Archaeology courses reconstruct past social and cultural systems and their changes by analyzing their material remains, from early stone tools to Mayan pyramids to nineteenth-century textile factories. Finally, physical anthropology courses trace the human journey from its beginnings in Africa over three million years ago. These courses look at fossil evidence, evolutionary theory and the behavior of primate relatives to analyze biological, social, and cultural changes over time. The program is designed to provide undergraduates with a broad background in the subfields as preparation for a variety of career opportunities, particularly those involving work with people from diverse cultures, or for specialization in anthro-pology at the graduate level. Professional employment in anthropology almost always requires a master s or doctoral degree.
Students have ample opportunity to gain practical experience in anthropology.
They are able to do fieldwork in community settings and at archaeological sites in field placements and can take laboratory courses in archaeology and physical anthropology. A file in the department office outlines research opportunities available through other institutions. Anthropology majors and faculty sponsor the Anthropology Society, a campus group open to all students interested in anthropology. Faculty and students also bring distinguished guests to UCSC as lecturers in the Anthropology Colloquium to discuss new approaches to anthropological questions. Through UCSC s anthropology program, students can complete either a major leading to the bachelor of arts degree or a minor while majoring in another discipline.