Anthropology - undergraduate program

Anthropology

[ undergraduate program | graduate program | faculty ]

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

Courses

For course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog 2019–20, please contact the department for more information.

Note: Not all courses are offered every year.

Lower Division

ANTH 1. Introduction to Culture (4)

An introduction to the anthropological approach to understanding human behavior, with an examination of data from a selection of societies and cultures.

ANTH 2. Human Origins (4)

An introduction to human evolution from the perspective of physical anthropology, including evolutionary theory and the evolution of the primates, hominids, and modern humans. Emphasis is placed on evidence from fossil remains and behavioral studies of living primates.

ANTH 3. Global Archaeology (4)

This course examines theories and methods used by archaeologists to investigate the origins and nature of human culture and its materiality. Case studies from the past and present, and digital heritage are explored. Recommended for many upper-division archaeology courses.

ANTH 4. Words and Worlds: Introduction to the Anthropology of Language (4)

How does one’s language mutually interact with the social, cultural, and conceptual worlds one inhabits and mutually constructs with others? This course will introduce the comparative study of social life through the lens of the uniquely human capacity for language.

ANTH 5. The Human Machine: The Skeleton Within (4)

Course will provide an introduction to bones as a tissue, to different bones in the body, and the ligaments and muscles surrounding major joints. You will learn how the skeleton, ligaments, and muscles support our mode of locomotion; the differences between male and female skeletons; and the differences across human populations. You’ll see how nutrition and disease can affect bones. Course examines functional areas within the body.

ANTH 21. Race and Racisms (4)

Why does racism still matter? How is racism experienced in the United States and across the globe? With insights from the biology of human variation, archaeology, colonial history, and sociocultural anthropology, we examine how notions of race and ethnicity structure contemporary societies.

ANTH 23. Debating Multiculturalism: Race, Ethnicity, and Class in American Societies (4)

This course focuses on the debate about multiculturalism in American society. It examines the interaction of race, ethnicity, and class, historically and comparatively, and considers the problem of citizenship in relation to the growing polarization of multiple social identities.

ANTH 42. Primates in a Human-Dominated World (4)

Major primate field studies will be studied to illustrate common features of primate behavior and behavioral diversity. Topics will include communication, female hierarchies, protocultural behavior, social learning and tool use, play, cognition, and self-awareness.

ANTH 43. Introduction to Biology and Culture of Race (4)

This course examines conceptions of race from evolutionary and sociocultural perspectives. We will critically examine how patterns of current human genetic variation map onto conceptions of race. We will also focus on the history of the race concept and explore ways in which biomedical researchers and physicians use racial categories today. Finally, we will examine the social construction of race, and the experiences and consequences of racism on health in the United States and internationally.

ANTH 44. Gender, Sexuality, and New Media Fandom in the Korean Wave (4)

This course examines new media fandoms through the representation and reception of gender and sexuality in Korean media consumed around the world by highlighting how Korean images are differently interpreted by other national groups. Contrasting various understandings of masculinity, homosexuality, and transgenderism, we explore how the meanings attached to gender and sexuality are not fixed by the productive frame of Korean society, but cocreated and reimagined by international audiences.

ANTH 87. Freshman Seminar (1)

The Freshman Seminar Program is designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman Seminars are offered in all campus departments and undergraduate colleges. Topics vary from quarter to quarter. Enrollment is limited to fifteen to twenty students, with preference given to entering freshmen.

Upper Division

ANTH 101. Foundations of Social Complexity (4)

Course examines archaeological evidence for three key “tipping points” in the human career: (1) the origins of modern human social behaviors, (2) the beginnings of agriculture and village life, and (3) the emergence of cities and states. Prerequisites: upper-division standing. (Required for all majors in anthropology.)

ANTH 102. Humans Are Cultural Animals (4)

This class examines humans from a comparative perspective; if we ignore culture, what’s left? How do culture and biology interact? And how does biology inform cultural debates over race, sex, marriage, war, peace, etc.? Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANTH 103. Sociocultural Anthropology (4)

A systematic analysis of social anthropology and of the concepts and constructs required for cross-cultural and comparative study of human societies. Required for all majors in anthropology. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANTH 147. Understanding the Human Social Order: Anthropology and the Long-Term (4)

This course explores the nature of human social systems over the long term. Returning to the original project of anthropology in the broadest sense, we examine the origins and reproduction of the state, social classes, multiethnic configurations, and political economies. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANTH 192. Senior Seminar in Anthropology (1)

The Senior Seminar Program is designed to allow senior undergraduates to meet with faculty members in a small group setting to explore an intellectual topic in anthropology (at the upper-division level). Senior Seminars may be offered in all campus departments. Topics will vary from quarter to quarter. Senior Seminars may be taken for credit up to four times, with a change in topic, and consent of the department. Enrollment is limited to twenty students, with preference given to seniors. Prerequisites: upper-division standing; department stamp and/or consent of instructor.

ANTH 195. Instructional Apprenticeship in Anthropology (4)

Course gives students experience in teaching of anthropology at the lower-division level. Students, under direction of instructor, lead discussion sections, attend lectures, review course readings, and meet regularly to prepare course materials and to evaluate examinations and papers. Course not counted toward minor or major. P/NP grades only. Prerequisites: upper-division standing and consent of instructor and department stamp. Received grade of A in course to be taught or equivalent. Student will need to apply for the Undergraduate Instructional Apprentice position through ASES, fulfill the Academic Senate Regulations, and receive the approval of the department, instructor, department chair, and Academic Senate.

ANTH 196A. Honors Studies in Anthropology (4)

Seminar to explore student research interests and methodologies needed to complete Honors Thesis in ANTH 196B. Students will be admitted to the Honors Program by invitation of the department in the spring of their junior year. Completion of this course with a grade of at least B+ is a prerequisite to ANTH 196B. Prerequisites: department approval required.

ANTH 196B. Honors Studies in Anthropology (4)

Independent preparation of a senior thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Students begin two-quarter sequence in fall quarter. Prerequisites: completion of ANTH 196A with grade of B+ or better.

ANTH 196C. Honors Studies in Anthropology (4)

A weekly research seminar where students share, read, and discuss in-depth research findings resulting from ANTH 196A and 196B along with selected background literature used in each individual thesis. Students are also taught how to turn their theses into brief presentations for both specialized and broader audiences. Students will be offered opportunities to present their findings at campus events and outreach events during the quarter. Prerequisites: ANTH 196A-B.

ANTH 197. Field Studies (4)

The Department of Anthropology has partnered with the Academic Internship Program (AIP) at UC San Diego to provide students with internship opportunities during their undergraduate studies. The AIP allows students to integrate academic theory and “real world” practice, engage in research that explores the relationship between the two, and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. By participating, students receive ANTH 197 (P/NP) credit while fulfilling the requirements of the Academic Internship Program Office. In order to pursue this internship, you will need to have a faculty mentor from the anthropology department. Students will be responsible to follow the requirements outlined in the AIP syllabus, as well as plans established with the faculty mentor.

ANTH 198. Directed Group Study (2–4)

Directed group study on a topic or in a field not included in the regular departmental curriculum by special arrangement with a faculty member. Student may take this course twice for credit. Please note: Majors may only apply eight units of approved P/NP credit toward the major, and minors may only apply four units of P/NP credit toward the minor. Please contact the department for a list of courses you may take on a P/NP basis and apply toward the major or minor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and upper-division standing with minimum GPA of 2.5 and completed and approved Special Studies form. Department approval required. (Formerly known as ANPR 198.)

ANTH 199. Independent Study (4)

Independent study and research under the direction of a member of the faculty. Student may take this course twice for credit. Please note: majors may only apply eight units of approved P/NP credit toward the major, and minors may only apply four units of P/NP credit toward the minor. Please contact the department for a list of courses you may take on a P/NP basis and apply toward the major or minor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and upper-division standing with minimum GPA of 2.5 and completed and approved Special Studies form. Department approval required. (Formerly known as ANPR 199.)

Anthropology: Archaeology

ANAR 100. Special Topics in Anthropological Archaeology (4)

Course will vary in title and content. When offered, the current description and title is found in the current Schedule of Classes and the Department of Anthropology website. May be taken for credit four times. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

ANAR 104. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Anthropologists and Archaeologists (4)

This course is an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis for anthropologists and archaeologists. The course will provide students with background theory and basic skills in GIS through lectures and hands-on lab activities. Students will learn the basics of acquiring, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data for anthropological study. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 111. Foundations of Archaeology (4)

As part of the broad discipline of anthropology, archaeology provides the long chronological record needed for investigating human and social evolution. The theories and methods used in this field are examined. (Archaeology core sequence course.) Recommended preparation: ANTH 3. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 112. Ancient Urbanism (4)

The origins and development of early cities in the Old and New Worlds are compared and contrasted from an archaeological anthropological perspective. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 113. Past, Present, and Future Perspectives on Natural Resources in Israel (4)

The class will provide a basic overview of Israel’s natural resources, including water, stone, minerals, oil, and gas. Case studies on ancient exploitation of these resources will be presented (e.g., copper extraction from ore in the Negev, water management in Biblical Israel, stone quarrying for the Temple Mount, etc.), followed by a discussion on the current role of these resources in the economy of modern Israel. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 114. Environmental Hazards in Israel (4)

Israel, like California, is located on a complex tectonic boundary, which is responsible for a history of earthquakes, volcanism, and tsunamis. How great is the risk today and what will be the regional impact of a major earthquake? We will try to answer these questions by understanding the basic geology of Israel and reviewing the history of natural disasters as recorded by archaeology and historical documentation. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 115. Coastal Geomorphology and Environmental Change—Perspectives from Israel and the South-Eastern Mediterranean (4)

Students will develop a broad understanding of the morphological features that are identified in coastal systems, and the short- and long-term processes that shape them through time. Students will become familiar with terminology, approaches, and methodologies used in coastal geomorphological research, which are relevant for today’s study of climate and environmental change, with a focus on coastal sedimentary environments and an emphasis on the coast of Israel from ancient times until today. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 116. Sea Level Change—The Israel Case in World Perspective (4)

This course provides students with a broad understanding of the most current sea level change research that has been conducted around the globe. Students will be introduced to the general terminology used in this field, coastal shallow marine and deep-sea sea level indicators, and their degree of uncertainty, along with corresponding dating methods. An emphasis will be given to sea-level studies conducted in Israel and neighboring lands. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 117. Archaeological Field and Lab Class, Southern California (4)

The archaeological field and laboratory class will take place in the field in San Diego or adjacent counties. This course is a hands-on introduction to the research design of interdisciplinary archaeological projects and techniques of data collection, including survey, excavation, or laboratory analysis. May be taken for credit up to two times. Program or materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

ANAR 118. Archaeology of the UC San Diego Campus (4)

Our campus houses some of the earliest human settlements in North America. This course reviews the archaeology, climate, and environment of the sites and outlines research aimed at understanding the lives of these early peoples. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

ANAR 119S. Archaeological Field and Lab Class (8)

The archaeological field and laboratory class will take place at Moquegua, Peru. It is an introduction to the research design of interdisciplinary projects, the technique of data collections, the methods of excavation and postexcavation lab work. Course materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

ANAR 121. Cyber-Archaeology and World Digital Cultural Heritage (4)

Concerns the latest developments in digital data capture, analyses, curation, and dissemination for cultural heritage. Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and digital technologies applied to documentation and promotion of cultural heritage and tourism. Lectures and lab exercises. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

ANAR 124. Archaeology of Asia (4)

This course explores the archaeology of Asia from the first humans through the rise of state societies. Topics include the environmental setting, pioneer migrations, hunting and gathering societies, plant and animal domestication, and the development of metallurgy, agriculture, technology, trade, and warfare in early civilizations. We consider how ancient political, intellectual, and artistic achievements shape the archaeological heritage in present-day Asia. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 135S. Ancient Mediterranean Civilization (8)

Study Abroad program that examines the origins and history of ancient Mediterranean civilizations from the late Neolithic period through the Classical era. During the course, students will visit some of the most important archaeological sites in the world, from the ancient megalithic temples of Malta, to Phoenician colonies of the early Iron Age, to the Carthaginian and Greek cities of Sicily, and ending with Roman Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Students are required to apply for this Study Abroad course. Program or materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: upper-division standing. Department approval required.

ANAR 138. Mesopotamia: The Emergence of Civilization (4)

This course explores in detail the rise of the world’s earliest cities and states in Mesopotamia and the ancient Near East during the fourth millennium B.C. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

ANAR 141. Prehistory of the Holy Land (4)

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Israel is a land-bridge between Africa and Asia. Course highlights the prehistory of the Levant and its interconnections from the Paleolithic to the rise of the earliest cities in anthropological perspective...