Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
The Anthropology Major
Recommended Preparation for the Major
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
ANTH 103 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
Major Requirements
Coursework chosen in consultation with the advisor, including:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 300 | Research Seminar | 3 |
ANTH 349 | Writing Anthropology | 3 |
ANTH 460 | Ethnographic Field Methods | 3 |
Biological Anthropology | ||
Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
Human Evolution | ||
Monkey Business: Behavior and Ecology of Primates | ||
Paleopathology | ||
Forensic Anthropology | ||
Bones: Human Osteology | ||
Modern Human Variation | ||
The Ancient Dead: Bioarchaelogy | ||
Planet of the Great Apes: Ecology and Evolution of Humankind's Closest Relatives | ||
Cultural Anthropology | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
North American Indian Cultures | ||
California and Great Basin Indian Cultures | ||
Southwest Indian Cultures | ||
South American Indian Cultures | ||
Caribbean Cultures | ||
Nautical Anthropology of California | ||
Piracy in the New World | ||
Surf Culture And History | ||
Indigenous Religions | ||
Cultural Diversity | ||
Archaeology | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
North American Archaeology | ||
Southwestern Archaeology | ||
South American Archaeology | ||
Nautical Archaeology | ||
Post Medieval Seafaring and Empire | ||
The Ancient Dead: Bioarchaelogy | ||
Peopling of the Americas | ||
Native Peoples of Northwest Europe | ||
Archaeology of the Bible | ||
Antiquities: Who Owns the Past? | ||
ANTH elective courses | 6 | |
Total Units | 24-25 |
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
The Anthropology Minor
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
ANTH 103 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
Nine upper-division units | 9 |
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
ANTH 101, ANTH 101L, ANTH 102, ANTH 103, ANTH 300, ANTH 310, ANTH 311, ANTH 312, ANTH 313, ANTH 314, ANTH 315, ANTH 316, ANTH 320, ANTH 321, ANTH 323, ANTH 327, ANTH 328, ANTH 331, ANTH 334, ANTH 335, ANTH 339, ANTH 341, ANTH 343, ANTH 349, ANTH 350, ANTH 353, ANTH 354, ANTH 360, ANTH 362, ANTH 364, ANTH 370, ANTH 380, ANTH 385, ANTH 390, ANTH 410, ANTH 411, ANTH 420, ANTH 430, ANTH 460, ANTH 463, ANTH 470, ANTH 494, ANTH 496, ANTH 498, ANTH 499
Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only), Science/Tech Inquiry area
Corequisites: ANTH 101L
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.
Core Attributes: Science/Tech Inquiry area, Lab
Corequisites: ANTH 101
This laboratory course will provide students with hands on experience working with fundamental concepts in biological anthropology including evolutionary mechanisms, genetics, comparative primate biology, the human fossil record, and modern human variation. Must be taken in conjunction with ANTH 101 lecture. Every semester.
Core Attributes: Social/Behavioral Inquiry area
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.
Core Attributes: Social/Behavioral Inquiry area
A discussion of the techniques and concepts used by archaeologists to understand humankind through material culture. Every semester.
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 310 | HUMAN EVOLUTION
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: ANTH 101
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.
Core Attributes: Quantitative reasoning comp, Lab
Prerequisites: ANTH 101 and ANTH 101L
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.
ANTH 312 | PALEOPATHOLOGY
Units: 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.
ANTH 313 | FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Units: 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 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.
ANTH 314 | BONES: HUMAN OSTEOLOGY
Units: 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.
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 Repeatability: No
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 320 | NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURES
Units: 3
Prerequisites: ANTH 102
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.
ANTH 321 | CALIFORNIA AND GREAT BASIN INDIAN CULTURES
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
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 323 | SOUTHWEST INDIAN CULTURES
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: ANTH 102
A survey of the ethnography of Native Americans in the Greater Southwest (the American Southwest and the Mexican Northwest). Emphasis on the interplay of each culture with its ecological environment and surrounding cultures, particularly the historically dominant colonial European settlers.
ANTH 327 | SOUTH AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURES
Units: 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.
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 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 341 | MUSEOLOGY
Units: 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.
ANTH 343 | THE ANCIENT DEAD: BIOARCHAELOGY
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.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency
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 353 | PLANTS AND ANIMALS IN SOUTHWESTERN MYTHOLOGY
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: ANTH 102
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.
ANTH 354 | ORIGIN MYTHS OF THE SOUTHWEST
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: ANTH 102
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.
ANTH 360 | NAUTICAL ANTHROPOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA
Units: 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.
ANTH 362 | PIRACY IN THE NEW WORLD
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
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 370 | INDIGENOUS RELIGIONS
Units: 3
An examination of the elements, forms, and symbolism of religion among indigenous peoples; role of religion in society; anthropological theories of belief systems.
ANTH 380 | CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Units: 3
A cross-cultural study of social systems; principles of organization and relationships of society to ecological conditions; methodology of comparisons; and ethnographic materials.
ANTH 385 | NATIVE PEOPLES OF NORTHWEST EUROPE
Units: 3
A survey of the origins and migrations of the indigenous people of northwest Europe from Paleolithic times into the historic period, with a focus on the peoples who became known as the “Anglos.” The methodologies of archaeology, history, and the bioanthropology are used to understand these native populations.
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 Repeatability: No
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 411 | PLANET OF THE GREAT APES: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF HUMANKIND'S CLOSEST RELATIVES
Units: 4 Repeatability: No
Core Attributes: Lab
Prerequisites: ANTH 101 or ANTH 101L or ANTH 311
The course examines the natural history, behavior, ecology, and life history of each of the great apes including: orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees. The course will also consider conservation issues facing wild great apes, the welfare of apes in captivity, and ethical debates on ape "personhood" and other controversies of humankind's closest living relatives. Insights gathered shed light on human's shared evolutionary history with other great apes, and are applicable to the future survival of all great ape species.
ANTH 420 | METHOD AND THEORY IN ARCHAEOLOGY
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
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 430 | CULTURAL ECOLOGY
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
The course examines the basic relationships between people and both the natural and cultural environment. An understanding of biological adaptation and the role of culture in interacting and adapting to the environment is emphasized. A focus of the course is on extant traditional societies but the concepts apply to all societies. The application of an understanding of traditional practices in the modern world is also considered.
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 470 | SHAMANS, ART AND CREATIVITY
Units: 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 Shipibo of eastern Peru, and the Tungus reindeer herders of Siberia.
ANTH 494 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Units: 0.5-4 Repeatability: Yes (Repeatable if topic differs)
Critical discussions with regard to major issues confronting the various sub-disciplines of anthropology. May be repeated for anthropology elective credit if topic differs.
Core Attributes: Law - Experiential
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.
Department of Anthropology
College of Arts and Sciences
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San Diego, CA 92110