Anthropology
30 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ANTH 100* Introduction to Biological Anthropology
See ANTH C1001 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
ANTH 100L* Biological Anthropology Laboratory
See ANTH C1001L Biological Anthropology Laboratory
ANTH 101* Introduction to Biological Anthropology
See ANTH C1000 Introduction to Biological Anthropology with Lab
ANTH 103 Bones: Human Osteology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an introduction to the human skeleton, with hands-on learning about bone biology, growth and development, and variation. Topics of study include: identification of all parts of the skeletal system; how to measure bones; how the skeleton, ligaments, and muscles support modes of locomotion; skeletal differences between male and female; and skeletal differences found in human populations. Non-metric features, stress markers, and how nutrition and disease can affect bones will be examined. This course is designed for Anthropology majors or students interested in biology, forensics, or biological anthropology.
ANTH 105 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 120
An introduction to the study of concepts, theories, and methods used in the comparative study of sociocultural systems. The course typically includes subjects such as subsistence patterns, social and political organization, language and communication, family and kinship, religion, the arts, social inequality, ethnicity, gender, culture change and the application of anthropological perspectives to contemporary issues.
ANTH 107 Language and Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 130
An introduction to linguistic anthropology, the study of language, culture and society from an anthropological perspective. Topics include the biology of language, anthropological theories of language origin, language structure, the relationship between language and culture, language variation, and nonverbal communication.
ANTH 110 Introduction to Archaeology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 150
An introduction covering the history, objectives, and methods of archaeology; significant discoveries throughout the old and new worlds, and the history and nature of culture as revealed by archaeology as an anthropological study. Field studies in local areas may be included.
ANTH 115 People and Cultures of the World
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of the world's diverse peoples and customs in a modern global context. The broad range of human experience is studied through the many diverse worldviews, socio-cultural institutions (e.g. economics, kinship, gender, politics, belief systems, etc.), and ecological settings which are all part of culture. The course explores how people cope with day-to-day challenges in their social and physical environments while comparing and contrasting traditions, transitions, and newly emerging patterns.
ANTH 120 Archaeological Excavation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 6.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Archaeological field techniques to include a minimum of 90 hours of in field experience. Course will include excavation, use of instruments/tools, and preparation of a project analysis or report.
ANTH 121 Applying Archaeology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Anthropology 121 outlines the many ways archaeology can be applied in different vocational and stewardship positions. This includes discussion of the various job options, training and skills required, as well as finding positions with Cultural Resource Management firms, government agencies, museums, and within academic settings. Emphasis is placed upon regulatory frameworks at the Federal, State, and local level and the roles of archaeologists in various professions.
ANTH 125 Evolution, Science and Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The course focuses on the long-standing debate surrounding biological evolution and various religious views of creation. The evidence and arguments offered for and against evolution and creationist world views are examined in the context of science and the scientific method, the influence of cultural and personal values, the nature and use of evidence, and the difference between knowledge and belief.
ANTH 126 Cultures of Africa
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the indigenous peoples and cultures of Africa. Brief prehistoric and historic background of the continent. Comparative study of traditional cultures representative of the continent's diversity. Focus on social, economic, political, religious and aesthetic life, and culture change.
ANTH 130 Prehistoric Cultures of North America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Emphasis given to prehistoric cultural traditions of the Eastern Woodlands, Central Plains, and Far Western United States and Canada. Special concern for archaeological problems; reconstruction of these traditions and cultural changes.
ANTH 135 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a cross-cultural survey of religious beliefs and practices with an emphasis on small-scale societies. Topics include but are not limited to rituals, myths, shamanism, altered states of consciousness, healing, magic, divination, witchcraft, death, new religious movements, and globalization.
ANTH 137 Medical Anthropology: Culture, Illness and Healing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a cross-cultural survey of health, illness and healing in small-scale societies as well as modern societies from a cultural, biological, and ecological perspective. Topics covered include perceptions of the body, perceptions of disease, life phases, culture-specific syndromes, healing practices, healers, nutrition, and healing and medical systems.
ANTH 140 The Original Californians
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Native people of California: their origin, language, arts, customs, religion, folklore, and music. Develops a dynamic comparative grid, focusing on the persistence of tribal identities and evolution of socio-economic changes and cultural practices over time. Special emphasis on Southern California.
ANTH 155 Ancient Civilizations of Meso-America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Civilizations of Pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America with a focus on their origins and achievements.
ANTH 197 Topics in Archaeology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Topics in Archaeological Research. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered.
ANTH 205 Prehistoric Archaeological Excavation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 6.00 hours lab
- Advisory
- ANTH 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
Training in excavating prehistoric archaeological features. Specialized field techniques for prehistoric archaeology. Archaeological theory as it applies to site interpretation.
ANTH 206 Historical Archaeological Excavation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 6.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Training in excavating historic archaeological features. Specialized field techniques in historical archaeology. Archaeological theory as it applies to historic site interpretation.
ANTH 210 Archaeological Surveying
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.50 hours lecture, 1.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Archaeological surveying techniques including field reconnaissance, use of topographical maps, site recording, and preparation of a project analysis or report.
ANTH 215 Archaeological Laboratory Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.50 hours lecture, 1.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Training in the laboratory analysis of stone, ceramic, bone, and other artifacts as well as elementary archaeological theory, statistics, and report preparation.
ANTH 220 Advanced Archaeological Surveying
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.50 hours lecture, 1.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- ANTH 210
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced archaeological survey techniques including sample survey, site relocation, and the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and laser transit hardware and software for site recordation, data conversion, site mapping, and the completion of a mapping program.
ANTH 225 Historical Archaeology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.50 hours lecture, 1.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Method and theory of historical archaeology, including archival research, artifact identification, and report preparation. Training in the location and interpretation of archival documents, such as Franciscan Mission records, Spanish land grant documents, homestead patents, Sanborn fire insurance maps, assessor's records, and historic topographic maps. Training in the identification of ceramic, glass and metal artifacts and their associated function, method of manufacture, manufacturer, and temporal distribution.
ANTH 296 Special Problems in Anthropology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An individualized or group project in cultural or physical anthropology of any nature approved by the instructor and under the personal supervision of the instructor.
ANTH 297 Special Problems in Archaeology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An individualized or group project in archaeology approved by the instructor and under the personal supervision of the instructor.
ANTH 298 Internship in Archaeology
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3.75-12.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised internship in a government agency, private firm or museum. The student intern will have the opportunity to participate in the excavation and/or analysis, processing, and documentation of archaeological collections.
ANTH C1000 Introduction to Biological Anthropology with Lab
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 110, ANTH 115 L
The lecture and laboratory course provides an introduction to the methods and techniques used in research in biological anthropology. The topics under study include: the scientific method, principles of evolution, human genetics, human osteology, anthropometrics, forensic anthropology, anatomy and behavior of living nonhuman primates, and paleoanthropology.
ANTH C1001 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 110
This course is an introduction to human biocultural origins, exploring what makes us human. Topics include: the scientific method, principles of evolution, human genetics, human osteology, anthropometrics, forensic anthropology, anatomy and behavior of living nonhuman primates, and paleoanthropology.
ANTH C1001L Biological Anthropology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): ANTH C1001
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 115 L
This laboratory course provides an introduction to the methods and techniques used in research in physical/biological anthropology. The topics under study include: the scientific method, principles of evolution, human genetics, human osteology, anthropometrics, forensic anthropology, anatomy and behavior of living nonhuman primates, and paleoanthropology.