Anthropology Courses*
ANTH/INTB 102C • Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
A study of human culture emphasizing culture’s origins and processes. The development of concepts and theories about human culture which apply to life in both primitive and modern societies.
ANTH 210 • Physical Anthropology and Archeology (3 units)
Material culture and environments of prehistoric humans is explored alongside human paleontology. Theories of origins are explored and critiqued. Methods of paleontology and prehistoric archeology are surveyed. Core course option.
ANTH/INTB 253 • Language in Cultural Context (3 units)
Prerequisite: ANTH 102C. This course surveys the acquisition and use of language as part of the enculturation process; the relationship of language to culture and their reciprocal influences; language usage; and the nature of language systems through an appreciation of anthropological linguistics.
ANTH 270 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Study of a special topic in Anthropology. May be repeated for credit.
ANTH/ICST 312 • Cross-Cultural Studies (3 units)
Studies of culture groups in both peasant and modern societies. Case studies explore daily life, rites of passage, marriage, family, work, politics, social life, religion, ritual, and social problems among these groups. Comparative work is undertaken to highlight cultural similarities and differences. Core course. (Recommended for intercultural and urban studies and liberal studies majors.)
ANTH 316 • Environment, Culture, and Behavior (3 units)
Analysis of the relationship between humans and their environment. Natural phenomena, design, space, population density, and organizational structure will be examined.
ANTH/ICST/INTB 320 • Culture Change (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C, ANTH 102C, or ICST 102. The study of change, its processes and consequences in non-Western and contemporary societies. Special emphasis will be given to cross-cultural change involving migrants, minorities, religious contacts, as well as change at the personal level.
ANTH 333 • Gender, Culture, and Society (3 units)
Prerequisite: SOCI 100C, ANTH 102C. Gender as a social construction with powerful consequences is explored in this course along with those cultural values and ideologies which perpetuate the discourse of differences. Contemporary studies of gender cross-culturally will enable an appreciation of the broad diversity in the application of gender constructs and their resultant cultural effects.
ANTH 340 • Third World Ethnography (3 units)
Prerequisite: ANTH 102C; recommended: ANTH 312. The study of developing nations commonly grouped under the "Third World" label, emphasizing the effects of Colonialism, modernization, urbanization, and culture contact with Western nations. Emphasis is given to changes in ideology and material culture, cultural form, and flux in the face of pressures to change. Recommended for electives in cultural anthropology, religion, and for intercultural and urban studies majors.
ANTH/HIST/INTB 341 • Latin American Civilization and Culture (3 units)
A general survey of historical, racial, and cultural elements which have produced Latin America today, including Spanish historical and religious background, early Indian civilization, Spanish colonial policy and institutions, development of republics, and modern national trends.
ANTH/SOCI 343 • Class, Race, Ethnicity and Gender (3 units)
This course focuses on the distribution of power and resources across racial and ethnic/cultural groups, class structure, and gender. Phenomenological, institutional, and structural aspects of prejudice and discrimination are examined using the matrix of domination (the intersection of attributes related to class, race, ethnicity and gender) to explore the life experiences of individuals.
ANTH 354 • Anthropological Theory and Research Design (3 units)
An overview of the major theoretical schools in anthropology, including recent trends of discourse on the discipline, followed by discussion of the major research designs employed in anthropological projects and practice.
ANTH 357 • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods (3 units)
Prerequisite: ANTH 354. Qualitative research methodologies such as participant observation, ethnographic interviewing, the construction of field recording instruments, etc., will be explored, followed by methods for the collection of structured, quantifiable data, such as through questionnaires and survey instruments. Construction, application, and analysis of data generated by both methodologies will be illustrated. Students will participate in laboratory and field data collection and analysis exercises.
ANTH/ICST 358 • Primal and World Religions (3 units)
A comparison of the major non-Christian religions, with emphasis on their cultural origins, elements, forms, and symbols, and the role of religion as an institution in such societies.
ANTH/SPAN 367 • Ancient Civilizations of Middle America (3 units)
A study of the rise of civilization in Middle America as revealed by archeology and early writings, emphasizing the cultural and technological achievements of the Toltecs, Aztecs, Mayans, and others, as well as the folk cultures of the present inhabitants of these areas.
ANTH/INTB 370 • Asian Cultures and the Modern World (3 units)
Prerequisite: ANTH 102C or consent of the instructor. Cultures of the Pacific Rim, especially the "Four Dragons" (China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea), are overviewed. Their influence on contemporary global economics, commerce, politics, and "global culture" is explored. Cultural commonalities and differences are also examined. Students will have the opportunity to develop class projects which emulate cross-cultural relations with Asian nations.
ANTH/INTB 440 • Culture, Personality, and the Individual (3 units)
Prerequisites: ANTH 102C, 320; PSYC 345 recommended. Western conceptions of the psychology of personality and the self-concept are reassessed in light of cross-cultural studies and the contributions of anthropologists. Notions about universality of Western personality attributes are questioned in light of diverse cultural influences. Course is oriented to broaden a student’s understanding of personality formation, social character, views of the self, and of the importance of understanding cultural features which contribute to these. A practical course for those intending to work with, minister to, or do clinical counseling with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
ANTH 450 • Anthropology Teaching Internship (3-4 units)
Open to seniors with a grade point average of 3.0 or above with approval of the department chair. Regular hours each week for classes and/or meetings are established at the beginning of the semester. The intern assists an instructor in planning and conducting a course and/or laboratory sessions. May be repeated for a maximum of eight units.
ANTH 452C • Applied Anthropology (3 units)
Nonacademic public and private uses of anthropology in contemporary world settings, in population, nutrition, health, planning, government, industry, and business. Applications of anthropology to the missiological enterprise. Techniques and ethics of such work in the U.S. and abroad. (Recommended for intercultural and urban studies majors.) This course fulfills the Core Curriculum Capstone requirement for Anthropology majors.
ANTH/EDUC/ENGL/SPAN 453 • Language, Culture, and Linguistics (3 units)
This course surveys the acquisition and use of language within a cultural context. It examines the relationship of language to culture, language acquisition, and language analysis or linguistics, emphasizing the utility of such knowledge for educators. Stress is given to understanding language's reciprocal relation with culture, the nature of language systems, and linguistic analysis to enable educators a better comprehension of second language acquisition within learning environments.
ANTH 455 • Research Assistantship (1-4 units)
ANTH 460 • Field Practicum/Field Work (2-4 units)
Guided ethnographic field experience based on student’s research prospectus. Senior year standing/consent of the instructor.
ANTH/BINT 461 • Old Testament Archeology (3 units)
Prerequisite: OT 201C. An examination of archeological methodology and evidence concerned with the recovery and interpretation of the physical remains of the biblical period as a vital supplement to the interpretation of the biblical text.
ANTH/BINT 462 • New Testament Archeology (3 units)
Prerequisite: NT 101C. An examination of archeological methodology and evidence pertaining to the land of Israel during the time of Christ, and the lands of the Mediterranean world during the time of the early church.
ANTH/BINT 464 • Archeological Field Experience (3 units)
Prerequisites: OT 201C, and BINT 461 or BINT 462. Participation in an archeological excavation and a tour of the important sites of the Bible lands. Repeatable to a total of twelve units in BINT or ANTH.
ANTH 470 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Study of a special topic in one of the fields of anthropology. May be repeated for credit.
ANTH 480 • Individual Studies (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and division chair. May be repeated for credit.
ANTH 490 • Seminar (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Mutual investigation of one topic in anthropology of particular relevance to upper division cultural anthropology majors. May be repeated for credit.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.