Anthropology
11 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ANTH 102 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of human evolution, variation, and adaptation. Topics include the study of primates, human heredity, variability of modern populations, and fossil records of early hominins and hominoids. This course is intended for anthropology majors and all students interested in life and/or behavioral sciences.
ANTH 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of cultural anthropology using a comparative, cross-cultural approach. Emphasis is placed on the study of how various peoples around the world have adapted to their environments and developed behaviors to meet their biological, economic, psychological, social and political needs. This course is intended for anthropology majors and all students interested in life and/or behavioral sciences.
ANTH 104 Laboratory in Biological Anthropology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ANTH 102 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a practical study of biological anthropology. Students perform field and laboratory studies in genetics, human variation, human osteology, anthropometry, hominid/hominin evolution, comparative primate anatomy, primate behavior, and forensic anthropology. This course is intended for anthropology majors and all students interested in life and/or behavioral sciences.
ANTH 107 Introduction to Archaeology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introductory study of the history, methods, and theory of archaeology. Emphasis is placed on the techniques of archaeological data collection and analysis; cultural innovations, reconstruction, and interpretation of the past; and Cultural Resource Management (CRM) work. This course is intended for students planning to major in anthropology and/or continue the study of archaeology at a university.
ANTH 110 Anthropology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of magic and religion as expressed through rituals, myths, and symbols in cross-cultural perspective. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of magic, witchcraft, and religion. This course is intended for students majoring in anthropology and all other interested students.
ANTH 117 Anthropology of Gender and Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an overview of anthropological perspectives on gender and sexuality, employing a cross-cultural perspective in order to examine the role of culture and society in shaping specific gender distinctions and normative ideas and expressions of sexuality. Students engage with theoretical and ethnographic texts, photographic representations, films, and other media to identify and critically think about taken-for-granted notions about gender and sexuality. Students conduct a short ethnographic research project about gender and sexuality. This course is designed for all students interested in Anthropology, in Gender and Women’s Studies, and in gender and sexuality more generally.
ANTH 130 Bones: Human Osteology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course focuses on the study of the human skeleton. Emphasis is placed on two main aspects: identification of recently deceased individuals in a legal context, and historic or prehistoric skeletal remains as a contribution to human history. This hands-on course includes information on bone biology, growth and development, variation, and reconstruction. Students identify all parts of the skeletal system, measure bones, and identify non-metric features and stress markers. This course is designed for Anthropology majors or students interested in biology or physical anthropology.
ANTH 140 Primatology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the study of non-human primates: prosimians; monkeys of the Americas; monkeys and apes of Africa, Asia and Europe. The course focuses on primate behavior and how it relates to the study of human biocultural evolution. Of special concern are the relationships and adaptations of primates to varied environments. The primates at the San Diego Zoo are an integral part of the course. Various observational and data collecting techniques are employed in zoo projects. This course is designed for anthropology majors and/or students interested in anthropology, biology, or zoology.
ANTH 205 Introduction to Medical Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course presents the cultural forces, among other social motivations, that are powerful influences on health and wellness-related behavior. Medical anthropology is a combined sub-branch of biological and cultural anthropology and is concerned with the application of anthropological and behavioral science theories and methods to address questions about health, illness and healing. This course is designed for students interested in culture, biology, and health.
ANTH 215 Cultures of Latin America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the cultural history of Latin America from pre-Columbian to colonial and contemporary civilizations. Emphasis is placed on the Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations. Students use contemporary anthropological research, ethnohistoric and archaeological data to assess and compare the rich cultural experiences of past and present peoples. This course is intended for anthropology majors and all students interested in Latin American civilization and culture.
ANTH 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of anthropology. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students will have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analysis, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.