to recognize the relevance and scientific validity (or lack thereof) of information when found.
- Use the library in order to gather scientific information, including the ability to recognize the relevance and scientific validity (or lack thereof) of information when found.
- STUDENTS WILL EMBRACE CULTURAL DIVERSITY. (PSLO 7)
- Apply the concept of cultural relativism to real world situations.
- Develop the perspective of "global citizen" to encourage respect for the world's people and environment.
- Recognize factors of human biological and cultural variation.
- Celebrate the varied trajectory of our species from prehistory and into the future.
Career Information
Anthropologists with baccalaureate or graduate degrees work as archaeological technicians or project directors for private, state or federal organizations, museum management, forensic specialists in police departments and crime labs, primatology and zoo curation, teaching, consultant or analyst for private, government or educational institutions, non-profit organizations, information technologies, tourism, public health services, and social work.
A.S. in General Science
Areas of Study include:
• Biological Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Physical Geography
• Geology
• Physics
Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.
Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Life Science with Lab : | ||
| A minimum of 4 units from the following: | 4 | |
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| and ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ANTH 480 | Honors Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| and ANTH 482 | Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 308 | Contemporary Biology (3) | |
| and BIOL 309 | Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 400 | Principles of Biology (5) | |
| BIOL 410 | Principles of Botany (5) | |
| BIOL 420 | Principles of Zoology (5) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | |
| HONOR 387 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1) | |
| and HONOR 386 | Biological Anthropology-Honors (3) | |
| Physical Science with Lab: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ASTR 300 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) | |
| and ASTR 400 | Astronomy Laboratory (1) | |
| CHEM 300 | Beginning Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 306 | Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 309 | Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 400 | General Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 401 | General Chemistry II (5) | |
| CHEM 420 | Organic Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 421 | Organic Chemistry II (5) | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| and GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| and GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 305 | Earth Science (3) | |
| and GEOL 306 | Earth Science Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 310 | Historical Geology (3) | |
| and GEOL 311 | Historical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| ENGR 304 | How Things Work (3) | |
| PHYS 350 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 360 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 370 | Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5) | |
| PHYS 380 | Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5) | |
| PHYS 411 | Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4) | |
| PHYS 421 | Electricity and Magnetism (4) | |
| PHYS 431 | Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4) | |
| Additional Science Courses : | ||
| A minimum of 11 units from the following: | 111 | |
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ANTH 480 | Honors Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 482 | Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ASTR 300 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) | |
| ASTR 400 | Astronomy Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 308 | Contemporary Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 309 | Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 342 | The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3) | |
| BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 352 | Conservation Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 400 | Principles of Biology (5) | |
| BIOL 410 | Principles of Botany (5) | |
| BIOL 420 | Principles of Zoology (5) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | |
| CHEM 300 | Beginning Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 306 | Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 309 | Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 400 | General Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 401 | General Chemistry II (5) | |
| CHEM 420 | Organic Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 421 | Organic Chemistry II (5) | |
| ENGR 304 | How Things Work (3) | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOG 305 | Global Climate Change (3) | |
| GEOG 306 | Weather and Climate (3) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 305 | Earth Science (3) | |
| GEOL 306 | Earth Science Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 310 | Historical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 311 | Historical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 330 | Introduction to Oceanography (3) | |
| GEOL 390 | Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4) | |
| HONOR 386 | Biological Anthropology-Honors (3) | |
| HONOR 387 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1) | |
| PHYS 310 | Conceptual Physics (3) | |
| PHYS 350 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 360 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 370 | Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5) | |
| PHYS 380 | Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5) | |
| PHYS 411 | Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4) | |
| PHYS 421 | Electricity and Magnetism (4) | |
| PHYS 431 | Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
1Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.
The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
- solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
- accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
- recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)
Anthropology (ANTH) Courses
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or equivalent skills as demonstrated through the assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
- C-ID:C-ID ANTH 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the science of biological anthropology, and analyzes the human place in nature. Applying principles of genetics and evolution, this course will explore modern human variation and how we evolved, including the unique role of culture. The course also covers the classification and distribution of living and extinct human populations, how we determine the geological age of our ancestors, and our relationship to non-human primates such as monkeys and apes. Topics covered in this course include: the scientific method, principles and mechanisms of genetics and heredity, geological dating methods, classification of humans and our near relatives, social organization and behavior of living primates, comparative skeletal anatomy of humans and non-human primates. Local field trips may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- APPLY GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY AND GENERAL SCIENCE AS IT RELATES TO BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY.(SLO 1)
- Describe the steps of scientific inquiry, including the formulation of scientific hypotheses and research design.
- Describe the history of evolutionary thought and the mechanisms of evolution.
- Define basic cellular and DNA components and functions.
- Articulate concepts of transmission genetics (Mendelian inheritance) and solve problems using Punnett squares and pedigrees.
- Explain how human physical variation is a result of both biology and adaptation to environmental conditions.
- DESCRIBE THE CLASSIFICATION OF NON-HUMAN AND HUMAN PRIMATES IN A TAXONOMIC RELATIONSHIP FOCUSING ON THEIR EVOLUTIONARY ORIGINS AND SHARED BEHAVIOR.(SLO 2)
- Recognize and identify key features of primate classification, including defining physical characteristics of different taxonomic groups.
- Discuss the classification of primates to illustrate evolutionary history.
- Compare and contrast non-human primate and human behavior in areas such as conflict, cooperation, mating strategies and mate selection, feeding ecology, and use of the environment, utilizing socio-biological principles.
- Compare and contrast anatomical features and structures of non-human primates and their relationship to behavior and environmental adaptation.
- HYPOTHESIZE ABOUT A TRAJECTORY OF HUMAN EVOLUTION BASED ON KEY FOSSIL FINDS (SLO 3)
- Summarize types of scientific dating methods and their applications to fossils
- Construct a probable phylogeny for extinct hominids including evolutionary descent.
- Evaluate current evidence of hominid fossils, genetic data and artifacts for their validity to understanding human evolution.
- Recognize problems when evaluating fossil evidence.
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:ANTH 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
- C-ID:C-ID ANTH 115L
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introductory laboratory course designed to provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with the methods of the science of biological anthropology while investigating topics in laboratory and field situations. Topics covered in the course are: the scientific method, sources of biological variation and forces of evolution, human osteology (bone identification), human variation, taxonomy and comparative osteology of the primates, comparative behavior, and the fossil evidence for human evolution. A field trip to the local zoo may be included. This course is designed as a companion course to Anthropology 300 - Biological Anthropology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- ARTICULATE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY AND GENERAL SCIENCE AS THEY RELATE TO PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY. (SLO 1)
- Identify the steps of scientific inquiry and formulate basic scientific hypotheses.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of Mendelian and population genetics by solving Punnett squares and pedigrees
- Define basic cellular and DNA components and functions.
- Explore the mechanisms of evolution.
- DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF OSTEOLOGY, ANALYZE MEASUREMENTS OF BONES AND APPLY FORENSIC TECHNIQUES. (SLO 2)
- Identify bones and significant features of bones of the human skeleton
- Perform measurements to describe age and sex related variability in skeletal remains
- Analyze skeletal remains to determine probable cause of death and life history events
- DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF PRIMATES AND HUMANS IN A TAXONOMIC RELATIONSHIP, THEIR EVOLUTIONARY ORIGINS AND SHARED BEHAVIOR. (SLO 3)
- Recognize characteristics of living primates that are useful for identification and interpretation of non-human primate and human fossils.
- Compare and contrast skeletons of prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans to elucidate patterns of locomotion and dietary adaptation
- Compare and contrast behaviors of living primates as they relate to environmental adaptation
- UNDERSTAND A TRAJECTORY OF HUMAN EVOLUTION BASED ON KEY FOSSIL FINDS. (SLO 4)
- Identify significant anthropoid, hominoid, and hominid fossils.
- Evaluate alternative interpretations of fossil evidence.
- Recognize specific characteristics used to differentiate hominid fossil species and how they relate to patterns of adaptation and evolution of the species.
- Analyze the material cultural adaptations (artifacts) and the roles they have played in human evolution.
- Describe the biological and behavioral adaptations of the genus Homo.
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ANTH 301 or BIOL 100 or BIOL 102, and eligibility for ENGWR 300 or equivalent skills as demonstrated by the assessment process
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an overview of forensic anthropology, which is an applied field of biological anthropology. Forensic anthropologists answer questions of medicolegal significance by applying techniques designed for the analysis of human skeletal remains. This course will focus on the introductory techniques used for human skeletal identification and trauma analysis. This identification will provide understanding of the broader aspects of applied anthropology and its role working with law enforcement agencies, human rights issues as well as ethical considerations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DESCRIBE THE SCIENTIFIC METHODS AND THEORIES USED BY ANTHROPOLOGISTS WITHIN A FORENSIC CONTEXT (SLO 1)
- Recall and apply anatomical terminology to identify human skeletal anatomy (Objective 1a)
- Recognize accepted methodology to estimate sex, age, stature and ancestry to human skeletal remains (Objective 1b)
- DERIVE AN INTRODUCTORY ASSESSMENT OF THE CHANGES IN SKELETAL REMAINS OVER TIME DUE TO VARIOUS FACTORS(SLO 2)
- Identify environmental conditions such as weather and burial conditions as possible modifiers to skeletal material (Objective 2a)
- Draft a preliminary hypothesis concerning possible antemortem changes in the skeleton such as trauma (Objective 2b)
- Propose an initial assessment of skeletal remains using published case studies (Objective 2c)
- ARTICULATE THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES INVOLVED WITH WORKING WITH HUMAN REMAINS IN VARIOUS FORENSIC CONTEXTS (SLO 3)
- Discuss the responsibilities and potential issues involved in the positive identification of remains (Objective 3a)
- Appreciate the roles of forensic anthropologists in local and global settings (Objective 3b)
- Critique the effectiveness of forensic anthropology as a tool in scientific and social contexts (Objective 3c)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or the equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- C-ID:C-ID ANTH 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the cultures and customs of human groups throughout the world with the aim of understanding how cultures function based on their world views. Topics include subsistence methods, religious belief systems, linguistics, economics, political organization, kinship, gender, marriage and family systems, social stratification, and globalization. This course stresses anthropological concepts such as culture, cultural relativism, holism, ethnocentrism, cross-cultural comparisons, world view, culture change, fieldwork, ethics and theory. A field trip may be required at the discretion of the instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY. (SLO 1)
- Recognize the scientific and humanistic approaches to cultural anthropology.
- Explain how cultural anthropologists use a four-field approach and an applied perspective.
- Evaluate cultural anthropological theories and understand how they have been used to view culture and society.
- Appraise field methods, such as ethnography, and ethical considerations in anthropology.
- EXPLORE DIVERSITY OF HUMAN CULTURE, INCLUDING CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS. (SLO 2)
- Employ important anthropological concepts such as cultural relativism, holism, world view, enculturation, ethnocentrism and culture.
- Utilize both an insider (emic) and outsider (etic) point of view to analyze cultural behavior and critique the benefits of each perspective.
- Recognize how stratification occurs at the levels of family/kin, economic, social and political levels and how it impacts the culture as a whole.
- Comprehend how environmental, social and political change can effect cultural adaptation, such as the switch from foraging to food production.
- Demonstrate awareness of how groups delineate cultural boundaries such as sex, gender, race/ethnicity, religious beliefs and sub groups.
- EVALUATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SYMBOLIC FORMS OF COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN CULTURES. (SL0 3)
- Appraise the role of language in learning, enculturation and cross-cultural communication.
- Recognize the importance of linguistic diversity and the problem of language extinction.
- ASSESS GLOBAL TRENDS IN CULTURE CHANGE. (SLO 4)
- Examine culture change for indigenous groups based on colonialism and globalization.
- Appraise the creation of global culture and processes of cultural homogenization.
ANTH 313 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: Medical Focus
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or the equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID ANTH 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the cultures and customs of human groups throughout the world with the aim of understanding how cultures function based on their world views. Topics include subsistence methods, religious belief systems, linguistics, economics, political organization, kinship, gender, marriage and family systems, social stratification, and globalization. This course emphasizes the intersection of culture and medical practices, perspectives on healing and health, and the notion that biology and culture matter equally in the human experience of disease. Through ethnographic examples the course stresses anthropological concepts such as culture, cultural relativism, holism, ethnocentrism, cross-cultural comparisons, world view, culture change, fieldwork, ethics and theory. This Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course is highly recommended for students pursuing degrees in the health fields. This class is not intended for students who have already completed Anthropology 310. A field trip may be required at the discretion of the instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY. (SLO 1)
- Recognize the scientific and humanistic approaches to cultural anthropology.
- Explain how cultural anthropologists use a four-field approach and an applied perspective.
- Evaluate cultural anthropological theories and understand how they have been used to view culture and society.
- Appraise field methods, such as ethnography, and ethical considerations in anthropology.
- EXPLORE DIVERSITY OF HUMAN CULTURE, INCLUDING CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS. (SLO 2)
- Employ important anthropological concepts such as cultural relativism, holism, world view, enculturation, ethnocentrism and culture.
- Utilize both an insider (emic) and outsider (etic) point of view to analyze cultural behavior and critique the benefits of each perspective.
- Recognize how stratification occurs at the levels of family/kin, economic, social and political levels and how it impacts the culture as a whole.
- Comprehend how environmental, social and political change can effect cultural adaptation, such as the switch from foraging to food production.
- Demonstrate awareness of how groups delineate cultural boundaries such as sex, gender, race/ethnicity, religious beliefs and sub groups.
- EVALUATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SYMBOLIC FORMS OF COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN CULTURES. (SL0 3)
- Appraise the role of language in learning, enculturation and cross-cultural communication.
- Recognize the importance of linguistic diversity and the problem of language extinction.
- ASSESS GLOBAL TRENDS IN CULTURE CHANGE. (SLO 4)
- Examine culture change for indigenous groups based on colonialism and globalization.
- Appraise the creation of global culture and processes of cultural homogenization.
- APPRAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY IN THE HEALTH AND MEDICAL FIELDS. (SLO 5)
- Recognize the importance of culture in the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of illness.
- Examine ways in which medical anthropology can be applied to the care of patients.
ANTH 316 Global Forces in Culture Change
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or the equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The course will focus on how global forces in culture change have an impact on groups of people within the United States and non-western cultures, such as European colonialism (including the slave trade), minority and indigenous people activism, and a redefinition of male and female roles with migration. The course considers such global forces as modernization, development, trade and finance, tourism, migration and refugees, transnationalism, ethnicity and diasporas, technology and digital media, and tribal cultures. Culture change will be illustrated through various ethnographic examples and includes issues such as women's issues, AIDS/HIV, underemployment, famine, terrorism, the digital divide, and overpopulation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF GLOBAL FORCES SHAPING THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD.(SLO 1)
- Explain how colonialism and capitalism have shaped global inequality.
- Understand the influence of non-governmental organizations, terrorist groups, and grass roots movements as "non-state" actors capable of shifting world power dynamics.
- Evaluate the impact of population movements of unprecedented scale (migrants, refugees, and tourists) for the environment, cultural identity, and global politics.
- UNDERSTAND THE DYNAMICS OF CULTURE CHANGE FROM AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. (SLO 2)
- Recognize how long-term ethnographic research is necessary for studying culture change over time.
- Utilize anthropological theories to explain global culture change in the past, present, and future.
- UNDERSTAND THE MECHANISMS OF CULTURE CHANGE AND BE ABLE TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE RESPONSES OF DIFFERENT CULTURES. (SLO 3)
- Recognize the importance of diffusion, invention, and forced culture change in contemporary cultures.
- Evaluate how local cultural responses in turn can impact and change global forces.
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- C-ID:C-ID ANTH 150
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the concepts, methods and theoretical perspectives employed in the scientific study of archaeology. Emphasis will be placed on how data is retrieved from the archaeological record, and how it can be used to address questions about the development and evolution of human social systems. Topics will include archaeological theory, survey and excavation methods, laboratory analysis, reconstructing past environments, and drawing conclusions about the past from archaeological data. This course will draw upon examples from the New World as well as archaeological examples worldwide. A field trip may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- IDENTIFY THE APPROPRIATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL THEORIES AND METHODS USED TO INVESTIGATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. (SLO 1)
- Propose the appropriate dating technique to use on different archaeological materials.
- Critique the different theoretical approaches in archaeological investigations.
- Utilize appropriate mapping, excavation and collection techniques of archaeological sites and artifacts.
- Recognize the ethical dilemmas that archaeologists face and understand the archaeological code of ethical conduct.
- INTERPRET ARCHAEOLOGICAL DATA TO FORM CONCLUSIONS ABOUT PAST USAGE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. (SLO 2)
- Apply inquiry methods used by archaeologists to reconstruct past landscapes and social systems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different theoretical approaches at evaluating archaeological data.
- Analyze and describe how archaeological knowledge can be applied to the study of modern humans and our societies.
ANTH 324 World Prehistory
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a broad survey of world prehistory, from an archaeological perspective. Patterns of culture change will be examined beginning at the emergence of human culture through the development of domestication of plants and animals, to the development of literate societies capable of recording their own history (in writing). Included are major cultural developments on every continent, emphasizing similarities and differences in the nature and timing of key technological, cultural, and social changes. The course will be focused around several key developments in human societies including the transition out of the last ice age, domestication of plants and animals, the establishment of "complex" societies, and the development of important technologies, including pottery and writing. Methodologies for learning about the past, major archaeological discoveries, important personalities, and contributions to the modern world are discussed in the context of understanding the strengths and limitations of a scientific approach to human prehistory.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- IDENTIFY THE APPROPRIATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL THEORIES AND METHODS USED TO INVESTIGATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. (SLO 1)
- Propose the appropriate dating technique to use on different archaeological materials.
- Recognize the different theoretical approaches in archaeological investigations, and how they have shaped the understanding of world prehistory.
- Interpret archaeological data to form conclusion about past usage of archaeological sites.
- PRODUCE A TRAJECTORY OF KEY EVENTS IN HUMAN PREHISTORY, INCLUDING HUMAN EVOLUTION AND DOMESTICATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS. (SLO 2)
- Evaluate current evidence of hominid fossils, artifacts, and archaeological sites and their validity in understanding human evolution.
- Recognize the potential problems in evaluating fossil evidence and interpreting archaeological sites.
- Evaluate the various theories concerning the inception of agriculture.
- Identify key archaeological sites relating to human evolution and the beginnings of agriculture.
- APPRECIATE THE VARIATION OF PAST CIVILIZATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. (SLO 3)
- Illustrate differences in various civilizations as a result of past history, environment, and technology.
- Recognize the impact of famous archaeological sites, such as Machu Picchu, Teotihuacan, and Giza on the study of human prehistory.
- Interpret the archaeological record and the evidence for the impact of ethnocentrism, ethnic identity, age, class, gender, conquest by outside groups, religion on the development of civilizations.
- Build a foundation of understanding of cultural tolerance of various modes of adaptation in the past and the development of different cultures, including their ideas, cultural values, religions, artistic expression and many other features from across the globe.
ANTH 331 The Anthropology of Religion
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or the equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a cross-cultural study of the forms and functions of supernatural beliefs and associated rituals in various societies around the world. Emphasis of the course is on understanding beliefs and rituals within their social contexts and on broad comparisons to derive insight into the general functions of beliefs and rituals in human life. Students who have already completed ANTH 330 should not enroll in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND CULTURE. (SLO 1)
- Define culture and religion.
- Explain the four field approach and the applied perspective.
- Evaluate anthropological theories on religious behavior and understand how they have been used to reduce anxiety and promote social solidarity.
- Construct or analyze an ethnographic field study.
- EVALUATE THE ROLE OF RELIGION AND SUPERNATURAL BELIEFS IN SOCIETY. (SLO 2)
- Describe the function of belief, religion, ritual, myth, symbols and taboo.
- Recognize the distinction between religious specialists such as prophets, priests, shamans, and diviners.
- Compare medical models of different cultures (ethnomedicine) emphasizing their belief systems, attributed causes and traditional cures as well as the efficacy of such approaches.
- Explore cross-cultural approaches to and attitudes about altered states of reality/consciousness.
- Examine how various cultures deal with death and dying including funerary and mortuary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
- APPLY GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ANTHROPOLOGY TO THE ANALYSIS OF SUPERNATURAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES. (SLO 3)
- Describe the impact of conflicting religious/spiritual beliefs and the effects it has on traditions and society, including marginalization, adaptation and syncretism.
- Assess how people communicate with the supernatural through ceremonies and rituals.
- Analyze the basis for supernatural contact achieved through meditation, ordeal or deprivation.
- Delineate the roles of supernatural entities in the affairs of humans.
- Elucidate the different types of organized religions: Cults, sects and established groups and explore the functions of revitalization movements, fundamentalism, beliefs in apocalypses, messiahs and salvation as anthropological concepts.
- Examine the role of human biology and evolution in the origins of religion and ritual.
ANTH 332 Native Peoples of California
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a study of the many cultures of the different native inhabitants of California from the prehistoric period through the present time, introducing the diversity and complexity of aboriginal California. Topics include native ecological adaptations, material culture, social structure, language, religion and mythology, ideology and worldview, and response to change. The course critically examines the impact of Native Californian cultures on each other as well as interactions between Native Californians and other Native Americans, Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and others. Perspectives on changes in traditional life and Native Californians’ current position in American society will be included as well as contributions of Native Californians to the cultures of the Americas. A field trip may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- EXPLAIN THE DIVERSITY OF NATIVE CALIFORNIANS (SLO 1)
- Create a map illustrating the major culture areas of California.
- Recognize the environment of each of the major cultural groups and scientifically validate consequential ecological adaptations, including the diagnostic cultural features of the group(s) in each area.
- Compare and contrast Native Californian social and cultural systems with those of other major Native North American culture areas such as the Southwest, Arctic, and Great Basin.
- Evaluate the linguistic diversity and complexity of Native California.
- INTERPRET RESEARCH TO DESCRIBE PAST LIFEWAYS (SLO 2)
- Utilize ethnographic texts and interpret archaeological data to assess Native California technology, subsistence, and other cultural adaptations.
- Examine the various interpretations and historical significance of Native Californians in anthropology.
- EVALUATE CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF NATIVE CALIFORNIANS (SLO 3)
- Examine from an anthropological perspective a source of present day culture conflicts experienced by Native Californians, including at least one of the following: inter-tribal conflict, conflict with other minority groups, or conflict with dominant European American culture.
- Explain and appraise current issues (ex: bias; cultural assumptions; financial stability; racial politics; and differences relating to class, gender, and age) among Native Californians within tribal groups and cross-tribally.
ANTH 334 Native Peoples of North America
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introductory survey of the cultures of the different native inhabitants of North America from the prehistoric period through the present time. Topics include native ecological adaptations, material culture, social structure, language, religion and mythology, ideology and worldview, and response to change. The course critically examines the impact of Native American cultures on each other as well as the interactions between Native Americans and Europeans, Africans, Asians, Pacific Islanders and others. Perspectives on changes in traditional life and Native Americans’ current positions in North American societies will be included as well as contributions of Native Americans to the cultures of the Americas. A field trip may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- EXPLAIN THE DIVERSITY OF NATIVE NORTH AMERICANS (SLO 1)
- Create a map illustrating the major culture areas of North America.
- Recognize the environment of each of the major culture areas of North America and scientifically validate the consequential ecological adaptations including the diagnostic cultural features of the group(s) in each area.
- Evaluate the linguistic diversity and complexity of Native North America.
- INTERPRET RESEARCH TO DESCRIBE PAST LIFEWAYS (SLO 2)
- Utilize ethnographic texts and interpret archaeological data to understand Native American technology, subsistence, and other cultural adaptations.
- Examine the various interpretations and historical significance of Native Americans in anthropology.
- EVALUATE CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF NATIVE AMERICANS (SLO 3)
- Examine from an anthropological perspective a source of present day culture conflict between Native Americans and the dominant Euro-American, Canadian, and Mexican cultures.
- Explain and appraise current issues (ex: bias; cultural assumptions; financial stability; racial politics; and differences relating to class, gender, and age) among Native Americans within tribal groups and cross-tribally.
ANTH 336 Anthropology of Sex, Sexuality and Gender
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ANTH 300 (Physical Anthropology) or ANTH 310 (Cultural Anthropology) with a grade of "C" or better, and eligibility for ENGWR 300 (College Composition).
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an introductory overview of anthropological perspectives on sex, sexuality and gender, drawing from all four sub-fields (archaeology, cultural, linguistic, and physical). Topics will include cross-cultural comparisons of the diversity of sex, sexuality, and gender, comparisons of sexual behavior among extinct human ancestors and non-human primates such as monkeys and apes, drawing conclusions about the past from archaeological data, examining the nature/nurture debate, and examining evolutionary perspectives related to sex, sexuality and gender. A field trip may be required at the discretion of the instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- IDENTIFY CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORIES, METHODS, AND CONCEPTS IN RELATION TO THE STUDY OF SEX, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER. (SLO 1)
- Describe cross-cultural diversity of gender and sexuality from the smallest indigenous societies to the largest industrial societies.
- Identify and apply ethical dilemmas in anthropological research on sex, sexuality and gender.
- Recognize how issues related to sex, sexuality, and gender affect society.
- Distinguish how cultural anthropological approaches to understanding sex, sexuality, and gender benefit from a holistic perspective.
- IDENTIFY LINGUISTIC ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORIES, METHODS, AND CONCEPTS IN RELATION TO THE STUDY OF SEX, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER. (SLO 2)
- Explain how language is gendered and sexualized.
- Review and apply the societal implications of gendered and or sexualized language.
- Distinguish how linguistic anthropological approaches to understanding sex, sexuality, and gender benefit from a holistic perspective.
- IDENTIFY ARCHAEOLOGICAL THEORIES, METHODS, AND CONCEPTS IN RELATION TO THE STUDY OF SEX, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER. (SLO 3)
- Summarize cross-cultural gender and sexuality diversity in the ancient past.
- Explain and assess the issues associated with analyzing gender, sex, and sexuality in the archaeological record.
- Evaluate representations of gender and sexuality diversity in media portrayals of prehistory.
- Distinguish how archaeological approaches to understanding sex, sexuality, and gender benefit from a holistic perspective.
- IDENTIFY PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORIES, METHODS, AND CONCEPTS IN RELATION TO THE STUDY OF SEX, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER. (SLO 4)
- Describe the diversity of human biological sex and sexuality spectra.
- Explain how human physical variation and behavior is a result of both biology and culture.
- Compare sex differences and sexuality among non-human primates such as monkeys and apes and among extinct and modern humans.
- Distinguish how physical anthropological approaches to understanding sex, sexuality, and gender benefit from a holistic perspective.
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or the equivalent skills as demonstrated through the assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D1; IGETC Area 4A
- C-ID:C-ID ANTH 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course explores the role of language in social interaction and world view. It examines minority languages and dialects, bilingualism, literacy and the social motivation of language change through technology, globalization, and colonialism. The student will also be introduced to the analytical techniques of linguistics, the universal structures of language, and the demonstration of their relevance to language in sociocultural issues.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL LINGUISTICS.(SLO 1)
- Appreciate the dynamic relationship between culture, language, and speakers.
- Comprehend the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and its importance in anthropological linguistics.
- Recognize the importance of prosody, nonverbal communication, and symbolic communication.
- Identify the ways in which cultural diversity expresses itself in language.
- COMPREHEND THE THEORIES AND METHODS USED TO INTERPRET LANGUAGES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS TO CULTURE.(SLO 2)
- Recognize the history of language families and how to trace protolanguages.
- Describe the evolution of human language through non-human primate communication, childhood language acquisition, and Creole languages.
- Describe the process of linguistic divergence and the creation of new languages or dialects.
- Appreciate the role of research and different methodologies in the development of anthropological theory.
- INTERPRET AND DESCRIBE LANGUAGE USING STRUCTURAL LINGUISTIC TECHNIQUES.(SLO 3)
- Recognize a language from a holistic perspective by demonstrating knowledge of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
- Utilize the techniques of structural linguistics to analyze different languages.
- ARTICULATE IMPORTANT THEMES OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HOW THEY APPLY TO LINGUISTICS.(SLO 4)
- Demonstrate an awareness of the “ethnography of speaking” or how race, class, gender, ethnicity, age and sexual orientation intersect with language use.
- Appreciate the role of writing and literacy in cultural adaptation.
- Identify how globalization, culture change, and power transform languages and intensify the extinction of languages.
- Recognize the impact of new technologies such as cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, and the Internet on language.
ANTH 374 Birth to Death: The Anthropology of Primate Culture and Behavior
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course will provide an overview of the life cycle of all primates, including humans, from an anthropological perspective. The basic biology behind the human life cycle will be examined and compared to nonhuman primates. Human and nonhuman primate life histories will be examined cross-culturally and will be compared and contrasted in light of their evolution and origins. The class will stress how cultural practices interact and support optimal reproductive behavior. Topics will include gestation and birth, adolescence, mating strategies and group structure, adulthood and senescence.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- ANALYZE PATTERNS OF REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN HUMANS AND PRIMATES WITH RESPECT TO GENETICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS (SLO 1)
- Assess evolutionary trends of human and primate behavioral patterns (Objective 1a)
- Compare and contrast the evolution and origin of parenting, mating, mate selection, cooperation and conflict, war, puberty rituals and death rites in several primate species and human cultures (Objective 1b)
- Describe variation seen in nonhuman primate reproductive behavior in an evolutionary context (Objective 1c)
- Critically examine current societies' behavior in modifying reproduction and explain how it affects evolution (Objective 1d)
- ARTICULATE THE SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY AS RELATED TO PRIMATE REPRODUCTION (SLO 2)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the primate reproductive system (Objective 2a)
- Describe the process of evolution by natural selection (Objective 2b)
- Define basic cellular processes, including meiosis and mitosis (Objective 2c)
- Articulate concepts of transmission genetics such as Mendelian inheritance (Objective 2d)
- Discuss common primate mating systems and how they relate to human marriage practices (Objective 2e)
- Use appropriate anthropological terminology such as those describing kinship, descent and modes of subsistence (Objective 2f)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the science of biological anthropology, and analyzes the human place in nature. Applying principles of genetics and evolution, this course will explore modern human variation and how we evolved, including the unique role of culture. The course also covers the classification and distribution of living and extinct human populations, how we determine the geological age of our ancestors, and our relationship to non-human primates such as monkeys and apes. Topics covered in this course include: the scientific method, principles and mechanisms of genetics and heredity, geological dating methods, classification of humans and our near relatives, social organization and behavior of living primates, comparative skeletal anatomy of humans and non-human primates. Local field trips may be required.
This honors course offers rigorous preparation in critical thinking, and analytic reading and writing skills for students intending to transfer to a four-year college or university. It provides an opportunity to engage contemporary biological and anthropological issues through small group discussion, a structured sequence of papers and reading analysis requiring higher-level thinking tasks, and collaborative projects. Research projects require extensive analysis of topics such as ethics in biological anthropology, fossil hominin taxonomy placement and primate conservation. Paper requirements are designed to challenge and motivate. This course is not open to students who have completed ANTH 300. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website. This course is the same as Honor 386. This course, under either name (ANTH 480 or HONOR 386), may be taken only one time for credit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- APPLY GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY AND GENERAL SCIENCE AS IT RELATES TO BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY.(SLO 1)
- Describe the steps of scientific inquiry, including the formulation of scientific hypotheses and research design.
- Describe the history of evolutionary thought and the mechanisms of evolution.
- Define basic cellular and DNA components and functions.
- Articulate concepts of transmission genetics (Mendelian inheritance) and solve problems using Punnett squares and pedigrees.
- Explain how human physical variation is a result of both biology and adaptation to environmental conditions.
- DESCRIBE THE CLASSIFICATION OF NON-HUMAN AND HUMAN PRIMATES IN A TAXONOMIC RELATIONSHIP FOCUSING ON THEIR EVOLUTIONARY ORIGINS AND SHARED BEHAVIOR.(SLO 2)
- Recognize and identify key features of primate classification, including defining physical characteristics of different taxonomic groups.
- Discuss the classification of primates to illustrate evolutionary history.
- Compare and contrast non-human primate and human behavior in areas such as conflict, cooperation, mating strategies and mate selection, feeding ecology, and use of the environment, utilizing socio-biological principles.
- Compare and contrast anatomical features and structures of non-human primates and their relationship to behavior and environmental adaptation.
- HYPOTHESIZE ABOUT A TRAJECTORY OF HUMAN EVOLUTION BASED ON KEY FOSSIL FINDS.(SLO 3)
- Summarize types of scientific dating methods and their applications to fossils.
- Construct a probable phylogeny for extinct hominids including evolutionary descent.
- Evaluate current evidence of hominid fossils, genetic data and artifacts for their validity to understanding human evolution.
- Recognize problems when evaluating fossil evidence.
- DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN UPPER-DIVISION WORK IN THE DISCIPLINE OF ANTHROPOLOGY.(SLO 4)
- ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN INTELLECTUAL INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING BEYOND THAT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PASS AN INTRODUCTORY COURSE IN BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (SLO 5)
- Analyze and discuss complex historical and contemporary readings in the fields of genetics, ethnology, bioethics and the study of human evolution.
- Evaluate current scientific data to argue and defend placement of fossil hominins in a taxonomy.
- Critically appraise the role of anthropologists in the area of eugenics, study of race and bioethics and trace the evolution of the discipline.
ANTH 482 Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:ANTH 300, ANTH 480, or HONOR 386
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introductory laboratory course designed to provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with the methods of the science of biological anthropology while investigating topics in laboratory and field situations. Topics covered in the course are: the scientific method, sources of biological variation and forces of evolution, human osteology (bone identification), human variation, taxonomy and comparative osteology of the primates, comparative behavior, and the fossil evidence for human evolution. A field trip to the local zoo may be included. This course is designed as a companion course to Anthropology 300 - Biological Anthropology, Anthropology 480-Honors Biological Anthropology and Honors 386-Honors Biological Anthropology.
This honors course offers rigorous preparation in critical thinking, and analytic reading and writing skills for students intending to transfer to a four-year college or university. It provides an opportunity to engage contemporary biological and anthropological issues through small group discussion, debates and activities, reading analysis requiring higher-level thinking tasks, and collaborative projects. This course will also provide in depth opportunities for students to complete extensive hands-on study of pertinent fossil material. This course is not open to students who have completed ANTH 301. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website. This course is the same as Honor 387. This course, under either name (ANTH 482 or HONOR 387), may be taken only one time for credit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- ARTICULATE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY AND GENERAL SCIENCE AS THEY RELATE TO PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY.(SLO 1)
- Identify the steps of scientific inquiry and formulate basic scientific hypotheses.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of Mendelian and population genetics by solving Punnett squares and pedigrees.
- Define basic cellular and DNA components and functions.
- Explore the mechanisms of evolution.
- DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF OSTEOLOGY, ANALYZE MEASUREMENTS OF BONES AND APPLY FORENSIC TECHNIQUES. (SLO 2)
- Identify bones and significant features of bones of the human skeleton.
- Perform measurements to describe age and sex related variability in skeletal remains.
- Analyze skeletal remains to determine probable cause of death and life history events.
- DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF PRIMATES AND HUMANS IN A TAXONOMIC RELATIONSHIP, THEIR EVOLUTIONARY ORIGINS AND SHARED BEHAVIOR.(SLO 3)
- Recognize characteristics of living primates that are useful for identification and interpretation of non-human primate and human fossils.
- Compare and contrast skeletons of prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans to elucidate patterns of locomotion and dietary adaptation.
- Compare and contrast behaviors of living primates as they relate to environmental adaptation.
- UNDERSTAND A TRAJECTORY OF HUMAN EVOLUTION BASED ON KEY FOSSIL FINDS.(SLO 4)
- Identify significant anthropoid, hominoid, and hominid fossils.
- Evaluate alternative interpretations of fossil evidence.
- Recognize specific characteristics used to differentiate hominid fossil species and how they relate to patterns of adaptation and evolution of the species.
- Analyze the material cultural adaptations (artifacts) and the roles they have played in human evolution.
- Describe the biological and behavioral adaptations of the genus Homo.
- DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN UPPER-DIVISION WORK IN THE DISCIPLINE OF ANTHROPOLOGY.(SLO 5)
- ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN INTELLECTUAL INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING BEYOND THAT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PASS AN INTRODUCTORY COURSE IN BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY LABORATORY.(SLO 6)
- Evaluate current scientific data to argue and defend placement of fossil hominins in a taxonomy.
ANTH 495 Independent Studies in Anthropology
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 4).
- Discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
- Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
- Use information resources to gather discipline-specific information.
- SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 3).
- Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
- Explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
- SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study (College Wide Outcome – Area 3).
- Demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
- SLO #4: Identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively (College Wide Outcome – Area 4).
- Utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.
ANTH 499 Experimental Offering in Anthropology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Transfer Note: Credit for variable topics courses is given only after a review of the scope and content of the course by the enrolling UC campus.)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Check Out Degree Planner
If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.