Anthropology Courses

ANTH 101

Becoming Human: Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Units: 4

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. Every semester. Students may not receive credit for both ANTH 101 and ANTH 111.

ANTH 102

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Units: 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. Every semester.

ANTH 103

Temples, Tombs and Treasure: The Relevance of Archaeology

Units: 3

A discussion of the techniques and concepts used by archaeologists to understand humankind through material culture. Every semester.

ANTH 111

Becoming Human: Introduction to Biological Anthropology with Social Justice

Units: 4

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, adaptation, and social justice. Social justice is woven into this course by way of examples, exercises, and content. Social justice content includes topics of a sensitive nature such as “race”, bias, societal privilege, intersectionality, anti-racism, biological sex and gender, and human sexuality, and the future of humanity. Students will consider their own positionality in terms of human evolution, modern human variation, and current society. Students may not receive credit for both ANTH 101 and ANTH 111.

ANTH 115

Cultural Anthropology Topics

Units: 3

Cultural Anthropology Topics will include a number of possible offerings that address various topics and questions in the area of contemporary cultural anthropology. This proposal presents materials for one version entitled: "Stories Are All We Are: Anthropologies of Narrative and the Human Condition" In a world saturated with information, how do we find meaning? This course explores the powerful role of narrative in shaping human experience. We will analyze stories not as mere entertainment, but as the fundamental way we organize our lives, understand our past, and imagine our future. Drawing on anthropological examples from around the globe, we will explore diverse forms of storytelling—from myths and rituals to digital media and personal memories. Through this journey, you'll learn to see stories as tools for identity-making, social cohesion, and even resistance, uncovering how the tales we tell ourselves and each other are the true foundations of the human condition.

ANTH 165

Anthropology of Everyday Life: Fieldwork, Culture and Creative, Critical Inquiry

Units: 3

This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of ethnographic methods as tools for exploring the hidden rules and meanings within everyday life and culture. Students will learn core fieldwork techniques—including participant-observation, ethnographic interviews, and systematic field note-taking—to analyze the social worlds around them, from campus rituals to community groups. The course actively cultivates creative critical inquiry by emphasizing reflexivity: the self-awareness required to analyze how your own positionality shapes the research process and to develop and support a credible ethnographic hypothesis. Through hands-on exercises and a final Mini-Ethnographic Research Project, students will gain practical experience in data collection and analysis, applying methods to topics of their choice. Finally, the course introduces the ethical and practical dimensions of community-engaged and participatory research, preparing students to use anthropology for real-world understanding and collaborative problem-solving. This course meets the Student Learning Outcomes required for the ESBI and CCTH core curriculum.

ANTH 186

Ethical True Crime

Units: 3

This introductory course explores the true crime genre through an anthropological lens, with a focus on critical thinking, ethics, and advocacy. True crime narratives will be considered, not simply as entertainment, but as lived experiences that reflect and shape our understandings of humanity, morality, and justice. Students will evaluate true crime content laterally, from current to historical cases, to elucidate how storytelling can vastly influence, and potentially bias, the portrayal of victims and perpetrators in terms of guilt and innocence, and how this has changed over time. Students will learn to decipher between content that is sensationalized or exploitative versus that which is victim-centered, trauma-informed, and acts to further justice. Case studies of violent crimes will feature intersectional identities of individuals who are disproportionately represented as victims, such as women, the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC, the unhoused, and sex trade workers. Intersectionality and wrongful convictions will also be considered. The importance of social movements such as Black and Missing, Lavender Rights, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives will be emphasized. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum Information Literacy (CILT) flag.

ANTH 294

Special Topics in Anthropology

Units: 0.5 TO 4

Critical discussions with regard to major issues confronting the various sub-disciplines of anthropology. May be repeated for anthropology elective credit if topic differs.

ANTH 300

Research Seminar

Units: 3

A course wherein students develop a special topic that contributes new knowledge in the discipline. Research includes laboratory, field, or library investigation.

ANTH 301

The Human Dead: Contemporary Perspectives on Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology

Units: 3

An examination of how archaeologists, biological anthropologists, and forensic anthropologists analyze the remains of the human dead in past societies and in forensic contexts. Students will learn basic skeletal anatomy and osteological techniques (human versus non-human, age at death, minimum number of individuals, etc.), before examining remains for trauma, disease, and wear. Inferences will be made in terms of the lives and deaths of individuals. Students will also consider the interpretations we make based on our own lived experiences, and how this may influence objectivity and truth. Three field trips may be required. Students will be required to complete course content and view materials depicting traumatic and fatal interpersonal violence, mass disasters, genocides, and war crimes. It is recommended that students complete ANTH 101 or 111 before taking this class.

ANTH 310

Human Evolution

Units: 3

This course offers an overview of the fossil evidence for human evolution. Students will become familiar with basic principles of biological classification and nomenclature and with the anatomical features characteristic of different hominin species. They will also explore methods of reconstructing behavioral attributes from skeletal and archaeological data and gain a detailed knowledge of current theoretical perspectives in palaeoanthropology.

ANTH 311

Monkey Business: Behavior and Ecology of Primates

Units: 4

An introduction to the study of non-human primates (prosimians, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes). This course will examine the behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation of extant primates. The inquiry based-lab introduces methods commonly used in animal behavior, and allows students to test hypotheses within an ecological and evolutionary framework. Laboratory exercises will be conducted at the San Diego Zoo. A course in statistics is recommended but not required prior to taking this class. Prerequisites: ANTH 101 or 111, or BIOL 112 or (BIOL 240 and BIOL 240L) or (BIOL 242 and BIOL 242L), or EOSC 112 or EOSC 123, or PSYC 101 or PSYC 230

ANTH 314

Bones: Human Osteology

Units: 4

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. It is recommended that students take ANTH 101 or 111 or 103 before enrolling in this class.

ANTH 315

Modern Human Variation

Units: 3

The course surveys the biological variation within and among human populations. After covering the basic principles of genetics and evolutionary theory, the course examines the genetic, physical, and behavioral traits found in our species, including adaptations to disease, temperature, altitude, and nutritional needs. These traits will be considered from a cultural and scientific perspective, and the evolutionary and cultural processes that have shaped these traits will be discussed. The course will also explore how culture can influence our understanding of human biology, and how studies of human variation have impacted society in the past and present. Strongly recommend ANTH 101 as preparation.

ANTH 316

Primate Evolutionary Anatomy

Units: 3

The course will: a) survey the anatomy of the living primates and review different anatomical systems and behaviors across species from a structural, functional, and evolutionary perspective; b) examine aspects of the primate fossil record, including adaptations unique to our own lineage: the hominins; and c) make use of primate skeletal casts to link aspects of skeletal structure with soft tissue anatomy. Emphasis will be given to understanding the ways in which anatomy is correlated with behavior.

ANTH 317

Beasts, Bones, and Biology

Units: 4

This course focuses on theories and methods for studying animal skeletal remains from archaeological sites. Particular attention will be paid to identification and quantification of zooarchaeological material, to various cultural and natural processes that affect animal bones pre- and post-burial, and to the use of faunal remains for determining past human diets and environments. Prerequisites: ANTH 101 or ANTH 103 or ANTH 111

ANTH 321

California and Great Basin Indian Cultures

Units: 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.

ANTH 324

Environmental Anthropology

Units: 3

In-depth study of methods and concepts for understanding the interrelations of human populations with their environments in diverse natural/cultural settings, with particular emphasis on ecological knowledge and practices of Indigenous communities from a variety of contexts as well as the relevance of such knowledge for contemporary issues such as climate change, environmental justice, and more.

ANTH 325

Food and Culture

Units: 4

This course delves into the anthropological study of food, examining how cultural, social, and economic factors shape food practices and traditions. Through a blend of theoretical perspectives and ethnographic case studies, students will explore relationships between food and identity, power, localization and globalization, food justice, Indigenous food sovereignty, and more. The course will emphasize diverse foodways from around the world, seeking to foster deep appreciation for the cultural significance of food and its role in human societies. This course satisfies the Core area requirement for Global Diversity FDG2.

ANTH 326

Exploring Culture and Sustainability in Latin America

Units: 3

Travel to Latin America provides an opportunity to engage fully the potential for cultural learning that is experiential. In our connected world, this experience serves students as global citizens, regardless of intended major. Studying familiar concepts such as sustainability and community engagement in an unfamiliar context provides students with a deeper and broader understanding of the material. Prerequisite: Student must apply for and be eligible for study abroad. Instructor review and approval of application required.

ANTH 328

Caribbean Cultures

Units: 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.

ANTH 330

North American Archaeology

Units: 3

An examination of the development of the prehistoric cultures of North America from the earliest occupations to the historic period. This course examines the evidence for the first migrations into the North America and subsequent development of the diversity of Native American cultures. The culture area approach (i.e., the Arctic, Subarctic, Northwest, Midwest, Great Plains, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Great Basin, and California) will be used to organize the class discussions. The primary emphasis will be the culture areas north of Mexico, but developments in Mesoamerica will be discussed where relevant.

ANTH 331

Southwestern Archaeology

Units: 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.

ANTH 334

South American Archaeology

Units: 3

An introductory survey of the prehistoric cultures of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. The focus of the course is upon 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.

ANTH 335

Nautical Archaeology

Units: 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.

ANTH 339

Post Medieval Seafaring and Empire

Units: 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 fifteenth century and concluding with the American Civil War, students will utilize archaeological and historical sources to better understand colonization, waterborne commerce, and naval warfare.

ANTH 343

The Ancient Dead: Bioarchaeology

Units: 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 and laboratory analysis. Basic skeletal and artifact analysis is the core of the course. Lectures, readings, group discussions, digital presentations, and guest speakers are also included. Field trips may supplement the core material.

ANTH 349

Writing Anthropology

Units: 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.

ANTH 350

Peopling of the Americas

Units: 3

When 16th century Europeans arrived in the New World they found it densely inhabited. Speculation then began as to who the people were, where they had come from, and when they had arrived. From the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel to the ancestors of the Ainu, no group seems to have been exempt from consideration. In this survey course we examine various claims for places of origin and times of arrival. We investigate the level and weight of available evidence, and learn how to scientifically evaluate it. Archaeological, geological, bioanthropological, linguistic, genetic, and maritime data are brought to bear on the question.

ANTH 362

Piracy in the New World

Units: 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.

ANTH 364

Surf Culture And History

Units: 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.

ANTH 390

Archaeology of the Bible

Units: 3

A two-fold broad-based survey emphasizing historical contexts, archaeological sites, and material culture from the Early Bronze through Iron Ages in the Eastern Mediterranean world, corresponding to historical and literary references in the 1) Bible ("Tanakh") and 2) Christian New Testament.

ANTH 410

Social Change: Global Perspectives

Units: 3

Using sociological perspectives on the roles of cultural beliefs and social practices in shaping people’s lives, this course offers an overview of the organizing principles of society that resulted in the transition of pre-industrial societies to modern industrial states. The goals of the course are to make students aware of the power that social and cultural structures hold over them, of the fact that different societies will necessarily hold disparate views on how societies should be organized, and of the means to assess social/cultural differences in a nonjudgmental way. Topics covered include the technological bases of social organization, sex and gender stratification, demography, nationalism, religion, and civil society.

ANTH 413

Planet of the Great Apes: Ethics of Humanity's Relationships to Other Apes

Units: 3

The course examines the ethical issues affecting great apes including captivity, use in entertainment, biomedical experimentation, “personhood”, behavioral research, habituation, reintroduction, eco-tourism, vaccines, and conservation, including the legacies of colonialism and colonial-style conservation. Insights gained can shed light on the morality of prioritizing the wellbeing of humans over apes (e.g., captivity, biomedical use, research, etc.), or apes over humans (e.g., “personhood”, conservation conflict). This course satisfies the Ethical Inquiry (FETI) Requirement in the Core Curriculum and may be used toward the Minor in Biomedical Ethics.

ANTH 420

Method and Theory in Archaeology

Units: 3

The purpose of the course is to study the theory, methods, and techniques of archaeological studies in detail. Emphasis will be on theory and analytical methods (particularly dating) but will include discussions on survey and excavation. The scientific method, including research design, will also be emphasized.

ANTH 460

Ethnographic Field Methods

Units: 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. Every spring semester.

ANTH 463

Antiquities: Who Owns the Past?

Units: 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 his 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.

ANTH 494

Special Topics in Anthropology

Units: 0.5 TO 4

Critical discussions with regard to major issues confronting the various sub-disciplines of anthropology. May be repeated for anthropology elective credit if topic differs.

ANTH 495

Senior Seminar

Units: 3 TO

This course serves as the required Senior Seminar/Capstone experience for Anthropology majors. This seminar is designed to be the culminating experience of the undergraduate major, requiring students to reflect on their anthropological training, synthesize knowledge across subfields, and apply their skills toward their first professional steps after graduation. The central goal is the production of both a Capstone Project and a Professional Portfolio designed to demonstrate student mastery of their anthropological training. This course satisfies the Core requirements for Advanced Writing (CADW) and Oral Communication (CORL).

ANTH 496

Research

Units: 1 TO 3

ANTH 498

Internship

Units: 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, Mingei International Museum, etc.). The apprenticeship will be developed by the student, his or her mentor, and the Department of Anthropology. Prereq: consent of department chair. Every semester.

ANTH 499

Independent Study

Units: 1 TO 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. Prereq: consent of instructor and department chair. Every semester.