Anthropology
Anthropology
Program Purpose: Students who complete Anthropology courses will demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives, theories, methods, and core concepts of anthropology as a social science and scientific discipline, examine and assess the place of humans in the natural world. They will compare and critique their own cultural assumptions to those of people from other societies. All Anthropology courses will facilitate the interpretation of human culture, and stimulate interest in the myriad variety of human interaction, evolution, and innovation both past and present.
Anthropology, being the study of humans, provides students with a global perspective to understand the human condition. It is a four-field discipline, consisting of cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. The Anthropology program at Moorpark College offers courses in all four fields, including courses as diverse as Egyptology, Forensic Anthropology, Archaeological Field Methods, and Culture, Health, and Healing. The courses offered in the Anthropology department fulfill requirements for students working toward many general education goals including transfer to four-year institutions, and may also be used to complete our AA-T and AA degrees.
Transfer Information
Students planning to transfer need to consult with a counselor, prepare a Student Education Plan, and take advantage of the support services available in the University Transfer Center located in Fountain Hall (See General Education Degree Requirements and Transfer Information), or they may call (805) 378-1536.
Introduces the scientific method as used in the study of humans as biological organisms. Focuses on human evolution and diversity, including genetics, evolution, primatology, paleoanthropology, human variation, and biocultural adaptation. Examines how humans relate to other living organisms and how the tools of science are used to reconstruct the past history of our species.
Introduces the scientific method as used in the study of humans as biological organisms. Focuses on human evolution and diversity, including genetics, evolution, primatology, paleoanthropology, human variation, and biocultural adaptation. Examines how humans relate to other living organisms and how the tools of science are used to reconstruct the past history of our species. Honors work challenges students to be more analytical and creative through expanded assignments, real-world applications and enrichment opportunities.
Provides hands-on understanding of principles of evolution and genetics. Covers comparative vertebrate anatomy, modern and fossil hominids, primatology, variation in modern human populations, medical genetics and adaptability. Introduces molecular biological methods.
Focuses upon concepts and methods for analyzing cultural systems, illustrated with examples drawn largely from nonWestern societies. Emphasizes the structure and evolution of human behavior in all major aspects of culture.
Introduces the history, goals and methods of archaeology. Explores the excitement and romance of archaeology through examples of archaeological finds from throughout the world, including Egypt, Stonehenge, and the Maya. Illustrates the concepts and techniques common to the process of archaeology via hands-on, in-class activities that replicate real archaeological explorations and excavations.
Introduces practical hands-on archaeology by participation in an on-going archaeological project. Emphasizes the methods of site excavation, recognition of artifacts while in the ground, recording of archaeological discoveries, archaeological ethics, and primary sorting of archaeological materials.
Surveys the origins and development of Native American cultures within North America from an anthropological perspective. Assesses the contribution of archaeology and anthropology to our understanding of Native culture, from the peopling of the New World to the growth of complex societies such as Chaco Canyon and Cahokia. Examines the history of Native and Non-Native contact through time, including relations with the Federal Government.
Considers the differences and commonalities among several human sociocultural groups. Utilizes a variety of theoretical orientations and topical foci. Employs case studies of individual cultures to discuss and understand ethnographic methodologies, while utilizing comparisons of these cultures as an introduction to the cross-cultural perspective.
Introduces the study of language and communication from an anthropological perspective. Examines the basic components of language, including morphology, phonology, syntax and semantics. Provides an overview of how humans interact and communicate using verbal and nonverbal language and how language both reflects and shapes thought, culture, and power/status. Exposes students to anthropological theories of language origin, language use, and cultural issues associated with language in cross-cultural contexts.
Explores the biological and socio-cultural aspects of sexuality and gendered experiences. Highlights both the diversity and shared meanings of such experiences by analyzing and comparing examples from traditional and contemporary world cultures. Examines how gender and sexuality intersect with religion, kinship, ethnicity, politics, and economics.
Introduces archaeological field research through the application of survey and mapping techniques, including the initial discovery, evaluation, and recording of archaeological sites. Emphasizes the use of a compass, reading and drawing of scale maps, evaluation of soil and terrain formations, initial recording and collection of surface artifacts, and various other specialized observation and recording techniques.
Provides an introduction to human belief systems around the world and the manners in which anthropology investigates these. Examines the functions and structures of belief systems, cross-cultural classifications of religions, shamanism, religious change, and religious systems in global perspective. Analyzes the historical, social, and psychobiological factors that influence the development of religions, and emphasizes the application of cultural relativism when considering other cultures and beliefs.
Provides hands-on experience working with archaeological collections. Examines the processing, sorting, washing, stabilizing, analysis and final cataloging of an excavation collection. Introduces federal and state laws concerning archaeological excavation and curation. Considers the requirements for employment with local contract archaeology firms.
Introduces the aboriginal inhabitants of California. Examines the religion, diet, social structure, and everyday lives of the many different cultures that inhabited the area using both archaeological and anthropological evidence. Emphasizes local tribes such as the Chumash and considers the effects of European contact on modern California Indian tribes.
Explores principles of animal behavior and ecology from an evolutionary perspective. Uses primates (including humans) to investigate such topics as predator avoidance, foraging strategies, mating behaviors, mother-infant bonding, the development of social groups, and cognition. Addresses research methodology and requires an observational project of primates.
Surveys the splendor of ancient Egypt with an emphasis on the contributions of archaeology. Cultivates an understanding of the historical and cultural development of Egypt by studying pyramid construction, pharaohs, religious beliefs, warfare, technology, the Nile, and famous explorers and looters.
Explores the ancient Maya civilization of southern Mexico and Central America. Surveys Maya origins, agriculture, art, religion, ritual, hieroglyphic writing, material culture, cities, and the history of archaeology in Mesoamerica. Highlights the ancient Maya collapse and investigates the contributions of the enduring Maya culture.
Introduces the field of forensic anthropology through a study of the history and methods of forensic anthropology and the role it plays in the medico-legal system. Includes the human skeletal system, forensic archaeology, and recovery and techniques for analyzing human skeletal remains.
Explores the roles of biology, culture, society, and globalization in shaping illness, health, and health-seeking behaviors. Introduces research methodologies, ethics, core concepts, and theoretical perspectives in the social sciences and anthropology, including interpretive, biocultural, ecological, historical, political-economic, and phenomenological approaches. Compares and contrasts the culture of biomedicine with non-Western healing systems with particular attention to explanatory models, views of the body, and the role of ritual. Engages with contemporary topics including medical pluralism, medical technologies, global health and epidemics, and health disparities.
Introduces the historical, legal, and operational aspects of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) archaeology. Focuses on the historical and legal aspects of CRM, in particular on the lasting impact of key legislation, such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Highlights the organization and daily operation of a CRM archaeology project, focusing on the phases of CRM research in the context of technological innovations, budget and time constraints, Native American consultation, monitoring, and the goals of CRM technical reports. Discusses long-term career paths and goals, and highlights practical techniques to achieve these goals.
Provides on-the-job learning to develop effective work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in paid or unpaid internships that are related to the discipline. Involves the development and documentation of learning objectives and the completion of an internship paper, presentation, or project. Includes both workplace supervisor and faculty adviser feedback and/or written evaluations.
Allows independent study for students who wish to extend their knowledge of a particular area of anthropology through research and study. Utilizes an approved independent project. Includes one-on-one work with instructor. Interested students should contact an Anthropology instructor for assistance in developing a contract for learning about a specific topic.