Program: Foundations of Archaeological Knowledge Certificate
Program Description
For those who lack sufficient foundational knowledge in archaeological method and theory, the CSUN Foundations of Archaeological Knowledge curriculum provides excellent preparation for entry into the master’s degree program in Archaeology or Anthropology. Students will complete coursework in the method and theory used by anthropological archaeologists, as well as topical work in the archaeology of North America generally or California specifically. 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.
Program Requirements
A. Requirements for Admission to the Certificate Program
- B.A. in any field from an accredited college or university.
- 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.
- Department application cover sheet.
- One-page written statement by applicant indicating research and career objectives.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- One letter of recommendation from an individual who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for success in post-baccalaureate studies.
B. Course Requirements
Minimum of 15 units of approved coursework in Anthropology. Specific required coursework consists of:
1. Core courses (12 units)
ANTH 473 Theory and Method in Archaeology (3)
or ANTH 519 Seminar in Archaeological Theory and Method (3)
ANTH 476 Topics in Anthropological Methods (3) (choose the appropriate archaeological method)
ANTH 500 Foundations of Anthropological Theory and Method (3)
ANTH 518/L Lab Methods in Archaeology (3)
2. Elective (3 units)
Choose one course from the following list:
ANTH 427 Archaeology of North America (3)
ANTH 449 Historical Archaeology (3)
ANTH 521 California Archaeology (3)
ANTH 527 Advanced North American Archaeology (3)
ANTH 549 Advanced Historical Archaeology (3)
Total Units for the Certificate: 15
Contact
Chair: Suzanne Scheld
Sierra Hall (SH) 232
(818) 677-3331
www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/anthropology
Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze human experiences and the causes and consequences of cultural diversity across space and time from an anthropological perspective.
- Analyze the evolutionary process particularly as it relates to primate and specifically hominin evolution.
- Analyze biological and behavioral variation among human and non-human primates in context.
- Discuss and analyze the foundational concept of culture and core theories in anthropology and their applications to the field.
- Independently conceptualize, collect, describe, analyze, interpret and communicate anthropological evidence according to generally accepted professional practice and ethics.
- Examine how anthropology can be used to engage in contemporary issues and can be applied toward addressing social problem.