Anthropology

Division: Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Division Chair: Martha Rottman, mrottman@sunyrockland.edu

Department Chair: Bruce Delfini, bdelfini@sunyrockland.edu

Department Support Staff: Joan Asch, jasch@sunyrockland.edu

Department Office: Academic II, Room 2231, Phone: 845-574-4331

Why Study Anthropology?

Anthropology provides students with an understanding of both the commonalities and the diversity of human experiences. Physical Anthropology focuses on human evolution and our relationship with the environment. Cultural Anthropology focuses on archaeological research, the development of languages and the study of cultures around the world.

Students interested in a degree in Anthropology can begin their educational goals by pursuing the Liberal Arts and Science: Humanities and Social Science degree.

For more information please contact the Division Chair of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Occupational Objectives:

Students who wish to pursue a career in anthropology can continue their education by transferring to a four-year institution. Upon completion of their education students can obtain positions in museums, universities and other related areas.

5 Top Reasons

To Study Anthropology at RCC:

  1. VALUE: Affordable tuition, financial aid, scholarships.
  2. CAREER: A wide range of internships to provide real-world experience.
  3. FLEXIBILITY: Balance part-time study with work, family or other time commitments. On-campus childcare available.
  4. SUPPORT: Small class sizes, more individual attention, free tutoring.
  5. TRANSFER: Agreements with many four-year colleges for seamless transfer to pursue multiple bachelor degree options.

Opportunities at Rockland Community College:

Students who wish to pursue a career in Anthropology can continue their education by transferring to a There are more than 40 student clubs with special interests and socializing opportunities. Activities include sports, student government, and clubs like Robotics, Video Game & Animé, Chess, Computers, Art, Christian Fellowship, Environment, Haitian, Habitat for Humanity, Hillel, and Outlook, the award-winning student newspaper.

Discipline Goals:

The anthropology discipline will provide students with the ability to understand, define and analyze the concept of culture, the aspects of the human experience and the relationship between environment and culture.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of courses in anthropology, students will be able to:

  • Develop the skills necessary to discern, describe and interpret cross-cultural comparisons or contrasts in behavior patterns, social organizations and belief systems
  • Acquire command of anthropological concepts and terms in discussion of cultural diversity and change
  • Develop the ability to clearly, logically and thoroughly identify and assess the essential characteristics, values and limitations of ethnographic research methods