2021 cycle

https://calstatela.curriculog.com/proposal:6354/form

 

D1 - Fit with the Institutional Mission or Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO)

Knowledge: Mastery of content and processes of inquiry

The proposed curriculum for the MA in anthropology is interdisciplinary in nature, requiring students to complete graduate seminars in three out of four subdisciplines of anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. While students will specialize in one or two of these areas for the other degree requirements, our MA degree requirements prompt students to continue their knowledge acquisition in a range of areas. In addition, the degree requires students to synthesize the knowledge of human prehistory, history, biological evolution, culture, social organization, and language and expression, providing a strong knowledge base about the human experience and the relationship of humans to their natural world. 

Proficiency: Intellectual skills

The new degree requirements include a requirement to take a methods class and a “skills” requirement, both meant to impart technical skills as well as knowledge of the research process and scientific method. The required seminars all center critical thinking, critical reading, and academic writing skills. Finally, the requirement to complete the graduate writing seminar will provide more intensive training in critical thinking, academic writing, and critical literacy. 

Place and Community: Urban and global mission

Anthropology is about cultural diversity and self-awareness. Our students necessarily learn about other cultures and they gain critical intellectual skills in cultural diversity, cultural relativism, and working with people from different cultural backgrounds. This is the heart of the anthropological enterprise and of our degree programs.

Transformation: Integrative learning

Anthropology is a transdisciplinary field, drawing on STEM fields like biology, geology and chemistry as well as social science and humanities inquiry. Students in our program are called upon to master a range of knowledge about the human experience and to synthesize that in their own research. While this occurs in required seminars and electives, it is most visible in the culminating experience. In the thesis and newly proposed project options, students must produce new knowledge using the perspectives, techniques, and skills from anthropology. And in the comprehensive exam, students must synthesize a wide range of knowledge and demonstrate their ability to apply that knowledge to answer a range of challenging questions. 

 

 

D2 - Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Program Learning Outcomes for the MA in Anthropology

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