Anthropology

For those who lack sufficient foundational knowledge in anthropological method and theory, the CSUN Foundations of Anthropological Knowledge curriculum provides excellent preparation for entry into the master’s degree program in Anthropology. Students will complete coursework in general anthropological method and theory, as well as topical work in three of the core subfields of anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology and sociocultural anthropology. Up to nine units of credit earned in this certificate program can be used to satisfy the degree requirements of the CSUN Master of Arts in Anthropology or the CSUN Master of Arts in Public Archaeology.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Certificate Program

1. B.A. in any field from an accredited college or university.
2. Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0 must score at or above the 50th percentile on two of the three portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Exam.
3. Department application cover sheet.
4. A one-page written statement by applicant indicating research and career objectives.
5. Resume or curriculum vitae.
6. One letter of recommendation from an individual who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for success in postbaccalaureate studies.

B. Course Requirements

Minimum of 15 units of approved coursework in Anthropology. Specific required coursework consists of:

1. Core Course (3 units)

ANTH 500 Foundations of Anthropological Theory and Method (3)

2. Methods (3-4 units)

Choose one of the following:

ANTH 445/L Human Osteology and Lab (3/1)
ANTH 473 Theory and Method in Archaeology (3)
ANTH 474 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (3)
ANTH 475 Ethnographic Research Methods (3)
ANTH 518/L Lab Methods in Archaeology and Lab (2/1)
ANTH 519 Seminar in Archaeological Theory and Method (3)
ANTH 574 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (3)
ANTH 575 Advanced Ethnographic Research Methods (3)

3. Archaeology Breadth (3 units)

Choose one of the following:

ANTH 427 Archaeology of North America (3)
ANTH 428 Archaeology of Mesoamerica (3)
ANTH 429 Archaeology of South America (3)
ANTH 449 Historical Archaeology (3)
ANTH 527 Advanced North American Archaeology (3)
ANTH 549 Advanced Historical Archaeology (3)

4. Biological Anthropology Breadth (3 units)

Choose one of the following:

ANTH 421 Primatology: Morphology, Behavior and Social Organization (3)
ANTH 423 Human Behavior: Evolutionary Perspectives (3)
ANTH 453 Human Paleontology (3)

5. Sociocultural Anthropology Breadth (3 units)

Choose one of the following:

ANTH 424 The Supernatural in the Modern World (3)
ANTH 425 Culture, Health and Healing (3)
ANTH 430 Environmental Anthropology (3)
ANTH 451 Economic Anthropology (3)

Total Units for the Certificate: 15-16