Anthropology
6 courses · Porterville College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ANTH P101 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Formerly
- ANTH P101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 110
In this course, students examine human origins, evolution, and variation with a focus on the adaptations of humans and other primates. Biological evolution and scientific methods are foundations for the course. The fossil and archaeological record for human origins, human biocultural adaptations, and modern human biological variation will also be examined. Approved for pass/no pass grading option.
ANTH P102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Advisory
- Eligible for English P101A or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 120
This course is an introduction to how anthropologists research and explain human cultural diversity globally. Students will learn about Anthropology's development as a discipline and, through ethnographic field studies, the insights gained from the study of non-Western cultures, the consequences of colonialism and globalization, and perspectives on understanding ethnocentrism and cultural conflicts globally. Topics may include ethnographic research methods and the anthropological study of family, kinship systems, gender roles, political and economic organization, art, religion, the nature of culture change, and the ethical obligations of research on human subjects, individually and culturally. Applications of the research methods of cultural anthropologists to modern culture will also be considered.
ANTH P103 Introduction to Archaeology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Advisory
- Eligible for standalone English P101A or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 150
This course is an introduction to the study of the human past through archaeology. Through global examples of research and discovery, the course will demonstrate how archaeologists conduct field and laboratory research and explain human behavior scientifically through the archaeological record and material culture. Archaeological methods and theories are emphasized, as well as the public role and ethical responsibilities of archaeologists in the modern world. Course is approved for pass/no pass grading option.
ANTH P104 Prehistory and Ancient Civilization
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an archaeological perspective on the origins and early evolution of human cultures, from the first humans to the origins of agriculture and the formation of early civilization in each of the major regions of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The cultural diversity of the past, the development of complex societies, and role of archaeology in the present-day understanding of ancient cultures are among the themes emphasized. Course is approved for pass/no pass grading option.
ANTH P105 Native Cultures of North America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course uses an interdisciplinary perspective to provide an overview of the Native Cultures or First Nations Peoples of North America, with a particular emphasis on California and the United States. Historical and cultural diversity and social aspects relating to race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, and art will be surveyed. Contemporary movements relating to resistance, social justice, solidarity, liberation, and anti-racism will be highlighted. Approved for pass/no pass grading option.
ANTH P107 Anthropology of Religion and Ritual
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides a cross-cultural perspective in understanding the human experience with the supernatural, with an emphasis on cultural practices from daily rituals, beliefs, and symbolism to organized forms of collective religious expression. Ethnographic studies of non-Western religious expression will be compared to Western concepts of religion. Anthropological perspectives for the origins and evolution of religion will be examined, as well as the impact of Globalization on traditional religious beliefs and rituals, and the role of religious identity in cultural conflicts and movements around the world.