Anthropology Department

Anthropology is a diverse and comprehensive discipline that investigates the biological and cultural life of human beings across time and space. An anthropology degree provides students with an appreciation of other ways of life and 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: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic 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.

Why Major in Anthropology?

Majoring in anthropology can prepare students for a wide variety of occupations and careers. Students with a degree in anthropology have found employment in non-governmental organizations, museums, cultural resource management firms, government agencies, health care organizations, and local and international businesses, and as translators, social workers, journalists, and teachers. In addition, an anthropology major is excellent preparation for students seeking advanced professional degrees in such areas as business or law, or who plan to pursue graduate education in anthropology.

FACULTY

Full-Time Faculty

Claire Cesareo
Department Chair
Office BGS 305
(949) 582-4739

Renee Garcia
Office BGS 348
(949) 582-4832

Erica Vogel Ph.D. 
Office BGS 302
(949) 582-4384

Part-Time Faculty

Lindsay Donaldson 

Ricardo Fernandez 

Sandra Kennedy 

Melissa Medich 

Holly Pittaway 

Mark Zajac 

Katie Zeoli 

THE FOUR SUB-FIELDS OF ANTHROPOLOGY

Archaeology

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.

Biological Anthropology

concentrates on the evolution, biology, and comparative behavior 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.

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.

Linguistic Anthropology

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

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of an AA or AA-T degree in anthropology, students will be able to:

1. Describe the breadth of anthropology and be able to characterize anthropology’s distinctive theoretical and methodological approaches with respect to other disciplines.
    
2. Explain the fundamental processes of human biological evolution.
    
3. Describe modern human biological diversity.
    
4. Articulate an understanding of the cultural construction and historical uses of the concept of race.
    
5. Define and critically analyze the concepts of culture and cultural relativism.
    
6. Demonstrate the ability to think holistically and comparatively in describing human cultural diversity.
    
7. Critically analyze the processes of globalization and its effects upon cultures around the world.
    
8. Articulate an anthropological perspective in relation to contemporary issues and concerns, including the politics of inclusion and exclusion both locally and globally.
    
9. Discuss the importance of the scientific method in anthropological research.
    
10. Identify the correct methods and ethical responsibilities involved in conducting archaeological, biological, ethnographic, and/or linguistic research.

Course Student Learning Outcomes for 2020-2021

ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES

Core Courses

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

Electives

• ANTH 4 Native American Cultures (3 units)
• ANTH 5 Anthropology of Latin America: Culture, Identity, and Power (3 units)
• ANTH 6 Global Issues in Anthropological Perspective (3 units)
• ANTH 8 World Prehistory (3 units)
• ANTH 13 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3 units)
• ANTH 15 The World of Primates (3 units)
• ANTH 16 Archaeological Field Methods (1 unit)
• ANTH 17 The Biological Evolution of Human Nature (3 units)
• ANTH 19 Forensic Anthropology (3 units)
• ANTH 21 Women, Gender, and Culture: Cross-Cultural Perspectives (3 units)
• ANTH 22 Medical Anthropology (3 units)
• ES 1 Introduction to Ethnic Studies: Making Culture (3 units)
• ES 3 Introduction to Chicanx and Latinx Cultures (3 units)

ANTHROPOLOGY RESOURCES

Student Anthropology Club
For information, contact Professor Claire Cesareo, Professor Renee Garcia, or Professor Erica Vogel.

Anthropology Department Events
For information on events please follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saddlebackanthro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anthropology-Department-at-Saddleback-College-303841396481605/

"I was attracted to anthropology as the science that dares to be different. Anthropology considers the voices and perspectives of all humans on the planet in its pursuit of understanding the human condition."