Fit with the Institutional Mission or Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO)
Knowledge: Mastery of content and processes of inquiry
Anthropology has four main subdisciplines – archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and sociocultural anthropology. Our program distinguishes itself by requiring lower division and upper-division courses in each of these areas, providing a balanced and transdisciplinary knowledge base. Our students learn about the human past and present and the complexity of human biology, culture, and society. The required courses range from STEM-related courses in biological anthropology and archaeology to courses in cultural anthropology and linguistics that expose students to the social sciences and humanities. The changes we are proposing require students to master a broad range of knowledge relevant to understanding the human experience and serving contemporary human needs.
Proficiency: Intellectual skills
The proposed changes to our curriculum are meant to enhance students’ acquisition of critical skills. The additional requirements will teach students more critical thinking skills, something we see lacking in our current program. In addition, the modification of our upper-division writing requirement will provide students with a much stronger grounding in critical literacy, persuasive, and academic writing than the current course offers. Our updated skills requirement will help students develop more technical skills and our new professional development course will help them develop the skills they need to pursue a job relevant to their degree.
Place and Community: Urban and global mission
Our BA degree requires each student to complete two high-impact research methods courses that provide technical skills as well as an understanding of critical inquiry and scientific thinking. At the lower and upper division levels, students are required to take courses that teach them about cultural difference and cultural relativism and that help them understand their own cultural backgrounds as well as appreciate others. In addition, our elective courses allow students to explore cultural worlds in their own backyard and around the globe.
Transformation: Integrative learning
The transdisciplinary nature of anthropology requires students to be able to integrate knowledge and perspectives from the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. Our new class in professional development helps students understand how to navigate the contemporary job market and how to pursue the kinds of post-baccalaureate education and training to become leaders in their communities and fields of interest.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
1. Knowledge Base: Demonstrate a general understanding of human cultural and biological differences and similarities across the world and through time in terms of anthropological data and theories by obtaining:
1.1 A solid understanding of the nature of the four sub-fields of anthropology (archaeology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and anthropological linguistics)
1.2 As well as how these interrelate to provide a holistic approach to understanding human differences and similarities and our place in nature as a member of Primata
1.3 Knowledge of cultures across the world and over time, past and present.
2. Written and Verbal Proficiency: Ability to write and speak proficiently about knowledge of the significant findings of archaeology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and anthropological linguistics.
2.1 Specifically, with familiarity to the important issues in each sub-discipline
2.2 Knowledge of the history of anthropological thought and its place in modern intellectual history.
3. Multiculturalism and Diversity: Show comprehension of multiculturalism as a significant phenomenon shaping global society and interaction with the larger Los Angeles, California, and global community. This may be done in:
3.1 fieldwork
3.2 presentation of research
3.3 engagement with community stakeholders
3.4 public outreach.
4. Critical Thinking: Formulate significant abilities in critical thinking and reasoning as applied to anthropological problems and issues to include:
4.1 knowledge of the research methods of the sub-disciplines of anthropology,
4.2 ability to apply appropriate research methods in at least one sub-discipline,
4.3 familiarity with the forms of anthropological data and literature with working knowledge of how to access such information.
5. Professional Development: Incorporate professional development by demonstrating both qualitative and quantitative methods into
5.1 research methodology
5.2 discipline ethical practices
5.3 engagement with the urban and global environment
