Welcome

Anthropology is a diverse and comprehensive discipline that investigates the biological and cultural life of human beings in all times and in all places.  An athropology degree provides students with an appreciation of other ways of life, different systems of belief and knowledge, and, perhaps most importantly , a better understanding of the world in which they live.  The department of anthropology at Saddleback College is committed to teaching each of the four sub-fields of the discipline: cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and biological anthropology.  The department also has a strong emphasis on the study of contemporary issues, such as ethnic and transnational identity, political conflict  and social movements, human rights and indigenous rights, the cross-cultural making and meaning of race and gender, and the anthropological study of science.  Saddleback College offers a wide range of anthropology courses taught both traditionally and online.

The Four Sub-Fields of Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology is the study of contemporary cultures and peoples throughout the world.  It seeks to understand the differences and similarities in human behavior, thought and feelings.

Archaelogy is the study of human cultures, both past and present, through the analysis of material remains.  It uses scientific  methods to decipher how people, often with no written history, have lived and worked in the past.

Linguistic Anthropology examines  language in the context of human social and cultural diversity.  It seeks to understand language variation and use as a central expresssion of culture.

Biological Anthropology concentrates on the evolution, biology, and comparative behvavior of human and non-human primates.  It is linked to the other sub-fields by its commitment to the study of evolution and biology within the context of culture and society, as well as in relation to human rights issues.

 

See the class schedule link below to find the wide range of courses that we offer.

 

Our Core Courses for Anthropology Include:

ANTH 1     Biological Anthropology (3 units)

Anth 1L     Biological Anthropology  Laboratory (1 unit)
ANTH 2     Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
ANTH 3     Culture and Language (3 units)
ANTH 9     Introduction to Archaeology (3 units)