Anthropology Course Sampler

Active and engaging studies shape new awareness and perceptions 

Anthropology coursework at COCC offers a deeply inquisitive look at the full scope of the human experience — from studying 65 million years of primate and human evolution to investigating how we live and communicate within diverse communities around the world. Students trace technological innovations, visit archeological sites like the famed Fort Rock Cave, explore how language and other forms of communication influence social life, learn ethnographic research techniques and build broad cultural understandings. 

Explore a sampling of Anthropology courses at COCC: 

Surveying the diversity of human beliefs and behaviors around the world, Cultural Anthropology identifies cross-cultural systems of values, family, religion, economics, politics and social structure, including issues of race and ethnicity — promoting an enhanced awareness of self within local and global communities. 

Archaeology of Oregon covers prehistoric patterns of human occupation in five distinct regions of the state: the Great Basin, Columbia Plateau, Lower Columbia and Coast, Willamette Valley and the Southwestern Mountains. The content explores how these diverse environments shaped the humans upon them — affecting the development of things like cultures, technologies and spirituality.

Combining anatomical terminology, crime scene methodologies and a look at the many disciplines within the field of forensic anthropology — including archaeology and criminal law — Forensic Anthropology provides a thorough study of how human remains are examined and evaluated. Uses actual case studies to explore concepts.

From the tiny pygmy mouse lemurs of Madagascar to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, The Primates: Behavior and Evolution surveys the incredible diversity of species within the primate order. The course explores how primate behaviors like sociality, reproduction, communication and cooperation have evolved — essential to better comprehending the evolution of humans. 

Magic, Witchcraft, Religion introduces students to the subject of religion in the broad anthropological context, contributing to a deeper awareness of diverse expressions of religious faith in a multicultural world. It promotes openness to, and tolerance of, different worldviews. 

Explore a sampling of Ethnic Studies, an interconnected discipline: 

Examining the ways that ethnicity, race and racism shape the historical and contemporary experiences of people of color in the United States, Introduction to Ethnic Studies spotlights a broad range of cultural and political contexts, social problems and histories to understand how racial formation and ethnic identity constructions have emerged — with insights into the struggle for a just society. See more Ethnic Studies coursework.

 “One class that helped clarify my path forward was Ethnic Studies with professor Gabriann Hall. This class inspired me to pursue my passion for social justice.” — Dylan Laughery 

For COCC students pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree with a focus on Anthropology, a number of state public universities offer anthropology studies, including: Oregon State University-Cascades’ social science program, Oregon State University’s anthropology program, the University of Oregon’s department of anthropology and Portland State University’s anthropology department.

Explore these and other engaging courses in the Anthropology program at COCC.