Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology Concentration, B.S.

Anthropology is a holistic science dedicated to the study of human cultural and biological diversity and evolution. Anthropology integrates fields of study that traditionally span multiple disciplines in the natural and social sciences, arts, and professional studies, blurring the lines between these divisions. Anthropologists are in a unique position to make critical scientific interventions in part because the discipline has been engaged in ongoing dialogue on the philosophy of science itself and the conditions that shape knowledge production. Anthropology at Cal Poly Humboldt is centered on critically rethinking and reshaping scientific paradigms, epistemologies, and ethics.

At Cal Poly Humboldt, students received a holistic education in all four of anthropology’s subdisciplines while focusing on a concentration area. archaeology, biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology. Linguistic anthropology focuses on the study of language practices in cultural context and also includes language revitalization and preservation.

Hands-on educational and research opportunities in anthropology are enhanced by Humboldt’s excellent facilities and resources, including the ethnographic research lab, geospatial archeology research center, bioarchaeology lab, isotope lab, 3D virtual lab, the Cultural Resources Facility, local archaeological sites, and our simulated archaeological site. Our students also engage in internships and independent research in partnership with local museums, cultural heritage offices, nonprofits, clinics, shelters, community action groups, advocacy organizations, and the list goes on…

In addition to participating in local and international anthropological field experiences, many of our students take advantage of Humboldt’s exchange programs, which enable students to travel the world and make hands-on, international experience an integral part of their education.

Anthropology students strive to understand the perspectives of people in various places, settings, and times, and in doing so they develop useful and marketable life skills that are broadly applicable to multiple career trajectories. Humboldt’s program provides a strong foundation for graduate study.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major includes a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course.

Requirements for the Major (56 Units)

The Anthropology major with a concentration in Linguistic Anthropology requires 31 units of core courses and 25 units of concentration specific courses. Review your degree plan with your advisor each semester, and ask how to best apply international study and field school work toward the requirements of your major. Students must earn a grade of D+ or better in all major courses and achieve a major GPA of 2.0 (C average) or higher.

Core Courses (31 Units)

The following core courses are required for all anthropology majors.

ANTH 102 - Introduction to the Anthropology of Language Units: 3
ANTH 103 - Biological Anthropology Units: 3
ANTH 104 - Cultural Anthropology Units: 3
ANTH 105 - Archaeology and World Prehistory Units: 3
ANTH 210 - Introduction to the Anthropology Major Units: 1
ANTH 310W - Critical Histories of Culture, Race, and Science Units: 4
ANTH 410 - Anthropology Capstone Units: 4

Methods Training

Complete two courses.

ANTH 318 - Ethnography Units: 4
ANTH 330 - Method and Theory in Biological Anthropology Units: 4
ANTH 350 - Method and Theory in Archaeology Units: 4

Applied Leadership Experience

Complete one course.

ANTH 482 - Anthropology Internship Units: 2
ANTH 483 - Anthropology Teaching and Leadership Units: 2

Linguistic Anthropology Concentration (25 Units)

The following coursework is specific to the Linguistic Anthropology Concentration.

Complete the following courses (12 units):

ANTH 340 - Language and Culture Units: 4
ANTH 341 - Anthropological Linguistics Units: 4
ANTH 390 - World Regions Cultural Seminar Units: 4

Outside Electives (6 Units)

Complete 6 units from the following list or advisor approved electives, such as other relevant courses or field programs.

ENGL 220 - Representation Matters: Literature and Identity Units: 4
ENGL 225 - Linguistic Diversity and Language Analysis Units: 4
ENGL 465B - Multicultural Issues in Literature/Languages Units: 4
ENGL 465C - Multicultural Issues in Literature/Languages Units: 4
FREN 107 - French Level III Units: 4
GERM 107 - German Language and Culture III Units: 4
JMC 309 - Analyzing Media Messages Units: 3
LSEE 212 - Language and Literacy Units: 4 [additional prerequisite]
NAS 302W - Oral Literature and Oral Tradition Units: 3
NAS 340 - Language and Communication in Native American Communities Units: 3
NAS 345 - Native Languages of North America Units: 3
SPAN 107 - Spanish Language and Culture III Units: 4
SPAN 108 - Level III Heritage Speakers Units: 4
SPAN 435 - Spanish Applied Linguistics Units: 4 [additional prerequisite]

Breadth Electives (7 Units)

Complete one course from each of the following lists.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

Explain how the diversity of cultural values reflected in different patterns of social and political organization and systems of communication (symbolic and linguistic)
Apply the scientific method in the various sub-fields of the discipline (cultural, biological, archaeology, linguistics, and applied)
Explain the complex and interrelated processes of change (biological and cultural evolution, diffusion, colonialism, globalization) both within cultures and across cultural boundaries
Analyze the relevance of anthropology to present-day policy and social issues such as human rights, health, historical preservation, conservation, economic development, language use, and cultural practices.
Demonstrate skills (critical thinking, communication, information literacy and research and technical skills) needed to apply anthropology in practical and professional settings.