Anthropology, Associate of Arts (AA)

Program Overview

The Associate of Arts in Anthropology program offers a comprehensive study of human development, encompassing biological, socio-cultural, and historical perspectives. Students gain a holistic understanding of culture, its diversity, and the ethical implications of anthropological research. The program prepares graduates for careers in fields such as anthropology, archaeology, social work, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Anthropology is the study of humans in the broadest sense: biological, socio-cultural, and historical. The Department of Anthropology provides students with a rich curriculum, with courses focusing on the development of humanity through the ages: our cultures, our behaviors, our belief systems, and our origin.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing the Associate of Arts (AA) in Anthropology program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the holistic nature of Anthropology and the concepts of culture and biology as used by contemporary anthropologists.
• Describe the development of Anthropology as a profession, explaining why it can be considered both a science and a humanity and how it became a distinct field of inquiry while retaining a relationship with other academic disciplines.
• Discuss the four-field nature of Anthropology and the relation of its sub-disciplines to one another, particularly in terms of the biological and social construction of such terms as sex, gender, and race.
• Describe ways in which different aspects of culture—economic, social, political, and religious practices and institutions—relate to one another in a cultural system, and draw comparisons between different cultures, past and present.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity enhanced by a holistic perspective on culture as integrated, dynamic, and embedded in broader processes of intercultural connection and globalization.
• Discuss their own cultural biases, as well as the biases of others, explaining why these biases exist while retaining the ability to put said biases aside in order to evaluate the cultural syntheses of others in ethnographies, films, news, and media.
• Articulate the importance of ethics in Anthropology, specifically the fundamental obligations of anthropologists to members of the societies they study, their research sponsors, and their profession.

Outline:

The Associate of Arts (AA) in Anthropology program consists of 18-21 units of coursework, including the following required courses:

• ANTH 101: Physical Anthropology (3-4 units)
• ANTH 102: Introduction to Archaeology (3-4 units)
• ANTH 103: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
• ANTH 104: Language and Culture (3 units)
• SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3-4 units)
• One course from the following: (3 units)
• ANTH 109: Comparative World Cultures
• ANTH 113: Witchcraft, Magic, Science, and Religion
Students may also choose to take additional elective courses in Anthropology or other related fields.

Assessment:

Students in the Associate of Arts (AA) in Anthropology program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Class participation

Teaching:

The Associate of Arts (AA) in Anthropology program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Careers:

Graduates of the Associate of Arts (AA) in Anthropology program may pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Anthropologist
• Archaeologist
• Museum curator
• Social worker
• Teacher
• Journalist
• Librarian
• Policy analyst
• Researcher