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Course Descriptions

(This page is for your convenience only, please consult the SJSU catalog regarding graduation requirements. Course numbers below 100 are lower division undergraduate courses, courses numbered 100-199 are upper division undergraduate courses, and numbers 200 and above are graduate courses.)

Course No. Course Description
Anth011 Cultural Anthropology: (3 units) Basic concepts, theories and methods used in the comparative study of socio-cultural systems. Includes cultural ecology and change; political, economic and kinship systems; language, art and religion; cultural perspectives on contemporary issues.
Anth012 Introduction to Human Evolution: (3 units) The human organism from an evolutionary perspective. The foundations of life and evolutionary theory. Introduction to primate behavior and the fossil record. Human biocultural evolution over the last sixty million years. GE B2
Anth013 Archaeology: (3 units) How archaeologists invent their own version of the past, illustrated with compelling Old and New World discoveries from early prehistory to the present. How archaeological sites are discovered, excavated and analyzed; how facts are tested and fictions unmasked.
Anth025 Human Lifecourse in Context: (3 units) Human development and its physiological, psychological and sociocultural contexts. Cross-cultural perspectives on infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. The role of university education in the life span. GE E
Anth100W Writing Workshop: (3 units) Practice in improvement of writing skills appropriate to the fields of anthropology and behavioral science. Includes essays, reports and scholarly communication. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, ENGL 1B (with a grade of C or better), satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. GE Z
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Anth102 Silicon Valley Connections: (3 units) Examines issues of cultural diversity, work and family, technology in daily life, attachment to organizations, and community building in Silicon Valley through an anthropological perspective. Connections with other global regions are explored. Public policy implications are developed and analyzed. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
GE D3
Anth105 Applied Anthropology: (3 units) Use of anthropological knowledge in problem solving and policy making. Survey of applied anthropology, models of applying anthropology and affecting policy making and the use of anthropology by non-professionals in diverse careers. Prerequisite: ANTH 11 or instructor consent.
Anth108 Medical Anthropology: (3 units) A comprehensive examination of culture, sickness and healing in a cross-cultural perspective, emphasizing ecological/evolutionary bases of disease and healing and cultural dimensions of health in modern world. Prerequisite: ANTH O11 or instructor consent.
Anth114 Legacy of Asia: (3 units) Interdisciplinary focus on continuity and change in China and India as these ancient civilizations responded to challenges throughout their history. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. HUM114 GE V
Anth115 Emerging Global Culture: (3 units) Introduction to systems concepts and approach as a way to investigate the global impacts of industrial technology on political, economic, social and moral/psychological structures of humankind. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. Notes: Recommended for behavioral science majors. GE V
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Anth117 Human Ecology: (3 units) Diversity and similarity of human adaptation, cultural evolution, cultural change and environmental modification in African, Asiatic, Oceanic and Latin American cultural groups. Emphasis: traditional non-Western conservation practices and their lessons for the modern-day resource manager. Prerequisite: ENVS 1, ENVS 10 and ENVS 100W, or instructor consent. ENVS 117
Anth122 Magic, Science, and Religion: (3 units) Exploring the ways in which people have attempted to gain mastery over the natural and supernatural worlds beginning with prehistoric times and concluding with modern day society and the contemporary world. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. RELS 122 GE V
Anth125 Urban Anthropology: (3 units) Anthropological theories and methods in analyzing the global effects of urban growth. Relevance of anthropological approach in understanding our local multiethnic metropolitan area. Prerequisite: ANTH O11 or instructor consent.
Anth126 Introduction to Urban Form in the Third World: (3 units) The form and development of cities in developing countries. Historical precedents of pre-industrial and colonial urban form. Response of national independence to the spatial structure of underdevelopment. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. URBP 126
Anth127 Urban Native American Issues: (3 units) actors of acculturation, integration and organization that have taken place among contemporary urban Native Americans since leaving the reservation for the city. Prerequisite: ENGL 1A and upper division standing. URBP 127 Repeatable for credit.
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Anth130 Kin, Kith, Community: The Anthropology of Social Organization: (3 units) Overview of social organization focused on local forms of human relationships: kinship, non-kin relations such as friendship, networking, and community. Explores the principles of kinship and community building. Examples will be drawn from small-scale, complex, and international societies. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth131 Theories of Culture: (3 units) Seminar on evolutionary, functional and structural theories of culture. Analysis of contemporary theory and development of the discipline of anthropology. Prerequisite: ANTH 011 or instructor consent.
Anth132 Creating Built Worlds: (3 units) Cross-cultural exploration of material expressions of culture. Analysis of production and consumption of places, shelters, and goods. Implications for design and policy. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth133 Organizational Cultures: (3 units) Complex organizations as dynamic sociocultural systems. Topics include organizational culture, cross-cultural study of organizations, organizational ethnography, cultural diversity, organizational learning and relevance of a cultural approach to enhance organizational effectiveness in a rapidly-changing world. Prerequisite: ANTH 011 or instructor consent.
Anth134 Systemic Leadership: (3 units) Examination of systemic leadership thought and practice, especially it's application to helping resolve complex problematic issues more effectively and responsibly. Focus is on lading collaborative change efforts with diverse sets of stakeholders in group, organizational, community, cultural and global settings. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth135 Behavioral Systems:(3 units) Introduction to systems concepts and approaches as a way of analyzing psyche, family, community, culture and global ecosystems in a holistic, integrative and interdisciplinary way. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Notes: Recommended for behavioral science majors.
Anth136 Thought Control in Contemporary Society: (3 units) Anthropological analysis of sociocultural controls influencing and regulating human thought and behavior in the contemporary period. Topics include propaganda, censorship, undue influence, coercive persuasion and "brainwashing," groupthink, messianic cults, totalitarianism, technologies of control, ritualized rebellion, resistance movements, and democratic alternatives. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
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Anth137 California in Historical and Social Scientific Perspectives: (3 units) This interdisciplinary course examines the evolution of the state of California through the perspectives of historians, geographers, economists, political scientists, and other social scientists. SOCS 137
Anth138 United States in Historical and Social Science Perspectives: (3 units) Examines the development of the US to 1900 through the combined lenses of History and the Social Science disciplines of Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and Anthropology. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. SOCS 138 GE S
Anth139 The World in Historical and Social Science Perspectives: (3 units) SOCS 139 This interdisciplinary course investigates world civilizations from the dawn of mankind until 1750. Prerequisite: HIST 15A and HIST 15B or AAS 33A and AAS 33B. Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. Repeatable for credit. GE V
Anth140 Human Sexuality:(3 units) Biological and sociocultural facets of human sexuality. Evolution and physiology of sex, reproductive biology/ethics and cross-cultural expression of sexual behavior. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. GE S
Anth141 Culture and Gender: (3 units) Cross-cultural, anthropological perspective on how different cultures organize and give meaning to the "biological facts" of being male and female. Explores gender relations in small-scale and complex non-Western cultures as well as in contemporary American society. Prerequisite: ANTH 011, ANTH 025, ANTH 140 or instructor consent.
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Anth142 Culture in Mind: (3 units) Exploration of self, identity and behavior in cultural context. Cognition, socialization, cross-cultural mental health issues and comparison of intercultural communication modes. Prerequisite: ANTH 011, ANTH 025 or instructor consent.
Anth143 Culture and Adaptation: (3 units) Explores the relationship between adaptive human behavior and the environment. Theories of interaction between biology, environment and culture are illustrated by examples of mobile foraging peoples, village sedentary farmers, complex chiefdoms and state-level societies. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth144 Gifts, Markets, and Money: (3 units) Anthropological analysis of exchange systems including gift economies, redistribution, and markets. Ethnographic materials to cover economic anthropology, modes of production, feasting, the history of money, the global market system, "globalization" ideology, the rise of corporations, illicit markets, and alternative economies. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth145 Middle Eastern Traditions: (3 units) Introduction to the various religions of the Middle East through exploration of the cooperation, competition, conflict and dialogues between the religious communities of contemporary Middle Eastern countries. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. RELS 145 GE V
Anth146 Culture and Conflict: (3 units) Problems of change, especially in multiethnic societies of both established and emerging nations. Technological development, modernization, social changes and value conflicts. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. GE V
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Anth148 Religion and Anthropology: (3 units) Comparative anthropological study of religious systems and world views; Anthropological theories concerning origin and evolution of religion; structure and function of ritual and myth; types of religious specialists. Prerequisite: ANTH 011, ANTH 025 or instructor consent.
Anth149 Ethnographic Methods: (3 units) Qualitative methods: research design, participant observation, collection of life histories, ethical responsibilities, interviewing, analysis and ethnographic writing. Prerequisite: ANTH 011 or instructor consent.
Anth152 Human Origins: (3 units) Fossil evidence for human evolution, emphasizing areas of greatest controversy. Lab demonstration of modern skeletal material and reproductions of fossil hominids supplement lecture. Prerequisite: ANTH 012 or instructor consent.
Anth153 Human Variation and Behavior: (3 units) Human variation and behavior is the study of the nature and extent of heritable biological and behavioral differences among human populations in an evolutionary perspective. Data drawn from non-human primates, medical fields, the fossil record and genetics will be reviewed. The role of genetics and environment in the formation of these differences is considered. Prerequisite: Any lower division anthropology or psychology course or instructor consent.
Anth154 Monkeys, Apes and Humans: (3 units) Behavior, ecology and evolution of our closest animal relatives, the nonhuman primates. Interpretive emphasis toward broader understanding of human evolution and behavior. Prerequisite: Any lower division anthropology or psychology course or instructor consent.
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Anth155 Human Osteology: (4 units) The human skeletal system as an anatomical structure and biomechanical system. Lab experience in identification of osteological material and recognition of diseases associated with bone. Prerequisite: ANTH 012 or instructor consent. Misc/Lab: Lecture 3 hrs/lab 2 hrs.
Anth156 Bioarchaeology: (3 units) Study of human skeletal remains from archaeological setting to aid in reconstructing the biological and cultural past. Current theoretical and methodological issues inbeioarchaeology. Emphasis on potential of skeletal analysis for uncovering disease and trauma, subsistence patterns, biological relatedness, physical activity and diverse reactions to stressors. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth157 Forensic Anthropology: (3 units) An overview of forensic anthropological methods and applications emphasizing the recovery and interpretation of human remains within the context of multidisciplinary scientific death investigation. Topics include the history of the discipline and a concentrated hands-on overview of basic human osteological identification. Prerequisite: ANTH 012, BIOL 010, BIOL 21, or BIOL 065.
Anth160 Reconstructing Lost Civilizations: (3 units) Description
Explores scientific archaeology and the reconstruction of civilizations. Topics include framing hypotheses, site selection, excavation, analysis of artifacts and ecofacts, and reconstructing social systems. Prerequisite: Completion of core GE, satisfaction of Writing Skills Test and upper division standing. For students who begin continuous enrollment at a CCC or a CSU in Fall 2005 or later, completion of, or corequisite in a 100W course is required. GE R
Anth161 Old World Civilizations: (3 units) Prehistoric cultural development in Europe, Asia, and Africa from the Paleolithic to the development of civilizations. Discussions of early states include social organization, economic systems, art, architecture and intellectual achievements. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
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Anth162 Inca, Aztec and Maya Civilization: (3 units) Ancient high civilizations of Mexico, Central America and Andean South America, their predecessors and contemporaries. Explores sociocultural systems with emphasis on art, architecture and intellectual achievements. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth163 Coastal & Island Societies: (3 units) Archaeology of coastal and island peoples. Explores the unique opportunities and constraints coastal and island enviornments have presented to human societies. Case studies drawn from the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth164 Prehistory of North America: (3 units) Archaeology and prehistory of North American cultures. Prehistoric culture areas and relationships between them; development of complex societies; and relationships to historic societies. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth165 Historical Archaeology: (3 units) Course centers on the archaeology of the recent past. Students explore how to employ archaeological material analysis and archival research to develop a fuller understanding of the development of the modern industrialized world. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth166 Chiefdom, States, and Empires: (3 units) An archaeological perspective on the roots of economic inequality, social hiearchies, and oppressive political regimes. Case studies center on the evolution of the world's first stratified societies: chiefdom, early states, and pre-industrial empires. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth167 Archaeological Laboratory Methods: (3 units) **NOTE: formally ANTH 168A. General laboratory procedures in archaeological research. Collection, processing, and curation of artifacts. Prerequisite: Anth 013
Anth168 Archaeological Methodology: (3 units)**NOTE: formally ANTH 168B. Central methods of archaeological practice. Methods of archaeological inquiry, reserach design, and the cultural resource management presented through case studies in historic and prehistoric archaeology. Prerequisite: ANTH 013.
Anth169 Archaeological Field Methods: (3 units) Archaeological survey and excavation methods. Preparation, preservation, recording and interpretation of archaeological materials and report writing.
Prerequisite: ANTH 13 or instructor consent.
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Anth173 Culture Through Film: (3 units) Survey of indigenous cultures represented in film. Critical evaluation of the role of films in describing and interpreting these cultures. Prerequisite: ANTH 011, ANTH 025 or instructor consent. GE D2
Anth175 Anthropology of Native America: (3 units) Survey of indigenous peoples of the Pacific Rim from ethnohistorical times to the present. Cultural adaptation, social organization, world view, intercultural contact and cultural portrayal. Emphasis on Western Native North America with examples drawn from other Asian, Pacific and American indigenous cultures. Prerequisite: Any lower division anthropology course or instructor consent.
Anth176 Indians of California: (3 units) Native Californian cultures as they functioned before white contact, emphasizing ecological, sociopolitical and religious interrelationships and historic culture change. Ethnographic, archaeological and documentary sources. Prerequisite: ANTH 011 or instructor consent.
Anth177 Anthropology of Asia: (3 units) Sociocultural themes of selected Asia cultures. Covers cultural pluralism, intercultural contact, social organization, worldview and economic adaptations. Explores connections within the Pacific Rim, especially to the local region. Course is repeatable once for credit when different cultures are emphasized. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Anth178 Anthropology of Latin America: (3 units) Sociocultural themes of selected Latin American cultures. Covers cultural pluralism, intercultural contact, social organization, worldview and economic adaptations. Explores connections within the Pacific Rim, especially to the local region.
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Anth179 Anthropology of Mexico: (3 units) Sociocultural themes of selected Latin American cultures. Covers cultural pluralism, intercultural contact, social organization, worldview and economic adaptations. Explores connections within the Pacific Rim, especially to the local region.
Anth180 Individual Studies:(1-4 units) Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Repeatable for credit. Grading: CNC
Anth182 Ethnicity and Aging: (3 units) Exploration of aging in American cultures. Multiple aspects of aging and the biological, social, cultural and psychological factors that bear upon ethnic elders. Notes: Offered only occasionally. AAS 182
Anth184 Directed Reading: (1-4 units) Directed reading in cultural anthropology, physical anthropology or archaeology to gain a broader understanding of a particular topic, culture or theoretical issue. Prerequisite: Upper division standing and instructor consent. Repeatable for credit. Grading CNC
Anth187 Special Topics: (3 units) Contemporary issues in anthropological theory including cultural anthropology, archaeology and physical anthropology. Course is repeatable once for credit on different issue. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Repeatable for credit.
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Anth191 Frontiers of Anthropology: (3 units) Critical contemporary social issues that cut across archaeology and cultural and physical anthropology. Anthropology as a holistic social science. Seminar format uses reading, simulations and class discussions. Professionalism in the discipline stressed. Prerequisite: ANTH 131 and senior standing or instructor consent.
Anth193 Behavioral Science in Practice: (1 unit) Capstone workshop for behavioral science majors. Students assess methods and knowledge of anthropology, psychology, and sociology, and synthesize them by reflecting upon cases studies of individual, organizational, community, and global issues. Emphasis is on cooperative learning, reflection and synthesis of skills and knowledge. Prerequisite: Senior standing, declared major in Behavioral Science or double major in Behavioral Science.
Anth195 Anthropology Practicum: (1-6 units) Advanced practicum in archaeology, ethnography, physical anthropology or linguistics. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Repeatable for credit. Grading CNC
Anth198 Special Projects: (1-4 units) Independent research in cultural anthropology, physical anthropology or archaeology. Prerequisite: Upper division standing and instructor consent. Repeatable for credit. Grading CNC
Anth230 Anthropology Theory and Method: (3 units) In-depth analysis of anthropological theory and accompanying methodology, including recent innovations in theory and method. Research design. Prerequisite: ANTH 131 or instructor consent.
Anth231 Applications Core A: (3 units) Methods for the analysis sociocultural systems, ethnographic evaluation, and program/design development. Emphasis on professionalism, project management, budgeting, ethics, and contracts. Prerequisite: ANTH 232, ANTH 105 or instructor consent.
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Anth232 Applications Core B: (3 units) Methods for the analysis sociocultural systems, ethnographic evaluation, and program/design development. Emphasis on professionalism, project management, budgeting, ethics, and contracts Prerequisite: ANTH 231 or instructor consent.
Anth233 Fields of Application: (3 units) Survey of domains in which anthropological skills and knowledge are applied. Topics include health, business and industry, sustainable regions, and immigration. Emphasis is on opportunities for anthropological contributions. Corequisite: ANTH 231 or instructor consent.
Anth234 Advanced Research Methods: (3 units) Advanced research methods including individual and group interviewing, structured observation, and formal analytical methods. Emphasis on data management, ethnographic writing, and presentaiton of data through different media. Prerequisite: ANTH 149 or equivalent.
Anth235 Quantitative Methods: (3 units) Advanced quantitative methods to gain comprehension of statistical analyses, especially in regards to predictive value for regional issues. Emphasis will be on understanding statistics, creating databases, using statistical software packages, and employing proper statistics. Prerequisite: STAT 095 or equivalent.
Anth273 Systems Approach to Community Health Problems and Program Design: (3 units) General systems theory and its application to a selected community health problem. Systems analysis and the use of a variety of specific and broad systems tools within the context of program design. Structured opportunities to apply and practice specific methodologies. HS 273 Repeatable for credit
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Anth280 Individual Studies: (1-4 units) Advanced individual research and projects. Prerequisite: Instructor consent and department chair approval. Repeatable for credit. Grading CNC
Anth287 Community of Practice: (3 units) Contemporary issues in applied and practicing anthropology not covered in other courses. Course is repeatable once for credit on different topic with advisor consent.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor consent. Repeatable for credit when topic changes.
Anth296 Advanced Archaeology: Method & Theory: (3 units) Professional methods and theory in archaeology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
Anth297 Social Science Theory: (3 units) An overview of some of the more important developments in the history of social theory. Course will cover classical, contemporary and post-modern theorists. Will focus on the significance, influence and the role of social theories in the development of society. SOCS 297
Anth298 Anthropology Project: (Units 1-6) Course consists of supervised units applying anthropology in a project, the documentaiton of that project and the evaluation of the project in a written report. Course is repeatable for credit in the same semester. Repeatable for credit. Grading CNC
Anth299 Master's Thesis: (1-6 units) Independent anthropological research conducted under supervision of faculty advisor. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Repeatable for credit. Grading CNC

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