Course Description:

This course explores how anthropologists study and compare human culture. Cultural anthropologists seek to understand the broad arc of human experience focusing on a set of central issues: how people around the world make their living (subsistence patterns); how they organize themselves socially, politically and economically; how they communicate; how they relate to each other through family and kinship ties; what they believe about the world (belief systems); how they express themselves creatively (expressive culture); how they make distinctions among themselves such as through applying gender, racial and ethnic identity labels; how they have shaped and been shaped by social inequalities such as colonialism; and how they navigate culture change and processes of globalization that affect us all. Ethnographic case studies highlight these similarities and differences, and introduce students to how anthropologists do their work, employ professional anthropological research ethics and apply their perspectives and skills to understand humans around the globe. Credit will not be awarded for both the honors and regular versions of a course. Credit will be awarded only for the first course completed with a grade of "C" or better or “P.” Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU;UC.

Meets General Ed Areas:

Cal-GETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences, CSU Area D: Social Sciences, IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences, VCCCD GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences, VCCCD GE Area (Pre-Fall 25) B2: Social & Behavioral Sciences, VCCCD GE Area (Pre-Fall 25) F1: Ethnic/Gender Studies

Course Corequisites:

NONE

Field trips

may be required.

Section Information as of 29-JUN-2026 06:06:03 PM

• CRN: 30116
• Instructor: Melidonis, Arion
• Section Corequisites: NONE
•  Participates in Zero Textbook Cost Program
• Oxnard College Map
• Delivery Mode: This is a fully online class without pre-scheduled meetings.
• Course Materials: Oxnard College Bookstore

Meeting Time and Location

Critical Dates for this Course