Cal State East Bay Catalog 2008-2009

Return to the front page of the catalogSearch the catalogMail us your feedbackHow to use the catalog
Undergraduate Programs

Anthropology
 * Department Information
 * Program Description
 * Career Opportunities
 * Features
 * Major Requirements (B.A.)
 * Other Degree Requirements
 * Minor Requirements
 * Undergraduate Courses
Department Information

Department of Anthropology
College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
Office: Meiklejohn Hall 3095
Phone: (510) 885-3168
Website: http://class.csueastbay.edu/anthropology/
 
Professor Emeritus
Alan J. Almquist, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
 
Professors
George R. Miller, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Laurie J. Price, Ph.D. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
 
Assistant Professors
Laura C. Nelson (Chair), Ph.D. Stanford University
William Henry Gilbert, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Andrew Wong, Ph.D. Stanford University
 
Lecturer
David J. Matsuda, Ph.D. Union University
 
Please consult the 2009-2010 online catalog for any changes that may occur.
Program Description

Anthropology is the multifaceted study of humans and their ways of life from a global and evolutionary perspective. Students in anthropology learn about the self as well as other ethnic nationalities as they are shaped by biological evolution, ecological constraints, political history, and sociological conditioning. The Department of Anthropology offers theoretical and methodological courses in the five sub-disciplines: biological anthropology, prehistory and archaeology, anthropological linguistics, sociocultural anthropology, and applied anthropology. Regional courses on major populations of the world, especially the heritage cultures of North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East, form an important component of the curriculum.
 
At the undergraduate level, students in the B.A. degree program may choose to focus on special interests in two combined sub-disciplines:
 
• Archaeology and Biological Anthropology emphasize the study of human biology, variation, evolution, and the reconstruction of past ways of life and cultural systems from material remains.
 
• Socio-Cultural and Applied Anthropology emphasize the study of social and cultural systems of more recent historical and contemporary populations, and the application of anthropological insights into present-day problems.
 
Other combinations are possible upon consultation with, and approval by, the faculty.
 
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Anthropology from Cal State East Bay will: (1) be familiar with the origins of anthropological theory in all four sub-fields of the discipline; (2) be familiar with the basic schools of anthropological thought in the twentieth century; (3) be familiar with the evidence for human biological and cultural evolution; (4) gain experience with basic research methods in anthropology (either socio-cultural or archaeological research methods); (5) be familiar with the culture of a particular region of the world.
Career Opportunities

Anthropologist • Archaeologist • Artifacts Conservator • Curator • Ethnologist • Foreign Service Officer • Immigration Service Official • International Aid Agencies Official • International Business Employee • Multicultural Education Instructor • Museum Curator • Park Ranger • Park Service Official • Professor/Teacher • Refugee Worker • Researcher • Social Science Teacher • Social Worker • Travel Consultant • Urban Planner
Features

The Department administers the Clarence E. Smith Museum of Anthropology, located on the fourth floor of Meiklejohn Hall. The museum houses a sizable collection of archaeological artifacts recovered in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, as well as ethnographic specimens from cultural groups throughout the world. The museum is an instructional facility for museum curating, research, design, and exhibits. Museum exhibits and special events are open to the public free of charge. For information, call (510) 885-7414 or (510) 885-3104.
Major Requirements (B.A.)

Please consult an advisor in your major department for clarification and interpretation.
 
The major consists of 60-61 units; the B.A. requires a total of 180 units.
 
Required Courses in Anthropology (60-61 units)
 
I. Lower Division (12 units)
ANTH 1100, 1200, 1300 (ANTH 3000 may be substituted for ANTH 1300 on approval of an advisor and the department chair)
 
II. Upper Division (48-49 units)
 
A. ANTH 3100, 3200, 3400, 3710, 3785, and 3800 (24 units)
 
B. One regional studies course from the following: ANTH 3500, 3510, 3540, 3545, 3550, 3560, 3580 (4 units)
 
C. ANTH 4910 Pro-Seminar in Anthropology (4 units)
 
D. Four additional courses from either one of the two options: 1) Archaeology/Biological Anthropology, or 2) Socio-Cultural Anthropology (16-17 units)
 
1. Archaeology/Biological Anthropology option:
ANTH 4240 (4)
ANTH 4250 (5)
ANTH 4260 (3)
 
Any one of the following: ANTH 3101, 3110, 3250, 3260, 3280 (4 units)
 
2. Socio-Cultural Anthropology option:
ANTH 4310 (5)
One additional regional course from the 3500 series (4 units)
 
Any two of the following: ANTH 3110, 3410, 3720, 3730, 3740, 3745, 3750, 3760, 3840 (8 units)
 
Highly Recommended Courses in Supporting Fields
It is highly recommended that majors refine their skills in one or more supporting disciplines depending on their academic interests and long-term career/educational goals. When possible, they should satisfy their G.E. requirements from the courses listed below. In addition, students intending to pursue graduate work and who cannot yet demonstrate competence in a foreign language through testing are urged to elect or add modern language courses. A faculty advisor will assist students in making choices from the following list:
 
BIOL 1001 (or one of 1003,1005, 2001, 2002, or 2003), 1002
 
GEOL 2101 (or 2100) and 3030
 
HIST 3017
 
SOC 3411
 
STAT 1000 and STAT 3010
 
Three consecutive quarters of a single modern language
Other Degree Requirements

In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition (ENGL 1002) requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.
Minor Requirements

The minor requires thirty-six (36) units in Anthropology to be taken in approximately the following order:
 
A. Two of the following:
ANTH 1100, 1200, 1300 (3000 may be substituted)
 
B. Two of the following: ANTH 3100 (or 3101), 3200, 3400, 3800
 
C. One course in the 3500 series (regional ethnography)
 
D. One course in the 3700 series (applied anthropology) and two additional 3000- and/or 4000-level courses (excluding 3500 series)
 
E. ANTH 4910
Undergraduate Courses

The course prefix for the following courses is ANTH.
 
Introductory Courses
 
1000  
 
Introduction to Anthropology (4)
The holistic study of human beings for non-majors: concepts of human evolution, prehistory, culture; comparison in human variation; structure and function in social organization; synthesis of biological, cultural, and social factors. Four hrs. lect., or 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
 
1002  
 
Prehistory Through Popular Literature (4)
Comparison of popular novels and films concerning prehistory with traditional archaeological approaches to the same data. A survey of Old World prehistory which illustrates the relative value of fictional and scholarly reconstructions of the past.
 
1006  
 
Viewing Diversity (4)
Basic social science approaches to the study of local, national, and global constructions and representations of cultural diversity.
 
1010  
 
The Human Adaptation (4)
Introduction to the study of humans in the natural world, human origins, and adaptations both from a cultural and biological perspective.
 
1100  
 
Introduction to Biological Anthropology (4)
An introduction to human biology from an evolutionary perspective. Topics include evolutionary theory, evolution of the primates based on fossil remains, behavioral studies of living primates, and modern human variability and adaptations. Four hrs. lect.; or three hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
 
1200  
 
Introduction to Archaeology (4)
Introduction to the techniques used in recovery and interpretation of archaeological materials. Examples of the processes of cultural reconstructions from sites in the old and new world.
 
1300  
 
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (4)
Functional approaches to the structure and dynamics of culture and society around the world; comparative study of human behavior and value systems in varied ecological settings.
 
2755  
 
Conflict in Cross-Cultural Perspective (4)
Introduction to the anthropological approach in studies of conflict, conflict resolution and legal systems. Comparative examination of the transition from indigenous to Westernized systems and alternatives to the modern American formal legal system.
 
3000  
 
Anthropology in the Modern World (4)
The relevance of anthropology to contemporary world problems and issues of mankind. A course for non-majors examining topics such as the social and cultural dimensions of health services, population problems, business, management, and public administration.
 
3999  
 
Issues in Anthropology (4)
Readings, discussion, and research on contemporary and/or significant issues in anthropology. May be repeated for credit when content varies.
 
 
Biological Anthropology
 
3100,  
3101
  
 
Human Evolution I, II (4,4)
Human and non-human primate evolutionary history. Fossil evidence, comparative anatomy and molecular systematics; 3100 Primate evolutionary history based on fossil evidence and comparative anatomy (F); 3101 The fossil evidence for human evolution. Prerequisite: ANTH 1100 or BIOL 3020 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. One course is not prerequisite to the other.
 
3110  
 
Primate Social Behavior (4)
A survey course concerned with behavior of non-human primates. Discussions of the relationships between social structure and the environment. The relevance of the study of non-human primate behavior to an understanding of human behavior will be emphasized.
 
 
Archaeology
 
3200  
 
Science in Archaeology (4)
Introduction to the application of the physical sciences in the solutions of problems in prehistory. Emphasis on dating methods and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Prerequisite: ANTH 1200 or consent of instructor.
 
3250  
 
Precolumbian America: Aztec, Inca, Maya (4)
The origins, growth and interaction of the Mesoamerican and South American civilizations, with particular emphasis on the Aztecs, Incas and Mayas. Archaeological, historical and ethnographic evidence.
 
3260  
 
Historical Archaeology (4)
Archaeology of the United States, historical period from 1500 to the present. Survey course emphasizing both native and immigrant peoples' contributions to the historical/archaeological record.
 
 
Sociocultural Anthropology
 
3400  
 
Social Anthropology (4)
Structural-functional approach to the comparative study of human institutions, with emphasis on changing kinship, family, and social structure in various regions of the world. Critical analysis of major ethnographic works and substantial writing required. Prerequisite: ANTH 1300 or consent of instructor.
 
3410  
 
Folklore (4)
Introduction to and survey of oral literature, e.g., folktales, myths, legends, proverbs, riddles, etc., especially among non-literate peoples; methods and theories of folklore analysis and the use of folklore in studies of diffusion, social functions, world view, and religion.
 
 
Regional Anthropology and Ethnography
 
3500  
 
North American Indians (4)
Native peoples and cultures of present-day United States and Canada.
 
3505  
 
Indians of California (4)
Habitat, economy, society, arts, and beliefs of the native populations of California.
 
3510  
 
South America (4)
Peoples and cultures of South America from contact times to the present. Ecological adaptations, socioeconomic organization, kinship, religion, and culture change.
 
3545  
 
China (4)
Cultural patterns, religion, social structure, ecological setting and regional variations of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong; their traditional, present and future role in the world.
 
3550  
 
Japan (4)
Cultural patterns, religion, social structure and ecological settings of Japan. Topics will include family and kinship, gender roles, work groups, socialization, and education.
 
3555  
 
Cultures of East Asia (4)
Anthropological perspectives on East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Cultural sharing (e.g., Confucianism, Buddhism) and cultural differences, with focus on religion, social structure, ecology, and contemporary issues.
 
3560  
 
India (4)
Development of Indian cultural traditions, with emphasis upon social organization and its relation to the social problems of the peoples inhabiting the Indian subcontinent.
 
3580  
 
Middle East (4)
An exploration of the regional diversity of people and social institutions of the Middle East in order to understand the complexities of current social issues.
 
 
Applied Anthropology
 
3710  
 
Anthropology and Museums (4)
The anthropologist in the museum profession; the curatorial role; acquisition, identification, recording, repair, preservation and display of anthropological materials. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: ANTH 1100, 1200, or 1300, or consent of instructor. Minimum of two field trips required. One hr. lect., 6 hrs. act.
 
3720  
 
Medical Anthropology (4)
The ecology of health, magical beliefs, and medicine; public health and medical problems as affected by cultural differences; the effects of acculturation upon mental and physical health. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or consent of instructor.
 
3730  
 
Anthropology on the Internet (4)
The Internet computer network contains many "virtual communities" representative of various international multicultural interest groups. Application of anthropological fieldwork techniques to study issues of transitional identity, communications, expressions, representation, and the concerns of geographically dispersed communities.
 
3740  
 
Cross-Cultural Studies in Child-Rearing (4)
Cross-cultural study of infancy, childhood and adolescence; the process of enculturation, socialization and methods of child rearing.
 
3745  
 
Human Sexuality: Anthropological Perspectives (4)
A cross-cultural and evolutionary study of human sexuality expanding the constricted perspectives of Western cultures, including a review of sexual practices and attitudes, gender roles in sensuality, and sexual orientation in both Western and non-Western societies.
 
3750  
 
Women in Cross-Cultural Perspective (4)
Similarities and differences in women's experiences in various societies around the world. Questions concerning gender identity, sexuality, marriage, the family, work, power, and intersections of gender with age, class and other inequalities.
 
3760  
 
Media in Cross-Cultural Perspective (4)
Introduction to socio-cultural anthropology from the perspective of visual media; ethnographic and feature films, video, and slides of field work. Assigned readings and lectures parallel media presentations placing them in a broader topical and theoretical context.
 
3765  
 
Business Anthropology (4)
Study of culture, institutions, and globalization through a focus on the anthropology of doing business. Application of anthropological insights to commercial encounters using case studies and direct experience. Topics include cross-cultural negotiation, organizational culture, and economic anthropology.
 
3785  
 
Anthropology in Action (4)
Application of anthropological theory and methods to selected contemporary problems, including public health issues and policy, education, women and children, community development. Service learning activity at a local community organization. Prerequisite: upper division standing or consent of instructor.
 
3790  
 
Anthropology and Genealogy (4)
Anthropology from the perspective of genealogy and the individual student's family tree. Exploration of human diversity, both biological and cultural, through the methods of genealogical research including oral history, family folklore, DNA profiling, and Internet resources.
 
3898  
 
Cooperative Education (1-4)
Supervised work experience in which student completes academic assignments integrated with off-campus paid or volunteer activities. May be repeated for up to 8 units. A maximum of 4 units will be accepted toward the Anthropology major; not applicable toward the Anthropology minor, CR/NC grading only. Prerequisites: at least a 2.0 GPA; departmental approval of activity.
 
 
Symbolic Anthropology and Religion
 
3800  
 
Language and Culture (4)
The structured nature of language, linguistic classification, and the relationship of language, thought and reality viewed through the perspective of linguistic relativity.
 
3840  
 
Folk Religion and Magic (4)
Cross-cultural comparison of the origins, development and social functions of magical, witchcraft and religious beliefs and behavior, including relevant aspects of symbolism, ritual, ceremony, spirit possession, exorcism, divination, pilgrimage, renunciation and revivalistic cult movements.
 
 
Advanced Archaeology - Biological Anthropology
 
4240  
 
Data Analysis in Archaeology (4)
General field and laboratory techniques for retrieval and analysis of data recovered from prehistoric and/or historic sites. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ANTH 1200 or consent of instructor. One hr. lect., 6 hrs. act.
 
4250  
 
Field Course in Archaeology (5)
Techniques of surface survey and scientific excavation; controlled data retrieval from a variety of archaeological field situations. Aspects emphasized will depend on available opportunities. Prerequisite: ANTH 1200 or 3200 or consent of instructor. One hr. lect., 8 hrs. act.
 
4260  
 
Human Osteology Laboratory (3)
A laboratory course on the human skeleton. Reconstruction of individual characteristics based on metric, non-metric and statistical analysis. Topics may include analysis of human populations from archaeological contexts, paleodemography, and paleopathology. Prerequisite: ANTH 1100 or consent of instructor. 6 hrs. lab.
 
 
Advanced Sociocultural Anthropology
 
4310  
 
Field Course in Ethnography (5)
Securing, recording, ordering, and analysis of cultural data; problems of participant observation and eliciting information from informants; methods of data collection. Prerequisite: one course in ANTH 1300 or 3400 or 3500 series. One hr. lect., 8 hrs. act. (field work all day Saturday or two afternoons per week).
 
4900  
 
Independent Study (1-4)
 
4910  
 
Pro-Seminar in Anthropology (4)
Seminar in history and philosophy of anthropological thought: its place among the sciences and the humanities, schools of thought and the respective contributions of eminent anthropologists. Prerequisites: senior standing, completion of three upper division anthropology courses or consent of instructor.
Return to the front page of the catalogSearch the catalogMail us your feedbackHow to use the catalog

© 2008 The California State University
Last Updated: May 20, 2008