Thesis
Comprehensive Exam

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology is available for those who seek a liberal arts education or who wish to prepare for advanced study and research.

 

Departmental Honors Program

The Department of Anthropology offers an honors program for students who have completed at least 16 upper division units in anthropology, who have a minimum 3.25 grade point average in all anthropology courses, and who possess a minimum 3.0 grade point average in all college work. Application to the program is made by written petition.

 

The program is designed to introduce superior students to intensive research experience in anthropology and related fields, as well as to more sophisticated and thorough study of anthropological theory in relevant sub-areas of the discipline. Honors students are permitted to depart from the normal major program in various ways to broaden and enrich their curriculum.

 

Honors students plan their programs in consultation with an honors adviser. Students enroll during each of their final three quarters in ANTH 396, and submit a written thesis to the departmental honors committee. Diplomas and transcripts of honors program graduates are designated: “Graduated with Departmental Honors in Anthropology.”

 

Requirements for the Major (66 units)

The major requires 66 units in anthropology, of which 8 are in lower division and 58 are in upper division courses.

 

Foreign Language Requirement

In addition to the 66 units, students must include 12 units of a modern foreign language in their lower division program or offer proof of successful completion of three years of modern language study in high school as an acceptable equivalent. An additional acceptable equivalent can be the successful completion of three upper division courses in linguistics, ANTH 470/ENGL 403; ANTH 471/ENGL 400; and ANTH 472.

 

Upper Division Writing Requirement

To satisfy this university requirement, students must take ANTH 481.

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Lower Division Required Courses (8 units)

ANTH 250 Cultural Anthropology (4)
ANTH 260 Physical Anthropology (4)

 

Upper Division Required Courses (12 units)

ANTH 361 Race, Racism, and Human Variation (4)
ANTH 430 Social Organization (4)
ANTH 497 History of Ethnological Theory (4)

 

Electives (30 units)

Select two from following Area courses (8 units):
     ANTH 401, 404, 406, 407, 408, 410, 413, 414

 

Select one from following Archaeology courses (4 units):
      ANTH 421, 423, 425

 

Select one from following Methods courses (6 units):
      ANTH 424, 464, 480, 485

Select one from following Cultural courses (4 units):
      ANTH 432, 434, 435, 437, 445

Select one from following Physical courses (4 units):
      ANTH 459, 460, 462, 463

Select one from following Linguistics courses (4 units):
      ANTH 470/ENGL 403 or ANTH 471/ENGL 400

Additional Electives (16 units) must be selected from 400 level courses
      Select additional 400 level courses in anthropology to complete upper division minimum of 58 units.

      Beyond this minimum, students are encouraged to add elective courses from other disciplines, in consultation with major advisers.

Lower Division Courses

ANTH 230 Language and Society (4)
(Course also listed as ENGL 230)
      An introduction to linguistics as a social science. Exploration of the relationship of language to a variety of social issues including race, class, and gender. GE D

 

ANTH 245 Introduction to Folk Literature (4)
(Course also listed as ENGL 245)
      An introduction to the genres of folk literature; their composition, structure, style, performance, cultural contexts, and their contribution to written literature. GE C1

ANTH 250 Cultural Anthropology (4)
     Exploration of the concept of culture, and its application to such topics as communication, political and economic systems, marriage and family, sex roles, and religion and their relevance to modern life. CAN ANTH 4 GE D

ANTH 260 Physical Anthropology (4)
     Evolution of the human species and our place in nature, emphasizing evolutionary theory, genetics, primate behavior and the fossil record. CAN ANTH 2 GE B3

ANTH 265 The Cultural Animal (4)
     Exploration of the human bicultural experience. Perspectives on the human primate inheritance in the formation of cultural behavior and cultural organizations. GE E

ANTH 270 Introduction to Archaeology (4)
     Introduction to world prehistory, examination of basic archaeological concepts, investigation of extinct cultures. CAN ANTH 6

 

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Upper Division Courses

ANTH 300 Evolutionary Perspectives on Emotions (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Scientific explanations of primate behavior are used as a model for understanding the evolution of human behavior and emotions. GE Theme E

ANTH 310 Evolutionary Perspectives on Gender (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Evolutionary perspectives on gender differences in emotions, behavior, and sexuality, utilizing data from primate studies, the brain, and human evolution. GE Theme C

ANTH 315 Evolutionary Perspectives on Violence (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Scientific studies of evolutionary theory, primate behavior, and the brain are used as a way of understanding the expression and evolution of violence and aggression in humans. GE Theme B

ANTH 325 The Anthropology of Aging: a Bio-Physiological Approach (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Examination of the biological, physiological and behavioral concomitants to aging; application of physical and biological anthropological concepts and knowledge to an understanding of the maturation process. GE Theme F

ANTH 335 Maturity and Aging in Cross-cultural Perspective (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D. A cross-cultural examination of the cultural, social, and psychological aspects of aging and the roles of adults and the elderly in society. GE Theme B

ANTH 338 Gender Roles in Cross-cultural Perspectives (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D. Cross-cultural comparison of gender role differences and statuses of men and women, past and present, among traditional and contemporary populations worldwide. GE Theme C

ANTH 355 Cultural Evolution and Ancient Civilizations (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D. Organization and development of human cultural and social systems. This course includes critical examinations of evolutionary theories, and case studies of complex societies of the old and new worlds. GE Theme I

ANTH 361 Race, Racism, and Human Variation (4)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Evaluation of cultural and environmental influences upon composition and distribution of human populations; consideration of the genetic basis for human variation and biological validity of race concept. GE Theme H

ANTH 385 Measurement of Human Difference (4) (also listed as PHIL 385)
     Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Exploration of issues of diversity and justice through examination of popularized accounts of scientific research into human difference; topics include I.Q. testing and race, “innate” gender differences, and sexuality. GE Theme H

ANTH 396 Honors Thesis (1–3)
     Prerequisite: Admission to honors program in Anthropology. Preparation of an honors thesis, under supervision of an adviser, acceptable to departmental honors committee. May be repeated to maximum of 6 units.

ANTH 400-level Courses All 400-level courses may be applied toward master’s degree requirements except the following, subject to limits established by department and approval of graduate adviser: ANTH 497

ANTH 401 Comparative Cultures (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Principal culture types and their geographical distribution, application of cultural data to ethnological problems.

ANTH 404 Peoples of South America (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures of South America, with emphasis on sociological and ethnological principles of analysis and comparison.

ANTH 406 Indians of North America (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Native peoples of North America north of Mexico, their origins, culture change after contact with Europeans.

ANTH 407 Indians of California (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Native peoples of California, their origins, languages, and cultures.

ANTH 408 Peasant Cultures of Middle America (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Pre-Spanish civilizations of Mexico and Central America, the conquest and colonial backgrounds of present-day peoples, contemporary societies and cultures of the area.

ANTH 410 Peoples of the Pacific (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Island peoples of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, migration theories, contemporary social and political systems, European contacts and culture change.

ANTH 413 Peoples of Africa (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Historical and cultural backgrounds of traditional and contemporary societies of Africa south of the Sahara, Western and Asian influences, problems of social, economic, and political development.

ANTH 414 Peoples of Asia (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Peoples and cultures of Asia; interrelationships of contemporary groups and dynamics of culture change. Emphasis alternates among four areas: Japan and Korea; South Asia; Southeast Asia; China. May be repeated until all areas of emphasis are covered.

ANTH 421 Archaeology of North America (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Early peopling of North America and development of prehistoric cultures in New World north of Mexican high culture area.

ANTH 423 Material Culture (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. The analysis and interpretation of utilitarian and non-utilitarian artifacts in early and contemporary cultures.

ANTH 424 Archaeological Research Techniques (6)
     Prerequisites: ANTH 270 or 407 or 421; instructor consent. Instruction in recovery and interpretation of archaeological data. Lecture 4 hours, laboratory and field work 6 hours. May be repeated to maximum of 12 units.

ANTH 425 Archaeology of the Old World (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Growth of culture from its earliest beginnings to emergence of great civilizations, utilizing concepts, methods, and data of archaeology.

ANTH 427 Cultural Resources Management (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 270, or 250, or 260. Introduction to the concepts, goals, procedures and legislative basis of cultural resource management and historic preservation. Includes consideration of environmental impacts to archaeological, historic, ethnic and Native American values.

ANTH 430 Social Organization (4)
      Prerequisites: ANTH 250 or 401 or SOC 414 or 444; instructor consent. Systems of kinship and marriage, with reference to social control, religion, law, politics, and economic organization.

ANTH 432 Anthropology of Wealth and Power (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Theoretical perspectives and comparative ethnographic analyses of political-economic systems of pre-industrial societies ranging from bands through contemporary peasantry.

ANTH 434 Anthropology in A Changing World (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Anthropological theory and practice in the changing social, economic, and cultural conditions of the twenty-first century.

ANTH 435 Culture and the Individual (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Exploration of conformity and deviance in society through the comparative study of personality formation in different cultural and subcultural settings.

ANTH 437 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Investigation of the domain of the sacred and supernatural in both technologically primitive and advanced societies. Emphasis on magic, witchcraft, taboo, myth, ritual, belief systems, and religious symbols.

ANTH 443 Anthropology and Education (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Education in cross-cultural perspective; application of anthropological concepts and knowledge to understanding of educative process.

ANTH 444 Medical Anthropology (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250 or SOC 201 or 202. Health in sociocultural perspective; applying anthropological concepts and knowledge to an understanding of health.

ANTH 445 Myth and Folklore (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250 or AMER 405. Basic forms of folklore including myth, legend, tale, song, and custom in cultural context, with attention to their origin, transmission, performance, function, and meaning.

ANTH 446 Anthropological Film (6)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Survey of films and approaches to film making in anthropology; methods of presenting data and theoretical analysis in film; practice in using film and videotape in field research. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units with consent of instructor. Lecture 4 hours, lab and field activity 4 hours.

ANTH 450 Culture and Innovation (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. The creative experience and its cultural parameters; effect of culture in structuring the innovative process; emphasis on forces that initiate, direct, and impede the course of creative effort.

ANTH 454L,P Special Topics in Anthropology (1–6)
     Prerequisites: As needed for specific topic. Topics of special interest in anthropology, as announced in Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit as subject matter changes.

ANTH 459 Human Osteology (4)
    Prerequisite: ANTH 260 or BIOL 101 or 200A or 201 or consent of instructor. Introduction to the human skeleton and laboratory analysis of bone. Analyzing skeletal remains, determining age, sex, race, stature, pathology. Discussing human osteology in an anthropological context. Lecture 2 hours, Lab 4 hours.

ANTH 460 Human Evolution (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 260. Critical examination of fossil evidence for human evolution considering importance of cultural evolution. Emphasizes recent discoveries and controversial theories surrounding them.

ANTH 462 Human Ecology and Adaptation (4)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 260. Comparative study of the adaptations of diverse human populations to their environments.

ANTH 463 Forensic Anthropology (4)
     Prerequisites: Upper division standing or instructor approval. Introduction to forensic anthropology, techniques for recovery of skeletonized remains, analyzing skeletal remains, time since death, special techniques including DNA, facial reconstruction and photo superimposition, legal aspects of forensic anthropology.

ANTH 464 Methods and Techniques of Physical Anthropology (6)
     Prerequisites: ANTH 260, instructor consent. Methods of data gathering and analysis in physical anthropology, including consideration of practical problems in field research and advantages and limitations of various field and laboratory techniques. Lecture 4 hours, laboratory 6 hours. May be repeated to maximum of 12 units.

ANTH 470 Language and Culture (4) (also listed as ENGL 403)
     Prerequisite: ANTH 250. Nature, origin, and evolution of language; survey of approaches and studies illustrating variations in the relation of habitual thought and behavior to language. ANTH 471 Introduction to Linguistics (4) (also listed as ENGL 400) Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Descriptive and historical study of language; problems of data collection and techniques of analysis, linguistic structure, language classification, language families of the world, language in its sociocultural setting. ANTH 472 Linguistic Analysis (4) Prerequisite:

ANTH 471 (may be taken concurrently); 250 recommended. A problems course in anthropological techniques of phonemic and morphemic analysis; close reading of technical, descriptive literature; survey of phonological and grammatical systems of non-Indo-European languages.

ANTH 480 Anthropological Methods and Techniques (6)
     Prerequisites: ANTH 250; instructor consent. Introduction to methodology of anthropological research, including methods of ethnographic investigation, ethnological analysis, and logical processes of problem-solving. Lecture 4 hours, laboratory and field work 6 hours.

ANTH 481 Academic Writing and Publishing (4)
     Prerequisites: Upper division or graduate standing, satisfactory completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Introduction to conceptualizing, writing, revising, and publishing academic essays, books, and reviews in the social sciences.

ANTH 485 Archaeological Analysis (6)
     Prerequisites: ANTH 421 or 424 and consent of instructor. Introduction to the basic concepts, principles, goals, and methodologies of archaeological analysis and interpretation. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units for credit. Lecture 4 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

ANTH 497 History of Ethnological Theory (4)
     Prerequisites: 16 units of anthropology and/or sociology, as approved by instructor. Historical survey and analysis of major schools of anthropological thought.

ANTH 499 Undergraduate Directed Study (1–8)
     Prerequisite: Instructor consent to act as sponsor. Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration, progress meetings held regularly, and final report submitted. May be repeated to maximum of 8 units.