Anthropology

The Anthropology Program at College of Alameda offers students the opportunity to study humankind from biological, historic, prehistoric and cultural perspectives. Anthropology introduces students to ways to investigate and understand humanity in ways that are personally enriching and have practical application in their lives. Courses include the evolution of human biological structures, including human genetic variation, cultural aspects of past and present societies around the world and the impact of cultural ideal on human behavior and biology.

The Anthropology Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer Degree (AA-T) is designed to meet the lower division requirements for Anthropology majors at CSU, UC and other four-year baccalaureate degree programs. Students in the Anthropology AA-T program at College of Alameda are expected to complete a minimum of 18 semester units in the major with a grade of “C” or higher, while maintaining an overall GPA average of at least 2.0 in all CSU/UC transferable coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 60 semester CSU/UC transferable units (including Anthropology major units) using the California State University General Education Breadth pattern (CSU-GE Breadth) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in order to transfer to university with junior status. Students are strongly advised to consult with a College of Alameda counselor and the Anthropology Department chair early and often for additional information and to verify transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Anthropology is a gateway for people who want to work in international business, non-profit corporations, social and community service, criminal justice, museum studies, urban planning, travel industries and health care professions. With additional degrees (graduate work), rewarding careers in higher education, research, cultural resource management and government are available.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Explain core concepts of Anthropology, including biological, socio-cultural and archaeological aspects of the discipline.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific methods (skills) used by contemporary anthropologists.
3. Apply holistic perspective to discuss appreciation for the genetic and cultural diversity of humans in the past and present, around the world.