Anthropology, B.A. Program (120 units)
Program Description
Anthropology is the multifaceted study of humanity from an evolutionary, historical, and global perspective. Students in anthropology learn about their own culture as well as those of other peoples as they are shaped by biological evolution, ecological constraints, political history, and sociological conditioning. The Department of Anthropology, Geography, and Environmental Studies offers ethnographic, theoretical, and methodological courses in five sub-disciplines: biological anthropology, prehistory and archaeology, linguistic anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, and applied anthropology. The B.A. degree program bridges the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing students for multidimensional careers. Fundamentally, the study of anthropology cultivates an appreciation of what all humans share, as well as how humans differ across time and space.
Students in the B.A. degree program are required to take courses in all five sub-disciplines. They learn about human evolution, historical and contemporary cultures, the role of language in culture and society, and the application of anthropological insights to present-day problems. Elective courses in the major allow students to develop expertise in their chosen area(s) within anthropology. Depending on their learning styles and preferences, students can satisfy major requirements by taking either all online classes or a combination of online, hybrid, and on-ground classes.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Anthropology from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- examine human diversity in all its forms from a global and comparative perspective;
- compare how people in different cultures construct, negotiate, and contest social identities and relations through language and other semiotic resources;
- explain how historical and contemporary social organization affects human labor, cultural autonomy, and human-ecological relations using ethnographic evidence;
- apply qualitative and quantitative ethnographic, archaeological, or osteological research methods and skills; and
- apply anthropological tools and ideas for community benefit, for social justice, and in preparation for future employment.
Program Roadmaps
These program roadmaps represent recommended pathways through the program. Please see an advisor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.
4-Year Freshmen Roadmaps |
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2-Year ADT Roadmaps |
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Career Opportunities
Anthropologist • Archaeologist • Artifacts Conservator • Cultural Resource Technician • Curator • Environmental and Social Justice Organizer • Foreign Service Officer • Health and Housing Advocate • Immigration Advocate • International Aid Agencies Official • International Business Employee • Journalist • Linguist • Multicultural Education Instructor • Museum/Park Interpreter • Park Service Official • Policy Analyst • *Professor/Teacher • Refugee Worker • Researcher • Social Science Teacher* • Social Worker • Travel Consultant • Urban Planner • User Experience Researcher.
Note: *Teaching may require additional training beyond the B.A.
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) 885-3104.
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of arts degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consists of 42-44 units;
- General Education (GE) & Graduation Requirements (GR) consists of 52 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 24-26 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and CLASS SSC advisors for information.
Anthropology Major Requirements (42-44 units)
Lower-Division Core Course
Take the following required course for three (3) units:
Lower-Division Electives
Take two (2) courses for six (6) units from the following:
Upper-Division Core Courses
Take both of the following required courses for six (6) units:
Upper-Division Electives
Take nine (9) courses for 27-29 units, with at least one (1) course from each area, from the following:
Department Courses Listed by Course Type
Anthropology, Global Studies, and History Courses
Department of History and Global Cultures
Go to information for this department.
Anthropology
Anthropology: Applied Anthropology
Anthropology: Archaeology
Anthropology: Area Studies
Anthropology: Biological Anthropology
Anthropology: Methods
Anthropology: Linguistic Anthropology
Anthropology: Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Studies
History: Additional Courses
History: Applied
History: Lower Division
History: Graduate
History: Migration and Globalization
History: Social Justice and Citizenships
History: Sustainability and Modernization
History: Skills Courses
