Angel Roque

About Me

I've been an adjunct instructor for the Department of Anthropology at De Anza College since 2012 where I typically teach Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. Over the last fifteen years I have also taught at a variety of other colleges and universities throughout the SF Bay Area: Merritt College, Palo Alto University, St. Mary's College of California, Stanford University, and UC Santa Cruz. This breadth of institutional experience has made me particularly cognizant of the varied challenges college students from different backgrounds encounter at community colleges and private/public four-year universities.

I became interested in anthropology as a college sophomore when I enrolled in an introductory course at the behest of a friend. At the time I didn't have a clear idea of what anthropology was but I quickly became fascinated by its unique approach to learning about humanity. I graduated with a BA in Social and Cultural Anthropology from UCI and then went on to earn an MA in Anthropology from Stanford University.

As an instructor I enjoy working with diverse groups of students and helping "non-traditional" students (first generation college students, returning and older learners, transfer students, veterans, etc.) navigate the challenges of a college education. My Anth 02: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology courses at De Anza College are designed to introduce majors and non-majors alike to the discipline of cultural anthropology and the study of human culture in ways they find relatable. We explore topics like:

• the culture shock students can experience navigating college life
• the social construction of race in North America
• pre-colonial gender diversity among Native American societies 
• the diverse cross-cultural meanings and functions of marriage
• social stratification, homelessness, and substance addiction
• globalization and the dangerous cross border journeys of migrant laborers

• Spring 2027
• Winter 2027