Anthropology
11 courses · Sierra College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ANTH 0001 Biological Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 110
Broad introduction to the science of biological anthropology. Topics include: the field of anthropology, the scientific method, evolutionary theory, genetics and inheritance, human variation, biology and behavior of living primates, and the fossil evidence of human evolution. (C-ID ANTH 110) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0001L Biological Anthropology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in ANTH 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 115L
Introductory laboratory course designed to investigate the science of biological anthropology. Areas of study include the production and distribution of genetic variation, human osteology, human variation, comparative primate taxonomy, behavior and osteology, and fossil evidence for human evolution. Field trip required. Students are responsible for fees associated with required field trip. (C-ID ANTH 115L) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0002 Cultural Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 120
Introduction to the study of human culture and cultural diversity. Examination of the nature of culture as well as its profound and diverse influences upon our perspectives, practices, and experiences. Learn and practice cultural anthropological methods for studying culture with a focus on cultivating cultural humility and intercultural engagement. Explores culturally specific ways of knowing, being, and belonging. Uses cross cultural cases to examine holistic interconnections between languages, worldviews, religions, families, economies, ecologies, politics, and other key aspects of our and others’ lives. (C-ID ANTH 120) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0004 Native Peoples of North America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Anthropological survey of the indigenous peoples and cultures of North America. Informed by archaeological and ethnographic data, in addition to native perspectives, the course emphasizes traditional ecological knowledges/practices, sustainability, languages, material culture, art, medicine, social organizations, religion, world view, artistic representations, and responses to change. Critical examination of the impact of tribal nations on each other as well as the interactions with other groups of people. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0005 Introduction to Archaeology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 150
Survey of the concepts, methods and theoretical perspectives employed in the scientific study of archaeology. Emphasis placed on techniques of archaeological data collection and analysis, cultural innovations and variations, reconstruction and interpretation of the past, and Cultural Resource Management work. Field trips may be required. Students are responsible for fees associated with required field trips. (C-ID ANTH 150) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0006 Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 130
Introduction to the core concepts and approaches of linguistic anthropology and the study of language in culture and society. Examine the many ways people communicate, linguistic acquisition and socialization, how languages work and change. Provide an overview of the methods and analytical techniques of linguistic anthropologists, the structure of language, language variation, sociolinguistics, nonverbal communication and literacy. Explore the influence of language on our world view, critical thinking, and social interaction, how language is used to create and reinforce relationships of power (race, class, gender), multilingualism, and the impact of language endangerment and revitalization are examined in contemporary language use. (C-ID ANTH 130) (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0007 Native Peoples of California
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Anthropological survey of the indigenous peoples and cultures of California. Emphasizes ecological knowledges/practices, languages, material culture, social organizations, religion, mythologies, world view, artistic representations and responses to change. Critical examination of the impact of tribal nations on each other as well as the interactions with other groups of people. Examines current conditions of Native American tribes and communities in California as well as contributions of indigenous Californians to the cultures of the Americas. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0009 Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Exploration of people’s religious and spiritual lives around the world and through time. Comparative analysis of the forms and functions of myths, symbols, and rituals as well as religious specialists, institutions, and movements. Examination of cross-cultural cases of altered states of consciousness, medicines, ancestor veneration, spirit possession, divination, witchcraft, monsters, haunting, and other phenomenon which connect with religious worlds. Addresses religious dimensions of power and control as well as the relationship between religious and sociocultural change. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0010 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Overview of forensic anthropology, an applied field of biological anthropology. Emphasis on current techniques used in the analysis of human skeletal remains, medico-legal procedures, and the role of the anthropologist in the investigative process. Examines the basics of bone biology, methods of skeletal analysis, and recognition of bone trauma and pathological processes. Explores the broader aspects of applied anthropology and its role working with law enforcement agencies, human rights issues, and ethical considerations. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0027 Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the study of sex, gender and sexuality from multiple anthropological perspectives, including biological, cultural, linguistic and archaeological. Examine variations and complexities of human sexes, genders and sexualities in diverse sociocultural, historical, and cross-species contexts. Investigate complex interactions of biological and cultural systems in the development and dynamics of sexes, genders and sexualities. Engage with current anthropological research pertaining to sex, gender and sexuality; use course learning to address relevant issues. (CSU, UC)
ANTH 0028 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)