Anthropology - Associate of Arts Degree

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human. It has been called the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences as it takes a broad approach to the study of humanity, integrating biological, archaeological, cultural, and linguistic perspectives. Anthropologists often aim for their work to aid in understanding and solving real-world issues faced by humans today. The courses within this program are designed to provide students with applicable skills useful in a vast range of occupations.

Major/Program Requirements

Career and Academic Pathways

Required Courses:

ANTHRO 102 or ANTHRO 102HCultural Anthropology

3.00

ANTHRO 106 or ANTHRO 106HBiological Anthropology

3.00

Students must complete at least twelve (12) units from the following courses:

ANTHRO 100Introduction to Archaeology

3.00

ANTHRO 107 or ETHS 107 or HIST 107Native Peoples of North America

3.00

ANTHRO 110 or RELIG 110Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion

3.00

GEOG 102 or GEOG 102HHuman Geography

3.00

GEOG 110 or GEOG 110HPhysical Geography

3.00

 

MATH 110 or MATH 110HIntroduction to Statistics

4.00

OR

PSYCH 120Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences

4.00

 

SOC 100 or SOC 100HIntroduction to Sociology

3.00

Total Credit Hours: 18.00

Lower division requirements for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution in this field may differ from associate degree requirements. Prospective transfer students should complete the general education and lower division requirements of the school to which they will be transferring. See a counselor for details. Information is also available at www.assist.org.

A student receiving a degree in this field will be able to:

  • Utilize anthropological theories and research methods to "make the unfamiliar familiar, and make the familiar unfamiliar"
  • Apply archeological and anthropological research methods, and explain which would be appropriate in the investigation
  • Identify the components of "culture" and explain the application to the interpersonal and organizational experience of a given case study, covering topics such as the roles of legends, symbolism, rites of passage, linguistics and drug use
  • Define ethnocentrism and appraise its role in maintaining societal solidarity and its impact on tolerance, pluralism and diversity