Anthropology

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Anthropologists Investigate!

Enroll in the Anthropology Program at Skyline College for an enriching and challenging academic experience that focuses on exploring the great breadth of the human experience and viewing current events through the lens of that diversity. We offer two Associate Degrees for a clear path for transfer to a four-year institution.

student takes notes in a notebook

Anthropologists seek to investigate, record and understand the cultures and traditions of other times and places in order to better understand human diversity. In so doing, anthropologists play crucial roles in contemporary social and political debate and advocacy, helping us better understand and engage with our multicultural world.

To succeed in Anthropology, students will develop strong reading, writing, critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as demonstrate a passion for understanding cultures of the present and past from a variety of perspectives.

Career Outlook

Working in the field of Anthropology provides a unique opportunity to study the diversity of human experience, and through implementing and sharing this knowledge, help to better understand the world around us. A degree in Anthropology provides a broad base of knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of careers including teaching, government service, law, communications, journalism and more. The demand for jobs and the pay for these careers varies widely across the nation and the State of California.

The State of California Employment Development Department provides an online Occupational Guide that provides helpful job descriptions, job outlooks and wages, and qualification requirements for a wide variety of careers. Use this guide to find more information about a career that may interest you.

Check out the Anthropology classes offered in upcoming semesters.

Check out the class schedule

Program Type Total Units
Anthropology for Transfer AA-T 60 Units

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Summarize and interpret the main theories in Anthropology that offer various explanations and understandings of diverse cultural, archaeological and biological processes that impact societies. (CT; EC; CS)
  • Critically consider, analyze, and research special issues in Anthropology and their effects on culture and society. (CT; EC; IT)
  • Recognize the importance of, and practice ethical behavior in a professional anthropological, both within academia and within the community. (CS; L W)
  • Bring back into the community and apply the skills, abilities, and knowledge acquired in the Anthropology Program for the betterment of others and themselves, and to further the objectives of a deeper anthropological understanding of our world. (CS; L W).
Office Information

Location: Building 1
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-4122

Spring 2025 Courses  |  Fall 2024 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
Online Class OPEN ANTH 110 - 45964 - Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 110 Cultural Anthropology

A comparative analysis of human cultures with emphases on core concepts such as kinship, religion, politics, technology, and an appreciation of our societal variability. When appropriate, comparison is made with present-day American society to show the effect of societal diversity, size, and complexity of cultural factors.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 5b; Area 9D3
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC (IGETC Area 4G)
C-ID: ANTH 120
TBA Slicton, L
Online Class OPEN for Waitlist ANTH 125 - 47703 - Biological Anthropology
ANTH 125 Biological Anthropology

Biological consideration of the origin, development, and potential survival of humans and other primates. Topics include concepts of evolution: natural selection and populations, patterns of inheritance, the fossil record, and behavioral adaptations. Examines how biological, physical, and cultural variations have allowed human populations to adapt to various physical environments.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9B2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area B2), UC (IGETC Area 5B)
C-ID: ANTH 110
TBA Slicton, L
Online Class OPEN ANTH 125 - 48407 - Biological Anthropology
ANTH 125 Biological Anthropology

Biological consideration of the origin, development, and potential survival of humans and other primates. Topics include concepts of evolution: natural selection and populations, patterns of inheritance, the fossil record, and behavioral adaptations. Examines how biological, physical, and cultural variations have allowed human populations to adapt to various physical environments.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9B2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area B2), UC (IGETC Area 5B)
C-ID: ANTH 110
TBA Slicton, L
Day Class   OPEN ANTH 125 - 46711 - Biological Anthropology
ANTH 125 Biological Anthropology

Biological consideration of the origin, development, and potential survival of humans and other primates. Topics include concepts of evolution: natural selection and populations, patterns of inheritance, the fossil record, and behavioral adaptations. Examines how biological, physical, and cultural variations have allowed human populations to adapt to various physical environments.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9B2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area B2), UC (IGETC Area 5B)
C-ID: ANTH 110
M W 12:10pm-1:25pm Cecil, C
Day Class   OPEN ANTH 127 - 44832 - Biological Anthropology Lab
ANTH 127 Biological Anthropology Laboratory

Laboratory designed to become familiar with the methods of the science of biological anthropology while investigating topics in laboratory and field situations. Topics covered in the course: the scientific method, biological variation and forces of evolution, human osteology and variation, comparative osteology of primates, and fossil evidence for human evolution. Field trips may be offered.

Units: 1
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lab hours/semester: 48-54
Prerequisites: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, ANTH 125 or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9B2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area B3), UC (IGETC Area 5C)
C-ID: ANTH 115L
W 2:00pm-5:00pm Cecil, C
Day Class   OPEN ANTH 150 - 47704 - Introduction to Archaeology:
ANTH 150 Introduction to Archaeology: Bones, Beads and the Basics of Material Culture

Explores cultural diversity using theories and methods of anthropological archaeology. This course typically includes discussions of the development of archaeological research, excavation methods, data analysis, and selected cultural sequences. Instructor may require field trips.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 5b; Area 9D1
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4G)
C-ID: ANTH 150
T Th 2:10pm-3:25pm Cecil, C
Online Class OPEN ANTH 170 - 47838 - Anthropology of Death
ANTH 170 Anthropology of Death

Examination of cross-cultural perspectives on beliefs and practices around death and dying. Selected topics may include funerary practices, cannibalism, bereavement and concepts of the afterlife.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 5b; Area 9D1
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4G)
TBA Slicton, L
Online Class OPEN ANTH 360 - 48642 - American Indians of North Amer
ANTH 360 Native Peoples of North America

An introduction to the life ways of representative Native North American culture groups found in different geographical areas of North America. The course will examine settlement patterns and environmental adaptations, social organizations, worldview, and the arts chronologically and cross culturally, with emphasis on the impact of contact with European cultures. Field trips may be arranged to investigate archaeological evidence.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 5b; Area 9C1
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4G)
TBA Slicton, L

The college catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.

View the Full Course Catalog

Primary Contact

Social Science Creative Arts
Social Science Creative Arts (Account for Social Sci/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
More details »

Anthropology Faculty

Lori Slicton
Lori Slicton (Professor)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Anthropology
slicton@smccd.edu More details »
Chuck Cecil
Chuck Cecil (Adjunct Faculty )
Social Science|Creative Arts-Anthropology
cecilc@smccd.edu More details »

Acting Dean & Division Assistant

Bianca Rowden-Quince
Bianca Rowden-Quince (Acting Dean of Social Sciences/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
rowdenquinceb@smccd.edu More details »
Lynette Caballero
Lynette Caballero (Division Assistant)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
caballerol@smccd.edu More details »