Current Program

The program currently consists of two courses: Human Biological Evolution (Physical Anthropology) and Human Ways of Life (Cultural Anthropology). Students enroll in Anthropology to satisfy transfer requirements and for personal enrichment. Factors affecting the way courses are being taught include changes in student interests, students' basic skill levels, and changes in technology and the increasing use of technology.

Degrees and Certificates - No degrees or certificates are offered.

Personnel - At this time the program employs one full-time faculty member and one part-time faculty member.

Teaching Methodologies - The teaching method most often used in the classroom is lecture, with some lecture/demonstration being used as well.

Technology - Few online or distance education courses are offered in the program, as the courses do not lend themselves well at this time to alternative delivery methods.

Equipment - Several casts have been broken repeatedly and need repair, and some of the hominid skull casts are of poor quality and should be replaced. There is an immediate need for additional casts of fossils and non-human primates, for videos of non-human primates and traditional cultures, and for slide transparencies.

Facilities - The classroom used for the program is adequate in size, location and condition; it recently received a new coat of paint. However, there is no air conditioning and constant noise from the hallways is a distraction.

Future Program

In the future, greater use of visual materials will require some changes in teaching methods, especially as changes in technology occur. In the mid term (five years) and the long term (ten years) the program is expected to increase at the same rate as overall college enrollment, with additional Anthropology courses being developed. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No degrees or certificates are planned at this time.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - It is expected that teaching methods will be enhanced in the future with more use of computers and online resources.

Technology - In the future, alternative delivery systems such as online courses and other distance learning systems are expected to play a significant part in the curriculum when the courses have been adapted to these methods.

Equipment - Several casts need to be added or replaced within the next five years, including hominid skulls, fossils and non-human primates. The program also requires videos of non-human primates and traditional cultures and slide transparencies.

Facilities - An additional classroom will be needed within five years as more Anthropology classes are added. If coursework in forensic anthropology and/or archeology are added, there will be a need for a laboratory as well. More office space will be needed for additional staff.

Staff Development - Training for staff in the development of online classes would be useful in creating additional courses for the program.