Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Anthropology, A.A. (General Transfer)


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Academic Program Code: 533

This academic program lays the foundation for students to transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. Anthropology combines the sub-fields of biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology together into a single, holistic study of humanity across all times and all places. Unlike many of the other social sciences, a primary goal of anthropology is to undertake a cross-cultural comparison of humanity that includes both western and non-western cultures. Students have the option to complete a Track that will prepare them to transfer to a Bachelor of Science program (and/or concentrate in Archaeology or Biological Anthropology) or Bachelor of Arts program (and/or concentrate in Linguistic or Cultural Anthropology). The courses provide a solid preparation for advanced study of Anthropology and are transferable to colleges and universities in the state of Michigan. By declaring this Pre-Major, students are on track to graduate with both an Associate of Arts or Associates of Science degree from GRCC and a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution.

General Education Courses


Select a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work from the General Education course list.  Course work must be selected as directed in the areas below.

English Composition and Communications


All students must take EN 101.

Humanities


Select two (2) Humanities General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas.  Only one (1) Foreign Language course can be used for the Humanities General Education requirement.

Social Sciences


Select one (1) Social Sciences General Education Electives from a subject area other than AN.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics


Natural Sciences


Select two (2) Natural Sciences General Education courses from two (2) different subject areas; one (1) must be a lab.  

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science Program Track below should take BI 151 OR CHM 130/131 OR GL 101 OR PH 125 to satisfy their lab requirement.

Mathematics


Select one (1) Mathematics General Education Elective.

General Education Total Credit Hours


30 (minimum)

Program Tracks


Select the Bachelor of Science OR Bachelor of Arts Program Track.

Bachelor of Science Track (Archaeology and Biological Anthropology)


Students should take the second course of the Natural Sciences sequence they began in the “Natural Sciences” portion of the “General Education Courses” section above.

Open Electives should be taken to help add topical and regional background to students depending on their specific areas of interest.  For example, students with an interest in Forensic Anthropology might take BI 121/122.  For further advice, please see one of the Anthropology faculty.

Bachelor of Arts Track (Linguistic and Cultural Anthropology)


Students planning on transferring to GVSU for the B.A. in Anthropology need to demonstrate a 3rd semester proficiency in a Foreign Language and should begin taking those credits at GRCC.  Remaining Open Electives should be taken to help add topical and regional background to students depending on their specific areas of interest.  For further advice, please see one of the Anthropology faculty.

Total Credit Hours


60

Transfer Notes


Contact the university/college you intend to transfer to for assistance with course selections and verification of the transferability of course credits.

Essential Abilities/ Technical Standards


The Grand Rapids Community College Anthropology faculty has specified essential abilities (technical standards) critical to the success of students in any GRCC Anthropology program. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in their program of study. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend different cultural viewpoints for the purpose of problem solving around cross-cultural issues and the application of anthropological theories for recognizing appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.

2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, and touch to make correct judgments regarding course material. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course expectations. For example, anthropology courses employ the replication, use, and physical manipulation of material cultural artifacts related to human cultures. Likewise, anthropology courses utilize game based simulations to help students understand the operation of different cultural systems, which require physical movement around the classroom and interactions with other students.

3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students and faculty. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to manage potential stressors that accompany tasks necessary to safely engage in the application of anthropological theory and the discussion of relevant topics. It is expected that students will have divergent opinions regarding cross-cultural perspectives and contemporary global issues. Students are expected to be able to discuss these potentially powerful topics in an objective, civil and respectful manner.  Some of the topics addressed in Anthropology courses include, but is not limited to: Violence [including ethnic and sex-based violence (i.e. rape, female infanticide, and genocide)], Sexuality, Gender, Race, Class, Religion, Politics, Ethnicity and Identity. These essential emotional and coping skills will take place on many different levels, including one to one interactions with peers and faculty, small group interactions, and whole class discussions.

5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: Anthropology courses require the application of anthropological methods and theories to the collection, synthesis, and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative information and the ability to discern between objective and subjective perspectives. In addition, anthropology courses require the ability to apply anthropological methods and theories to explore and understand different cultural perspectives. To accomplish these tasks the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate relevant course information is necessary.

6. Other essential behavioral attributes: The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the study of Anthropology. This includes adherence to ethical guidelines governing the practice anthropology and adherence to all aspects of the GRCC student code of conduct.

Grand Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

  1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the study of Anthropology.

  2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the Social Sciences Department and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the Social Sciences Department office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process. 

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