Information about the Department of Anthropology

Office

Location: King Hall C4068
Phone: (323) 343-2440
Email: anthro@calstatela.edu
Department Website: Department of Anthropology

Chair

Name: Beth Baker
Email: bbakerc@calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343-2440

The Faculty

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

Overview

The Department of Anthropology offers a wide range of courses in the biological origins and variation of humankind, the archaeological record, and 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 and public 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 51-53 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 department. 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 public service, teaching positions in community colleges, or advanced study towards the PhD. degree.  The total number of units required for the MA in Anthropology is 38-40 and students must successfully complete one of three culminating experiences in consultation with their graduate advisor: a thesis, the comprehensive exams, or a project.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must have a baccalaureate in anthropology and a B (3.0) grade point average in anthropology courses. Those whose undergraduate major was not anthropology may be accepted on a conditional basis and must complete six units of undergraduate coursework in anthropology, including ANTH 4970, with a B average as co-requisites to their program. Students are accepted into the Anthropology program for the fall and spring semesters.

Students apply to the University and to the Department 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. Official transcripts must also be sent to the Admissions Office before the set deadline.

Programs

• Anthropology, B.A.

• Minor in Anthropology

• Anthropology, M.A.

Courses

• ANTH 4850 - Archaeological Laboratory Analysis
• ANTH 4880 - Project Design in Anthropology
• ANTH 4970 - History of Ethnological Theory
• ANTH 4990 - Undergraduate Directed Study