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Department of Anthropology

King Hall C4068
(323) 343-2440
anthro@calstatela.edu
http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/anthro/

Chair

Beth Baker-Cristales
bbakerc@calstatela.edu
323-343-2440

Overview

The Department of Anthropology offers a wide range of courses in the biological origins and variation of humankind, the archaeological record, and particularly, the comparative study of contemporary cultures. The department offers courses that support programs in the social, behavioral, and life sciences. In addition to preparing students for advanced study or a professional career in anthropology, the degree provides a broad liberal education appropriate to careers in business, law, medicine, government service, and teaching.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology is available for those who seek a liberal arts education or who wish to prepare for advanced study and research.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology is 120 units, of which 49-56 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Departmental Honors Program

The Department of Anthropology offers an honors program for students who have completed at least 12 upper division units in anthropology, who have a minimum 3.25 grade point average in all anthropology courses, and who possess a minimum 3.0 grade point average in all college work. Application to the program is made by written petition.

The program is designed to introduce superior students to intensive research experience in anthropology and related fields, as well as to more sophisticated and thorough study of anthropological theory in relevant subareas of the discipline. Honor students are permitted to depart from the normal major program in various ways to broaden and enrich their curriculum.

Honor students plan their programs in consultation with an honors adviser. Students enroll during each of their final semesters in ANTH 3960, and submit a written thesis to the departmental honors committee. Diplomas and transcripts of honors program graduates are designated: “Graduated with Departmental Honors in Anthropology.”

Master of Arts Degree

The objective of the M.A. degree in Anthropology is to prepare students for professional level employment in industry and government, teaching positions in community colleges, or advanced study towards the PhD. degree. The program has three options: Archaeology, Sociocultural Anthropology, and Biological Anthropology. The Archaeology option prepares students for careers in archaeology or cultural resource management. The Biological Anthropology option prepares students for careers in biological anthropology, bioarchaeology or primatology. The Sociocultural option prepares students for careers in cultural anthropology, including qualitative research and human services.

Admission to the Program

With the exception of the Biological Anthropology option, applicants must have a baccalaureate in anthropology and a 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted and a B (3.0) grade point average in anthropology courses. The Biological Anthropology option requires a 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units attempted. Those whose undergraduate major was not anthropology must complete 1-2 introductory courses in anthropology, including ANTH 4970, with a B average. Students are accepted into the Anthropology program for the fall and spring semesters. Students must notify the department of their intent to seek admission to the Archaeology, Biological, or Sociocultural option at the time of their application.

Students apply by submitting a University Admissions Application through Cal State Apply.  Completed applications, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted by the deadline stipulated on the Graduate Studies Office website (http://www.calstatela.edu/graduateadmissions). Official transcripts must also be sent to the Admissions Office in SA 101 before the set deadline.

The Faculty

Professors: Beth Baker (Chair), James Brady, Estér Hernández, Elizabeth Miller, ChorSwang Ngin, Aaron Sonnenschein, Kathleen Sullivan, René Vellanoweth
Associate Professors: Joyce Parga
Assistant Professors: Michele Bleuze, Christine Lee
Emeriti: Norman Klein, Catherine Martin, Patricia Martz,  Jon L. Olson, Elliott Oring, Fred M. Reinman, Mary Elizabeth Shutler, Jeannette R. Witucki

Programs

• Anthropology, B.A.

• Minor in Anthropology

• Anthropology, M.A.

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