Anthropology

Anthropology is an academic discipline that observes, describes and explains human biological and cultural variation. An undergraduate major in Anthropology prepares students for (a) graduate studies and an academic career in Anthropology, (b) graduate studies and an academic career in related disciplines within the humanities and life sciences (e.g., religious studies, biology, sociology), and (c) careers in Applied Anthropology (Contract Archaeology, Medical Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology). The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer Degree (AA-T in Anthropology) at Cuesta College helps students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to the successful pursuit of Anthropology. With regard to skills, students who complete the program will have demonstrated the ability to (a) comprehend basic theory and terminology used in Anthropology, (b) describe hominid characteristics, and (c) to express, explain, and utilize cultural relativism. With regard to knowledge, students who complete the program will have demonstrated (a) an understanding of the basic concerns and questions at issue in the three major disciplines in Anthropology (Cultural, Archaeology, Physical/Biological), and (b) a basic understanding of how Anthropology has changed and developed from its inception to modern-day (unilineal cultural evolution, culture history, cultural relativism, and evolutionary theory). The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system, although not necessarily to a specific campus or major. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program. The Cuesta College AA-T/AS-T degree requires: (1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: (A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. (2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. (3) Earning a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.