加州州立大學長灘分校

Applied anthropology is the application of anthropological methods and theories to contemporary issues at the national and international level. Applied, or practicing, anthropologists utilize a variety of ethnographic, quantitative methods and cross-cultural skills to understand and address social and global problems. Applied anthropologists are committed to creating the conditions of social change that improve the lives of people. This option is focused on providing students with a strong foundation in using ethnographic methods and anthropological theories to address social issues and to answer research questions. Students gain practical experience while learning about the ethics of practice and the various settings in which applied anthropologists work. The program offers training in mixed methods as well as opportunities in visual anthropology.

The department offers a master’s degree in anthropology and an option in applied anthropology.

This is a 33-unit M.A. option comprised of a 9-unit core, a 12-unit applied core, a 6-unit thesis/project, and 6 elective units.

Within the global context of urban and regional cultural change, the program offers three concentrations: multicultural education, medical/health care, and community/organizations. Regional emphasis begins with the languages, cultures, and organizations of southern California and the Southwest and extends globally.

The graduate program is designed to meet the needs of students who are seeking to expand their knowledge and increase their competence in anthropology. Graduate students are responsible for observing the general requirements for the M.A. degree as stated in this catalog. It is also recommended that prospective students consult with the Graduate Advisor at their earliest opportunity.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students should develop:

An understanding and appreciation of human biological, linguistic, and cultural diversity, especially those features that separates humans from other species.
An appreciation and awareness of the origin of both cultural and human
biological diversity through time.
A positive appreciation of the diversity in contemporary and past societies and cultures.
An understanding of the three main anthropological approaches to the
study of humanity: cross-cultural comparison, holism, and evolutionary theory, and the uses of each.
Familiarity with anthropological literature and data sources, and a knowledge of how to critically access such information.
Knowledge of the methodologies used to collect and assess critically anthropological data.
The ability to present and communicate appropriately in at least one of the
subdisciplines of anthropology.
Knowledge of the history of anthropology (theoretical approaches) and the major current issues in the subdisciplines.
An understanding and appreciation for the role of anthropology in the workplace and the real world.

Career Possibilities

Anthropologist ? Archaeologist ? Archivist ? Attorney ? Physician Lawyer ? Curator ? Writer ? Researcher ? Linguist ? Social Worker ? Tour Guide ? Cultural Resource Manager ? Urban Planner ? Foreign Service Officer ? Personnel Manager ? Health Researcher ? Immigration Inspector ? Teacher