Anthropology Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
| ANTH | 111 | Survey of Physical Anthropology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
The qualities of being human are examined through the investigation of evolutionary principles, non-human primates, human fossil record, and living peoples. The biological origin, evolution, and variation of humankind are explored. Lower division General Education Breadth Area B2, Natural Sciences-Life Forms. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly ANTH 011.
| ANTH | 112 | Society, Time, and Archaeology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Significant events in mankind's prehistoric cultural development and their relevance to the present. Human antiquity; the acquisition of culture during the Paleolithic; the beginning of early civilization. Introduction to the methods of archaeology and human paleontology. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly ANTH 012. CAN ANTH 6.
| ANTH | 113 | Human Cultural Diversity | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
The course explores culture as the basis for understanding the human experience, including an examination of cross-cultural diversity. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 013. CAN ANTH 4.
| ANTH | 113H | Honors in Human Cultural Diversity | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
The phenomenon of culture and its profound role in structuring the individual's experience of reality. The range of diversity in human socio-cultural institutions. Some explanations for similarities and differences in human cultures. Exploration of the contemporary relevance of anthropological perspectives, data, and methods. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 013H.
| ANTH | 116 | Power and Scarcity: The Anthropology of Change | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A comparative analysis of the interaction of economic and political forces in societies of the non-western world. The diversity with which various cultures address scarcity, the distribution of goods and power. Transition from traditional economic and political institutions over time, and the impact of these changes on the values, attitudes, and lifestyles on developing urban populations. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 016.
| ANTH | 140 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A cross-cultural examination of religions and world views. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 040.
| ANTH | 200 | Cultures of Asia | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An introduction to the people and cultures of Asia, emphasizing India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The course employs a multimediated approach to learning. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 171.
| ANTH | 261 | North American Indians | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Survey of Native North America with emphasis on U.S. tribes, their cultures, rituals, and institutions. Brief examination of pre-history. The focus is on historical and contemporary people. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course. Formerly ANTH 161.
| ANTH | 280 | Field Archaeology | 4.0 OddFa |
See ANTH 380. Formerly ANTH 080.
| ANTH | 298 | Special Topics | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Formerly ANTH 098.
| ANTH | 300 | Principles of Physical Anthropology | 3.0 Inquire |
The quality of "humanness" explored through the investigation of the non-human primates and human fossils. Humanity's present and potential future place in nature. Integrates biological, historical, and ecological considerations. Formerly ANTH 100.
| ANTH | 301 | Physical Anthropology | 4.0 Fall |
Biological evolution and variation in humans, mankind's place in nature, origin, and antiquity as represented in the fossil record; recent studies of non-human primates; the beginnings of culture. Formerly ANTH 101.
| ANTH | 302 | Archaeology | 3.0 Fall |
Case study examination of fundamental concepts, methods, and changing theoretical orientations of archaeology. Archaeology in the contemporary world, and archaeology as a profession. Formerly ANTH 102.
| ANTH | 303 | Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Case study examination of fundamental concepts, methods, and changing theoretical orientations of cultural anthropology. Formerly ANTH 103.
| ANTH | 304 | Language and Culture | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Language as a symbolic communication; structural, comparative, and sociolinguistics; analysis of English and non-western language data. Formerly ANTH 104.
| ANTH | 311 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A survey of the relationship between science and society by noting the history and nature of the role of the expert witness and the forensic scientist in aiding to resolve various legal issues. Formerly ANTH 111.
| ANTH | 312 | Cataclysmic Events in Human Prehistory | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Through selected case studies, this course examines a series of cataclysmic events, ranging from volcanic eruptions and droughts to massacres and societal collapse, which illustrate that change, even cataclysmic change, is and has long been part of the human experience. The theoretical perspectives which anchor this inquiry into cataclysmic events of the human past are evolutionary, anthropological, and archaeological. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly ANTH 112.
| ANTH | 334 | Body, Self, and Emotion | 3.0 Inquire |
Examines the categories of "body" and "self" cross-culturally, the emergence of "sexuality" as a sphere of personal definition, and the varied constructions of self and emotion in America and cross-culturally. Formerly ANTH 134.
| ANTH | 338 | Culture and Tourism | 3.0 Inquire |
This course examines the cultural diversity of tourism as a global phenomenon, focusing on non-Western cultures and the impact of culture change in the 21st century. The development of tourism as a global industry is discussed as well as an analysis of types of tourists and motivation for travel to various destinations, such as cultural heritage tourism and ecotourism. Case studies illustrate the positive and negative impacts of tourism. Formerly ANTH 138.
| ANTH | 339 | Cultural Images of Women | 3.0 Inquire |
This cross-cultural study of women emphasizes changing constructions of gender and gender relations from the Paleolithic period to the rise of the state. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 139.
| ANTH | 362 | California Indians | 3.0 Fall |
Native peoples of California, their origin, prehistory, languages, culture, and interaction with Europeans. Selected case studies, with special emphasis on the local area. This is an approved Ethnic course. Formerly ANTH 162.
| ANTH | 363 | Arctic Cultures | 3.0 Inquire |
Native peoples of the Arctic, range of material and social culture, problems of acculturation and stress, current policies of various governments in the economic and social development of the Far North. Formerly ANTH 163.
| ANTH | 367 | Mesoamerican Indians | 3.0 Fall |
Case studies on the impact of European contact, post-Conquest changes in indigenous cultures and traditions, culminating in a cultural synthesis which persists. Present-day indigenous communities, problems of acculturation, and their relationship to national cultures. Formerly ANTH 167.
| ANTH | 368 | Indigenous People of Latin America | 3.0 Spring |
Study of the Native peoples of South America, Mexico, and Central America from European contact to the present. The course emphasizes contemporary ethnography and interaction of indigenous people with colonialism and the modern nation-state. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. Formerly ANTH 168.
| ANTH | 373 | Pacific Cultures | 3.0 Inquire |
Case studies of peoples of Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Analysis of origins of indigenous peoples and cultures. Discussion of traditional cultures in this ecologically diverse area. Formerly ANTH 173.
| ANTH | 376 | African Cultures | 3.0 Inquire |
Case studies of traditional and contemporary cultures south of the Sahara Desert, focusing on the use of ethnographic data for the functional and ecological analysis of changing African societies. Formerly ANTH 176.
| ANTH | 380 | Field Archaeology | 4.0 OddFa |
Archaeological survey and excavation; research aims and strategies; archaeological mapping, photography, and recording. Formerly ANTH 180.
| ANTH | 398 | Special Topics | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Formerly ANTH 198.
| ANTH | 399 | Special Problems | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 199.
| ANTH | 405 | Museum Administration | 3.0 Fall |
The principles of museum administration, including staffing, finances, educational programs, and ethics. Formerly ANTH 205.
| ANTH | 411 | Human Origins | 3.0 Inquire |
Evolution of the human being as a biological entity and as a culture-bearing primate. Emphasis is placed upon ecological principles and problems as they relate to the fossil record. Formerly ANTH 211.
| ANTH | 412 | Human Variation | 3.0 Inquire |
The nature of human biological variation and an examination of its genetic and cultural basis. Formerly ANTH 212.
| ANTH | 414 | Human Growth and Development | 3.0 Inquire |
The individual from prenatal period through growth and sexual maturation to old age and death. Special emphasis upon the cross-cultural and holistic approaches to the study of people and their role in human evolution. Formerly ANTH 214.
| ANTH | 415 | Forensic Anthropology | 3.0 Inquire |
Anthropological principles and knowledge applied within the legal system. Topics include the history of the field, biological parameters determined from the skeleton, postmortem interval, and ethics. Formerly ANTH 215.
| ANTH | 420 | Origins of Early Civilization | 3.0 Inquire |
An examination of the data and major theories concerning the rise of civilizations, using as case studies early Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Mexico, and Peru. The significance of food production, ecology, writing, and the centralized state in the evolution of complex societies. Formerly ANTH 220.
| ANTH | 421 | Archaeology of North America | 3.0 Inquire |
The study of prehistoric North America north of Mexico. An investigation of cultural origins, development, and differentiation based on the analysis of selected archaeological complexes and traditions. Case study examples of contemporary method and theory in American archaeology. Formerly ANTH 221.
| ANTH | 422 | Ancient Civilizations of Mexico and Peru | 3.0 Inquire |
A comparative study of the prehistoric cultural traditions of the Mesoamerican and Andean regions. The Aztec, Inca, Maya, and their predecessors viewed as case studies in cultural evolution in the New World. Formerly ANTH 222.
| ANTH | 423 | Human Behavioral Ecology | 3.0 Inquire |
This course serves as an introduction to the evolutionary processes influencing human behavior grounded in the paleoanthropological study of foraging peoples and an examination of cross-cultural patterns in human behavior. Emphasis will be placed on an evolutionary ecological perspective where aspects of human adaptation are viewed as the result of long-term survival strategies. Formerly ANTH 223.
| ANTH | 424 | California Archaeology and Prehistory | 3.0 Inquire |
This course provides an overview and examination of the historical development and prehistory of archaeology in California. Topics include archaeological method and theory, cultural chronologies, regional and temporal patterns in the archaeological record, important sites and their potential links to native peoples in California. Controversial issues and contributions to modern archaeology are also considered. Formerly ANTH 224.
| ANTH | 425 | Historical Archaeology | 3.0 Inquire |
This course examines the method and theory of American historical archaeology as it specifically relates to the broader study of American material culture and sociocultural experiences in North America from the period of European exploration to the recent past through archaeological and documentary evidence. Formerly ANTH 225.
| ANTH | 431 | Cosmos and Cosmology | 3.0 Fall |
Mythic narratives of stars and creators; the construction of the universe by various people in many cultures through 5000 years of time; solar and lunar calendars and their communsuration; navigation by the stars; moral imperatives known to be written in the stars; celestial coordinates; naked-eye observations: all these are considered from a variety of cultural perspectives from the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians through European megalithic builders to Meso-American and South American cultures to contemporary Native Americans. Seminar format. Formerly ANTH 231.
| ANTH | 432 | Anthropology of Religion | 3.0 Inquire |
This course examines the contemporary theoretical underpinnings of the anthropology of religion, considering especially performative, gendered, psychological, semiotic, and political aspects of religion in cross-cultural persepective. Formerly ANTH 232.
| ANTH | 435 | Medical Anthropology | 3.0 Inquire |
Surveys the relationships among disease, curing, culture, and environment. Topics include problems of adapting modern medicines to diverse cultures; explication of the social and cultural correlates of physical and mental health and disease; nutritional implications of culture change; anthropology contributions to health-policy decisions and makers in non-Western countries. Formerly ANTH 235.
| ANTH | 437 | Anthropology and Development Issues | 3.0 EvenSp |
Comparative examination of the positive and negative effects of national and international development on tribal and peasant populations around the world. Anthropological case studies are used to consider theories of development and underdevelopment and problems associated with world development. Formerly ANTH 237.
| ANTH | 441 | Anthropology of Power | 3.0 Inquire |
This course explores social control and governance in non-Western societies through a careful examination of different kinds of power: influence, authority, coercion, and prestige. These analytical categories are then employed in the investigation of selected anthropological case studies. Formerly ANTH 241.
| ANTH | 443 | Visual Anthropology | 3.0 Inquire |
Visual aspects of culture and the use of images for the description, analysis, communication, and interpretation of human behavior. Media examined include, but are not limited to, still photography, film, video, new media, and art. Formerly ANTH 243.
| ANTH | 444 | Material Culture Studies | 3.0 Inquire |
This course introduces students to material culture studies, broadly defined as the study of human-made artifacts or objects that reflect the beliefs, values, ideas, attitudes, and assumptions of a particular culture or society at a given point in time. This course investigates the rich potential of things and their interpretation from an anthropological perspective. Formerly ANTH 244.
| ANTH | 445 | Folklore | 3.0 Fall |
Introduction to study of folklore, with emphasis on theoretical underpinnings of discipline. Both oral and material cultural traditions will be considered, along with genres of folklore from various cultures around the world. Formerly ANTH 245.
| ANTH | 451 | Ethnolinguistics | 3.0 Spring |
Contemporary applications of anthropological linguistics. Variable topic, with focus on current applied problems and methodologies (e.g., language and ethnic identity; intercultural communication; gender and language; classroom communicative styles; occupational jargons; archaeolinguistics; folk taxonomies; language maintenance and shift; discourse analysis). Includes collection and analysis of relevant data. Formerly ANTH 251.
| ANTH | 461 | Museum Collections Management | 3.0 Fall |
Offers practical training in collections management techniques, including registration methods, curatorial practices, and the care, preservation, and conservation of museum specimens. Formerly ANTH 261.
| ANTH | 465 | Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Resources | 3.0 Inquire |
This course serves as an introduction to the method and theory of preserving objects for the purposes of exhibit, research, and for posterity. The course is structured in a seminar/laboratory format designed to familiarize students with the chemicals, equipment, and procedures used in treating artifacts. The course covers conservation ethics and guidelines, deterioration processes, and the conservation of organic and inorganic materials. Formerly ANTH 265.
| ANTH | 466 | Museum Exhibit Planning | 3.0 Spring |
This course introduces students to all stages of the exhibit planning process, from the initial concept to the final product. Students are introduced to the methodologies and approaches of current museum practices, including industry standards in design and implementation, the importance of visitor studies, and the underlying educational foundation for developing interpretive museum exhibits. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 288A.
| ANTH | 467 | Exhibit Reseach, Design, and Installation | 3.0 Fall |
This course focuses on the creation of an actual museum exhibit for the annual spring Museum of Anthropology student-created exhibition. Students are required to undertake all phases of the research and design process and final installation. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 288B.
| ANTH | 478 | Zooarchaeology: Vertebrate Identification and Analysis | 3.0 Spring |
Zooarchaeology involves the identification and interpretation of animal remains from archaeological sites. Topics covered include the nature of the archaeofaunal record, units of quantification, taphonomy, the selective utilization of animals and subsistence strategies. A variety of case studies will also be reviewed. Laboratory activity centers around the identification of archaeofaunal remains from selected locations in California. Formerly ANTH 278.
| ANTH | 479 | Zooarchaeology and Field Ecology | 3.0 Summer |
An intensive field-based introduction to identification techniques and interpretive procedures used in the analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites. Ecological principles will be explored through field observations. A laboratory component will involve the identification of vertebrate osteological remains from sites in Northern California and the Great Basin. Formerly ANTH 279.
| ANTH | 480 | Advanced Field Archaeology | 4.0 OddFa |
Advanced individual training in archaeological fieldwork, including organization of projects, supervision of field crews, use of specialized field techniques, and preliminary analysis of field data. Formerly ANTH 280.
| ANTH | 481 | Human Identification | 3.0 Spring |
Physical anthropological methods and techniques, such as anthropometry, dermatoglyphics, osteology, and paleopathology as applied to problems of human identification. Credit for repeating this course depends upon your taking it from a different instructor each time. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 281.
| ANTH | 482 | Laboratory Methods in Archaeology | 3.0 EvenSp |
Independent supervised training in the methods of data description, interpretation, and presentation. Methods of describing, classifying, analyzing, and illustrating archaeological finds, and the preparation of reports for publications. Formerly ANTH 282.
| ANTH | 483 | Field Methods in Ethnography | 3.0 Fall |
This course presents theories and methods of ethnography as well as the ethics of ethnographic fieldwork. Students conduct supervised ethnographic research and present their results both orally and in written format. Formerly ANTH 283.
| ANTH | 484 | Archaeological Site Surveying | 3.0 EvnFa |
Methods and techniques of locating archaeological and historical cultural resources in the field. Proper site recordation by means of photographs, drawings, maps, and appropriately filled-out site survey forms for cultural resource management purposes. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 284.
| ANTH | 485 | Formal Methods for Anthropology | 3.0 Spring |
A survey of selected mathematical and logical methods and models of relevance to various problems in anthropology. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of anthropological data. Formerly ANTH 285.
| ANTH | 487 | Heritage Resource Planning | 3.0 Inquire |
The social and institutional frameworks, legislative bases, procedures, and practices of prehistoric and cultural resources management taught by means of case studies of legislative documents, management studies, and environmental impact reports. The investigation of selected resources and preparation of appropriate descriptive, evaluative, and management reports. Formerly ANTH 287.
| ANTH | 489 | Internship | 1.0-5.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is an internship offered in the areas of Cultural Resource Management, Museum Studies, Applied Cultural, Forensic Science, or Ethnographic Lab. Work experience in the community or region designed for each student. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 5.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 289.
| ANTH | 494 | Proseminar in Anthropology | 3.0 Inquire |
Analysis of a selected topic of current anthropological concern. Check with department for specific topic to be covered in any semester. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 294.
| ANTH | 495 | Proseminar in Applied Anthropology | 3.0 OddSp |
Applications of sociocultural anthropology to the understanding and resolution of contemporary social problems. Seminar format. Formerly ANTH 295.
| ANTH | 496 | Proseminar in the History of Theory and Method in Anthropology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Investigation of the history of the development of theory and method in anthropological thought and practice from the nineteenth century to the present. Seminar format. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Formerly ANTH 296.
| ANTH | 496H | Proseminar in the History of Theory and Methods in Anthropology - Honors | 3.0 Fall |
This investigation of the method and theory of anthropological thought of the last century is directed to individual research interests and problem development for the honors thesis. Seminar format. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Formerly ANTH 296H.
| ANTH | 497 | Anthropology Forum | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Examines current developments in theory and research in the entire field of anthropology through a series of presentations by a wide variety of individuals who are actively involved at the frontiers of anthropological knowledge. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 297.
| ANTH | 498 | Special Topics | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Formerly ANTH 298.
| ANTH | 499H | Honors in Anthropology | 3.0 Spring |
Independent study resulting in a piece of scholarly or creative work involving substantial research to be completed and publicly presented. The course must be taken during the second semester of your senior year, subsequent to successful completion of ANTH 496H. This course is not available to graduate students. Formerly ANTH 299H.
| ANTH | 600 | Core Seminar in Anthropology | 3.0 Fall |
A critical examination of the basic foundation literature in the subdisciplines of anthropology. Formerly ANTH 300.
| ANTH | 601 | Seminar in Physical Anthropology | 3.0 Fall |
A critical examination of selected theories and methods in physical anthropology, and/or the generation of new theories and methods pertinent to selected problems in physical anthropology. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 301.
| ANTH | 602 | Seminar in Archaeology | 3.0 Spring |
A critical examination of selected theories and methods in archaeology, and/or the generation of new theories and methods pertinent to selected problems in archaeology. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 302.
| ANTH | 603 | Seminar in Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 Spring |
A critical examination of selected theories and methods in cultural anthropology, and/or the generation of new theories and methods pertinent to selected problems in cultural anthropology. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 303.
| ANTH | 605 | Seminar in Museum Studies | 3.0 Inquire |
A critical examination of selected theories and methods in museology and/or the generation of new theories and methods pertinent to selected problems in the museum field. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 305.
| ANTH | 689 | Internship in Anthropology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 389.
| ANTH | 689A | Internship in Exhibit Research and Design | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
See description below You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 389A.
| ANTH | 689B | Internship in Museum Management | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
See description below. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 389B.
| ANTH | 689C | Internship in Curatorial Practices | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
See description below. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 389C.
| ANTH | 689D | Internship in Museum Education | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
See description below. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 389D.
| ANTH | 689E | Internship in Museum Conservation | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
ANTH 689A - ANTH 689E: Work experience in off-campus museum designed for each student. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly ANTH 389E.
| ANTH | 696 | Candidacy Exam | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for graduate students taking the Candidacy Exam only. Formerly ANTH 388.
| ANTH | 697 | Independent Study | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 398.
| ANTH | 698 | Supervised College Teaching in Anthropology | 2.0 Fa/Spr |
Weekly seminars and supervision for those students who plan to prepare themselves for a career in college teaching of anthropology. This course is acceptable for credit toward the Master of Arts in Anthropology. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Formerly ANTH 397.
| ANTH | 699T | Master's Thesis | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a master's study offered as a Master's Thesis for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly ANTH 399.