Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human. It has been called the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences as it takes a broad approach to the study of humanity, integrating biological, archaeological, cultural, and linguistic perspectives.

Coursework in anthropology develops skills of critical thinking and enriches understanding of human diversity. Anthropologists often aim for their work to aid in understanding and solving real-world issues faced by humans today. Anthropology majors may find careers in teaching, cultural resource management, advocacy, marketing, or conflict resolution although anthropological insights can be useful in a vast range of occupations. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution and major in anthropology should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.

ANTHRO 100 3 Units

Introduction to Archaeology

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course introduces archaeology, its methods and contributions, in an anthropological context. Topics in this course include cultural resource management, seriation, interpretation of finds, and selected case studies.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 150

ANTHRO 102 3 Units

Cultural Anthropology

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 120

ANTHRO 102H 3 Units

Cultural Anthropology - Honors

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course is an introduction to the anthropological study of human diversity and culture. Cultural anthropologists study human organization, expression, subsistence, communication, belief, and identity, in relation to social inequalities and culture change. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 120

ANTHRO 103 3 Units

Anthropology of Food

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course studies food from a holistic anthropological perspective. It examines production and consumption of food around the world and across time, and it investigates the variability of the cultural meanings and ecological roles of particular food resources and practices.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ANTHRO 106 3 Units

Biological Anthropology

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 110

ANTHRO 106H 3 Units

Biological Anthropology - Honors

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course introduces concepts and methods used to study the human species in a scientific, evolutionary framework. Topics covered include evolutionary theory, genetics, the fossil record of human ancestors, comparative primatology, human variation, and interactions between biology and culture. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 110

ANTHRO 106L 1 Unit

Biological Anthropology Laboratory

Lab: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite/Corequisite: ANTHRO 106 or ANTHRO 106H

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This laboratory course is offered as a supplement to Biological Anthropology (ANTHRO 106 or ANTHRO 106H) either taken concurrently or in a subsequent term. Laboratory exercises are designed to introduce students to the scientific method and explore genetics, human variation, human and non-human primate anatomy and behavior, the primate and hominin fossil record, and other resources to investigate processes that affect human evolution.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 115L

ANTHRO 108 3 Units

Introduction to Native American Studies

Lecture: 54 contact hours

This course provides an introduction to the field of Native American Studies. It emphasizes the agency, struggles, and social justice efforts of Native Americans in the United States. Topics covered include Native cultural and intellectual traditions; racialization and intersectionality; antiracism and decolonization; and the relationship between Western scientific practices and Native American experiences. (This course is also offered as ETHS 108)

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ANTHRO 109 3 Units

Visual Culture and Art

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course explores approaches to visual culture and art in the discipline of anthropology. Included in the course is a survey of diverse visual and artistic practices, study of the relations between power and sight, and introduction to the methods of visual anthropology.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ANTHRO 111 3 Units

The Anthropology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 100

This course introduces the study of beliefs and practices, past and present, associated with magic, witchcraft, and religion. Topics examined include ritual, symbolism, altered states of consciousness, and healing, as well as syncretism, change, and the social roles of these beliefs and practices. (Formerly ANTHRO 110)

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ANTHRO 111H 3 Units

The Anthropology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion - Honors

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 100

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ANTHRO 125 3 Units

Language and Culture

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course provides a foundation for the study of language from an anthropological perspective. Topics studied fall into two main categories: the structure of language and the use of language in cultural contexts. Topics include language ideologies, speech communities, and the relation between culture and language.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ANTH 130

ANTHRO 222 1-3 Units

Independent Study in Anthropology

DIR: 162 contact hours

Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Students with previous coursework in anthropology may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of anthropology. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

ANTHRO 223 1-3 Units

Independent Study in Anthropology - Guided Research

DIR: 162 contact hours

Prerequisite: ANTHRO 222

Students with previous coursework in anthropology may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of anthropological research and analysis. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

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