Anthropology

Alana K. Cordy-Collins, Ph.D., Program Director
Jerome L. Hall, Ph.D.
Tori D. Heflin, M.A.
Angelo R. Orona, Ph.D.
Amadeo M. Rea, Ph.D.

The Anthropology Major

Anthropology is the study of being human, culturally and biologically, currently and in the past. The objectives of USD’s Anthropology program demonstrate this holisticity by focusing on the concept of culture and the fact of human biology. Analytical studies of human behavior contribute temporal and cross-cultural comparative perspectives to the larger body of scientific inquiry, thus grounding the student in fundamental concepts. As the holistic discipline of being human, anthropology has application for all fields of endeavor. Courses in anthropology are particularly suitable for students interested in international business, resource management, environmental concerns, teaching, educational administration, public service, and archaeology.

The major program in Anthropology will 1) prepare the interested undergraduate for graduate studies in anthropology and, 2) provide a sound background for all humanistically-related vocations.

Upon completion of 12 semester-units of Anthropology course wok with a 3.0 or better GPA, students are eligible to join the Gamma Chapter of Lambda Alpha, the National Collegiate Honor Society for Anthropology.

Resources of the Anthropology program include the Anthropology Museum, the David W. May American Indian Collection and Gallery, Archaeological Field Schools, the Anthropology Laboratory, and the Research Associates.

Preparation for the Major
ANTH 101, 102, and 103

Major Requirements
27 units of upper-division course work chosen in consultation with the advisor, including ANTH 349W (satisfies Core Curriculum writing requirement) and one of the following four pathways:

Pathway 1: General Anthropology

1. One biological anthropology course selected from ANTH 310, 311, 312, 313, 314

2. One cultural anthropology course selected from ANTH 320, 321, 323, 327, 328

3. One archaeology course selected from ANTH 330, 332, 334, 335, 336, 339

4. Two methods courses: ANTH 460, 495

5. One topical course selected from ANTH 350, 352, 353, 354, 355, 370, 380, 463, 470

6. Two 3-unit anthropology elective courses

Pathway 2: Bioanthropology

The following 18 units of Bioanthropological course work and 6 units of Anthropology electives are required:

ANTH 310 – Human Evolution
ANTH 311 – Primatology
ANTH 312 – Paleopathology
ANTH 313 – Forensics
ANTH 314 – Bones: Human Osteology
ANTH 498 – Internship (San Diego Zoo’s Primatology department, Museum of Man’s Physical Anthropology department, Coroner’s Office, Medical Examiner’s Office, etc.)

Strongly recommended: A minor in Biology

Pathway 3: Nautical Anthropology

18 units arranged of Nautical Anthropological course work as follows, and 6 units of Anthropology electives.

The following 9 units are required:
ANTH 335 – Introduction to Nautical Archaeology
ANTH 360 – Nautical Anthropology of California
ANTH 498 – Internship (Maritime Museum. May be replaced by a summer field course in Nautical Archaeology)

9 additional units as specified by the program director.

Strongly recommended:
At least 12 units in Marine and Environmental Studies chosen from the following:
ENVI 215 – Introduction to Maps and Spatial Data Analysis
ENVI 315 – Geographic Information Systems
ENVI 420 – Introduction to Remote Sensing
MARS 120 – Introduction to Physical Oceanography
MARS 329/POLS 329 – Law of the Sea
MARS 452 – Physical and Chemical Oceanography

Pathway 4: American Indian Cultures

18 units of American Indian course work chosen from the following, and 6 units of Anthropology electives:
ANTH 320 – North American Indian Cultures
ANTH 321 – California and Great Basin Indian Cultures
ANTH 323 – Southwest Indian Cultures
ANTH 327 – South American Indian Cultures
ANTH 330 – Southwest Archaeology
ANTH 332 – Mesoamerican Archaeology
ANTH 334 – South American Archaeology
ANTH 353 – Plants and Animals in Southwestern Mythology
ANTH 354 – Origin Myths of the Southwest
ANTH 498* – Internship (American Indian reservation, service organization [eg. American Indian Health], Barona Cultural Center and Museum, etc.)

*Required

Strongly recommended:
ENGL 224 – American Indian Autobiography
ENGL 225 – Native American Literature
ETHN 494 – American Indian Experience
HIST 381 – American Indian History
THRS 320 – Native American Religious Traditions

The Anthropology Minor

ANTH 101, 102, 103, and 9 upper-division units.

Satisfaction of Core Curriculum Requirements
ANTH 101, 102, and 103 may be used to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement in the social sciences (behavioral sciences) area.

The Social Science Teaching Credential
Students wishing to earn a Social Science Teaching Credential may do so while completing a major in Anthropology. The specific requirements for the teaching credential differ from the general requirements for the Anthropology major. Students should consult the program director.

Course Descriptions

Introductory Courses (ANTH)

101 Introduction to Biological Anthropology (3)
An investigation of the nature of humankind, including the history of evolutionary theory, the fossil record, dating techniques, primate evolution and behavior, and human heredity, variation, and adaptation. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum social sciences requirement. (Every semester)

102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
An introduction to the nature of culture, techniques of fieldwork, linguistics, components of cultural systems such as subsistence patterns, socio-political organization, religion, worldview, diversity, change, and current problems. May be offered as a Diversity course. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum social sciences requirement. (Every semester)

103 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
A discussion of the techniques and concepts used by archaeologists for developing insights into the behavior of past societies; a survey of past societies as revealed by archaeological research. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum social sciences requirement. (Every semester)

Upper Division Courses (ANTH)

Biological Anthropology Courses

310 Human Evolution (3)
An examination of early developments and current knowledge about origins of modern humans and their relationships to the Neandertals. Examples from contemporary literature will be analyzed in light of recent scientific reconstructions. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 and 103, or consent of instructor.

311 Primatology (3)
An introduction to the study of non-human primates: prosimians, New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, and apes. The course focuses on primate behavior and how it relates to the study of human biocultural evolution. Of special concern are the relationships and adaptations of the primates to varied environments. The primate collection at the San Diego Zoo will be an integral part of the course. Various observational and data collecting techniques will be employed in zoo projects. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or consent of instructor.

312 Paleopathology (3)
An introduction to the study of ancient human pathologies through the study of bones and mummies. The course will focus on how the human skeletal system adapts to trauma, disease organisms, and environmental conditions such as diet, climate, temperature, soil, and water. Basic skeletal anatomy and other osteological techniques such as age and sex determination will be an essential part of the course. Current problems in epidemiology will be examined in relation to diseases of the past. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or consent of instructor.

313 Forensic Anthropology (3)
 A survey of the techniques used by forensic anthropologists to assist in the identification of human skeletal remains. The course will focus on learning how to tell human from other animal bones, sex identification from the skeleton, age estimation from bone and teeth, stature estimation from measurements of limb bones, and occupational inferences from stress marks on bones. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or consent of instructor.

314 Bones: Human Osteology (3)
The study of the human skeleton in two main areas: identification of recently-deceased individuals in a legal context, and historic or prehistoric remains as a contribution to human history. This hands-on course will include bone biology, development, growth, variation, and repair. Students will identify all parts of the skeletal system and dentition, and learn how to measure bones and identify non-metric features and stress markers. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or consent of instructor.

Cultural Anthropology Courses

320D North American Indian Cultures (3)
A survey of prehistory, history, social organization, economy, worldview, and contemporary issues of American Indian and Inuit groups across North America (north of Mexico) from ethnohistorical and applied anthropology perspectives. Regional adaptations stemming from environmental and intercultural linkages are highlighted. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

321D California and Great Basin Indian Cultures (3)
An overview of the environment and cultural history of native California and the neighboring Great Basin region. Close examination of Southern California groups: Gabrileño, Serrano, Cahuilla, Cupeño, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay cultures, and contemporary issues. Lecture-discussions, ethnographies, biographies, and California Indian guest lecturers. Field trips may be included. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

323D Southwest Indian Cultures (3)
A survey of the ethnography of Native Americans in the Greater Southwest (the American Southwest and the Mexican Northwest). Emphasis is on the interplay of each culture with its ecological environment and surrounding cultures, particularly the historically dominant colonial European settlers. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

327 South American Indian Cultures (3)
A survey of the aboriginal populations of South America; origins and development of culture types as revealed by archaeology, biological anthropology, colonial writings, and modern ethnographic studies. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

328 Caribbean Cultures (3)
A survey of the environments, ethnohistory, cultures, and current concerns of the peoples of the Caribbean region, including the Greater and Lesser Antilles and the east coast of Central America. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

Archaeology Courses

330D Southwestern Archaeology (3)
An examination of the development and changing face of human adaptation in the southwestern part of North America since the earliest human occupations. Views based on archaeological evidence are emphasized. The course highlights the diversity of environmental zones and shifting strategies of resource utilization seen in the region that date from prehistoric times to the end of the 19th century. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or consent of instructor.

332 Mesoamerican Archaeology (3)
An introduction to the accomplishments of the ancient inhabitants of Mesoamerica (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador). The course focuses on the achievements of the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, and others in the areas of art, ideology, writing, calendrics, mathematics, and politics. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or consent of instructor.

334 South American Archaeology (3)
 An introductory survey of the prehistoric cultures of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. The focus of the course is on the artistic, ideological, social, and economic aspects of the Cupisnique, Moche, Nasca, Inca, and other cultures. The development and evolution of prehispanic Andean society are examined from a processual viewpoint. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or consent of instructor.

335 Nautical Archaeology (3)
An introduction to the practice of archaeology underwater. This course examines maritime-based civilizations and their impact on society. Emphasis is placed on the role of the ship in exploration, discovery, contact, empire, trade, and warfare. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or consent of instructor.

336 Pre-Classical Seafaring (3)
A survey course that will examine the advent of seafaring through the iconographic and archaeological records, from the earliest of times up to the Classical Period in the Mediterranean. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 and 335, or consent of instructor.

339 Post-Medieval Seafaring and Empire (3)
 A survey course that examines the advents of shipbuilding and seafaring to promote Empire in the New World. Beginning with Columbus’ voyages at the close of the 15th century and concluding with the American Civil War, students will utilize archaeological and historical sources to better understand colonization, water-borne commerce, and naval warfare. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 and 335, or consent of instructor.

360 Nautical Anthropology of California (3)
A survey course that examines the advent of seafaring in California, from the Paleolithic to Modern Ages. Students will utilize archaeological and historical sources to explore a variety of strategies for resource utilization, water-borne commerce, and the burgeoning naval defense industry, beginning with early coastal settlers and ending in the 21st century. Emphasis will be placed on San Diego’s maritime history. Prerequisites: Two of the following: ANTH 102, 103, 335, or consent of instructor.

362 Piracy in the New World (3)
An examination of the sociology of seafaring communities through the historical record of piratical activity, the economic impact of piracy on contemporary societies, the archaeological evidence of pirate ventures, the sensationalism of pirate legend, and the cultural responses to the influences of the pirate phenomenon. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 and 335, or consent of instructor.

Methods Courses

341 Museology (3)
An introduction to museum work combining theory, critique, and practice. The course presents the history of museums, the development of curation and conservation practices, and focuses on the educational role of modern museums through exhibit design and installation. Field trips to local museums and galleries are requisite. Students will collectively produce an exhibit – select an exhibit theme, choose the objects to be shown, research the theme and the objects, write label copy, design the case layouts, and orchestrate the exhibit opening – utilizing the resources of USD’s David W. May Collection. Prerequisite: ANTH 102, 103, or consent of instructor.

343 The Ancient Dead: Bioarchaeology (3)
An examination of how archaeologists and biological anthropologists excavate and analyze the remains of past societies. Students are introduced to the theories, methods, and techniques of fieldwork. Basic skeletal and artifact identification is taught through a hands-on approach examining actual osteological and artifactual materials, coupled with laboratory and archaeological field trips, classroom lectures, assigned readings, group discussions, and computer simulations. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, 103, or consent of instructor.

349W Writing Anthropology (3)
A practicum in anthropological writing including professional publication (books and journals), grant proposals (both for funds and fellowships), popular journals, museum exhibition catalogs, and electronic media. Students in this course will learn to communicate effectively in various formats following guidelines established by the American Anthropological Association, American Association of Museums, and funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation. Students will be able to present a paper or poster at USD’s annual Undergraduate Student Research and Internship Conference. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, 102, or 103, or consent of instructor. (Every spring semester)

Topical Courses

350 Film as Anthropology (3)
A survey of various world cultures using the genre of cinema. The course will examine universal human themes such as emotions, power, gender, and worldview, and attempt to extract an insider’s perspective from each film. The focus will be on how culture influences behavior. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

352 Ethnobiology (3)
A survey of the major areas of current research such as folk taxonomies, traditional ecological knowledge (the relationship of plants and animals to hunter-gatherers and subsistence agriculturalists), folk medicine and ethnopharmacology, archaeobotany, and archaeozoology. Emphasis will be on the cognitive aspects, but methodologies will also be included. A field trip is required. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor. A biology course is recommended.

353D Plants and Animals in Southwestern Mythology (3)
An exploration of the role specific plants and animals as metaphors play in the mythology (sacred texts) of various Southwest Indian cultures. Knowing the biology of the particular organism as well as the unique cultures that told the stories will open up the deeper, often elusive meanings of individual myths. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

354D Origin Myths of the Southwest (3)
A survey of the mythology of four major groups of Native Americans from the Greater Southwest: Yumans, Pimans, Puebloans, and Athabascans or Apacheans. Origin myths from these groups include creation, emergence, dispersal, and flood stories as well as flute lore and dying-god stories. The course examines how myths function in the four groups, how they reflect the subsistence base, worldviews, and individual and community needs; it also looks at myth as an art form. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

355 Anthropology of Gender (3)
A survey of a wide range of sex and gender constructs and implications for related aspects of culture and human evolution. Students learn to examine and critically analyze variations in human biology, prehistory, and social frameworks regarding sex and gender. Topics include the role of gender in economic organization, ritual, politics, development, culture change, and science and technology. Prerequisite: ANTH 102, 103, or consent of instructor.

364 Surf Culture and History (3)
This course examines the historical and socio-cultural components of one of Southern California’s fastest growing leisure activities. Successful participation in this sport and membership in its local subcultures are contingent upon specialized knowledge of geography, wave physics, weather patterns, ocean biota, board design, and the often complex yet subtle intricacies of regional customs. Emphasis is placed on surfing’s Polynesian roots and their transmission – via the Hawaiian Islands – to Southern California, whence surf music, literature, art, and movies have become ambassadors for an international phenomenon. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

370 Indigenous Religions (3)
An examination of the elements, forms, and symbolism of religion among indigenous peoples; role of religion in society; and anthropological theories of belief systems. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

380 Cultural Diversity (3)
A cross-cultural study of social systems; principles of organization and relationships of society to ecological conditions; methodology of comparisons; and ethnographic materials. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

Special Topics Courses

460 Ethnographic Field Methods (3)
A fieldwork course that applies standard ethnographic methods of participant/observation and interviewing techniques, life history studies, demographic method, genealogical method, and etic-emic distinctions. No library work required. Student initiates individual field research projects using ethnographic techniques. Prerequisite: ANTH 102. (Every spring semester)

463 Antiquities: Who Owns the Past? (3)
An anthropological investigation of ethical ownership of the past. The black market in antiquities is a multi-million dollar a year business despite the attempt of most countries to stake legal claim to such objects as national patrimony. This course examines the current chain of events in antiquities trafficking, from the peasant digging in the field to sales in the world’s premier auction houses. It also examines the means by which most of the world’s museums came by their antiquities collections and the controversy concerning their continued ownership (e.g. the British Museum’s Greek marble statuary). Prerequisite: ANTH 349W or consent of instructor.

470 Shamans, Art, and Creativity (3)
An investigation of the phenomenon of art in human society from earliest times to the present. The course considers art as an integral part of culture and examines the role of the shaman in art’s origins. The course samples a wide range of art traditions in their cultural context, such as that of the Huichols of northwestern Mexico, the Balinese of Indonesia, and the Tungus reindeer herders of Siberia. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, 102, 103, or consent of instructor.

480 Applied/Public Anthropology (3)
A practicum in the acquisition and application of culturally-appropriate data, this course studies how anthropologists use their unique set of academic tools to deal with culture, power, and agency. Illustrative areas of activity include human service needs assessment, program planning and evaluation, environmental impact assessment, educational and public policy development and analysis, and heritage resource management. Through course work and related apprenticeships, students will gain a better understanding of how anthropological knowledge and skills can be employed in occupations other than academe. Current issues and strategies in popular participation and alternative development will form the core of the course. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.

494 Issues in Anthropology (3)
Critical discussions with regard to major issues confronting the various sub-disciplines of anthropology. May be repeated for Anthropology elective credit if topic differs. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

495 Research Seminar (3)
A capstone course wherein students develop a special topic that contributes new knowledge in the discipline. Research includes laboratory, field, or library investigation. Prerequisite: ANTH 349W or consent of instructor.

498 Internship (3)
An apprenticeship to be undertaken within the San Diego anthropological community (that is, San Diego Museum of Man, the San Diego Archaeological Center, the Office of the San Diego County Archaeologist, CALTRANS, etc.). The apprenticeship will be developed by the student, his or her mentor, and the Anthropology Program. Prerequisite: Consent of program director. (Every semester)

499 Independent Study (1-3)
A project developed by the student in coordination with an instructor that investigates a field of interest to the student not normally covered by established Anthropology courses. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and program director. (Every semester)