Anthropology (ANTH) courses:
ANTH 1100 3 credits
Social & Cultural Anthropology
Students will study the interrelationships among culture, community and well-being. They will examine the diversity of human thought and behaviour in cross-cultural perspective. Students will focus on topics such as ethnographic research methods, gender, marriage and kinship, culture and adaptive strategies, social and political organization, religion, world view, and globalization.
ANTH 1200 3 credits
Biological Anthropology
Students will explore human ancestry, fossil hominins, non-human primates, and modern human physical variation. They will study human evolution and how our bodies and behaviour have been changed and shaped through our interaction with the environment over millions of years. Students will gain knowledge of the theories of Charles Darwin together with the modern synthesis of his ideas, which show how our genes have evolved in response to our environment.
ANTH 1217 3 credits
Forensic Anthropology
Students will study the concepts and techniques that forensic anthropologists use to identify human skeletal remains for legal purposes. Techniques for assessing age-at-death, stature, and sex to learn how to analyze a skeleton to the level of individual identity will be studied. The class will also explore the challenges, both scientific and social, of determining "ancestry" based on biological remains by learning how forensic anthropologists have come to rely on their understanding of population genetics in the context of forensic individualization and human biological variation. Study of how cause and manner of death, and the postmortem interval affect the ability to apply forensic anthropological techniques will be identified.
ANTH 1300 3 credits
Archaeology
Students will analyze the various methods and perspectives used by archaeologists to study ancient cultures from around the world. They will examine the major branches of modern archaeology, as well as the historical development of the discipline. Students will learn how archaeological sites form and become preserved over long periods of time, and will discover how archaeological data are collected and analyzed through survey, excavation and dating methods. They will learn methods used to reconstruct both the economic and sociopolitical organization of ancient societies through analysis and critical discussion. Students will survey world prehistory and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the various methods and approaches studied. Students may earn credit for only one of ANTH 1300 or ANTH 1112, as they are equivalent courses.
ANTH 2100 3 credits
Ethnographic Research Methods and Ethics
Students will explore the methods and ethics used by Cultural Anthropologists, through conducting an ethnographic research project. They will learn ethnographic methods, including qualitative interview skills and participation-observation. They will review existing academic research on their topic and learn how to complete a research ethics submission. After conducting their research, they will undertake qualitative data analysis and consider types of ethnographic writing before producing a short ethnography. Throughout this process, students will engage with ongoing debates about methods, ethics, and community engagement.
ANTH 2120 3 credits
Cross-Cultural Women’s and Gender Studies
Students will use a cross-cultural perspective to explore the concept of gender; the cultural construction of gender roles and identities; and gender relations as a dimension of culture, politics and society. They will critically examine anthropological approaches to gender from early studies that overlooked women to feminist anthropology and research on masculinities and gender diversity. The class will investigate political and cultural responses to gender inequality and discrimination in diverse cultural contexts.
ANTH 2133 3 credits
Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft
Students will investigate the broadly defined interrelationships between culture and religious beliefs, and practices. They will focus on topics such as religious symbols, magic, and witchcraft; rites of passage; spirit possession; and religion in popular culture.
ANTH 2140 3 credits
Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia
Students will examine the anthropology of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia, including archaeology, history and cultural studies. They will be using language and culture areas as a basis for a regional understanding of the diverse Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia. Students will also come to understand the importance of health, well-being and other contemporary issues. They will find it especially important to understand these ideas in order to examine the current debates regarding lands, resources, treaty rights, and the rationale and history behind the modern treaty negotiations in British Columbia, as distinct from the rest of Canada. Students may earn credit for only one of ANTH 2140 or ANTH 1220, as they are equivalent courses.
ANTH 2142 3 credits
Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Students will explore the diversity of Indigenous peoples and cultures across Canada. They will examine cultural transformations resulting from European colonization and Indigenous resistance to it, including treaty processes, the Indian Act, and Indigenous rights. They will investigate contemporary Indigenous lifeways and activism related to decolonization and cultural and linguistic revitalization. Students may earn credit for only one of ANTH 2142 or ANTH 1260, as they are equivalent courses.
ANTH 2160 3 credits
Culture and the Environment
Students will analyze competing definitions and interpretations of social and physical environments, from various cultural groups around the globe. They will examine the complexity of human relationships with the environment in a world where conflicting cultural systems are often competing for survival. Students will learn to appreciate actions that are crucial to the well-being of environments and the adaptive strategies of threatened cultures.
ANTH 2162 3 credits
Eating Culture: Anthropology of Food
Students will study what food means to different cultures and how food is important to people’s social and cultural life in today’s world. Students will explore a range of foods, food-getting strategies, and manners of eating cross-culturally that relate to various aspects of culture. Topics include food and language, rituals, globalization, gender, and identity. Students will apply course concepts to contemporary social issues such as globalization and food security in Canada.
ANTH 2163 3 credits
Culture, Health and Well-Being
Students will investigate the interrelationships among culture, community and well-being. They will explore anthropological topics such as healing systems; culture, spirituality, and well-being; the language of distress; social suffering; and, practitioner-patient interactions.
ANTH 2190 3 credits
Non-Governmental Organizations in Context
Students will study the role of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), understood to be not-for-profit or 'third sector' organizations concerned with addressing problems of poverty, social justice and/or the environment. They will explore the concepts of global civil society and emerging features associated with social, cultural, economic, and political activity that operate alongside but outside of state and market processes. They will come to understand the various roles that NGOs fill in providing services, promoting particular values, forming the basis for community self-help initiatives or campaigning on public issues. Students will analyze, and demonstrate their familiarity with organizational behaviours and practices.
ANTH 2217 3 credits
Forensic Methods & Analysis
Students will explore scientific hypothesis testing by performing experiments that evaluate current forensic methods. They will study several forensic fields such as: metric measurement, fingerprint examination, image analysis (including photographs and x-rays), bone trauma analysis, and discriminating human from animal bone. Students will participate in a one-day outdoor archaeological excavation exercise. They will apply the information learned in the course to practice the techniques associated with the recovery & analysis of material evidence & human remains. Students will also reflect on the ethical dilemmas involved in the integration of scientific, anthropological, archaeological, and legal testimony in professional reports and in the court system.
ANTH 2250 3 credits
Biological Anthropology of the Human Lifespan
Students will study how the human body develops and ages throughout one's life. This study of the human skeleton will examine the influence of both natural and human-made environments on growth and development. Students will study evolutionary and biological characteristics of human development by being introduced to the theoretical foundations of growth, development and aging research. Through the application of a bio-cultural approach students will discover how biological, socio-cultural and environmental factors directly and indirectly influence growth, development, aging and health outcomes.
ANTH 2300 3 credits
Archaeological Methods
Students will conduct an in-depth review of current methods in anthropological archaeology. They will examine the historical development of the discipline and study the nature of the archaeological record, including categories of data and site formation processes. Students will study research design, data collection, dating methods and classification of artifacts. They will critically evaluate methods used to examine prehistoric technology, environmental reconstruction, subsistence and diet, and trade patterns.
ANTH 2310 3 credits
Archaeology of Death
Students will examine concepts, theories, and methods that archaeologists use to analyze the funerary rituals and burial practices of ancient, historical, and recent societies around the world. Students will evaluate survey and mapping methods, visual and spatial analysis, and preservation and restoration techniques at different types of mortuary sites. They will explore social and ideological aspects of mortuary behaviours and how different social groups use these in the construction of memory and identity. Students will consider ethical and legal issues involved in the analysis of human remains and other mortuary materials found in archaeological sites and the importance of understanding cultural perspectives and beliefs, with special attention to Indigenous peoples.
ANTH 2320 3 credits
Archaeology of the Old World
Students will be introduced to Old World Prehistory from the development of agriculture to the rise of complex state societies. They will examine and critically evaluate the major theories that attempt to explain the rise of early farming communities and become familiar with the range of diversity in ancient food production systems in several areas of the Old World. Students will also become familiar with and critically evaluate the kinds of evidence used by archaeologists, and researchers in other related disciplines, to document and explain the different cultural and economic pathways taken by Old World peoples. Attention will also be placed on how changes in the economic practices of these ancient cultures led to major social changes such as the rise of social inequality, trade, conflict and environmental degradation in many regions. Part of the course content will also involve overviews of the ancient civilizations of: Egypt and Mesopotamia; the early states of Europe; the evolution of Indus Valley civilizations and the early states of East and Southeast Asia. Students will critically evaluate the theories and methods of data analysis used to study these ancient cultures and develop their own theories and ideas from a more modern global perspective. Students may earn credit for only one of ANTH 2320 or ANTH 1215, as they are equivalent courses.
ANTH 2340 3 credits
Archaeology of the Americas
Students will examine the archaeological record of North and South America. They will examine culture history of the indigenous groups from these continents. Cultures or geographical areas examined can include the Inka, Aztec, Maya, Moche, Nazca, Amazonia, Norte Chico, Olmec, Hopewell, Haudenosaunee, Northwest Coast, Ancestral Pueblo, or others. Students will also critically examine theoretical or ethical problems particular to the archaeology of the Americas, including the impact of colonialism, the first peopling of the continents, the role of descendent communities in archaeology, and the evolution of urban societies, language, and agriculture. Students may earn credit for only one of ANTH 2340 or ANTH 1216, as they are equivalent courses.
ANTH 3100 3 credits
Anthropological Theory
Students will develop their understanding of how cultural anthropologists use social theory in conducting research, interpreting social processes, and writing ethnography. They will examine how political, intellectual, and cultural contexts have influenced the historical development of anthropological theory. Students will study theoretical writings and ethnographies that reflect a range of theoretical perspectives, time periods, geographical regions, and ethnographic genres. Note: This is a seminar course.
ANTH 3150 6 credits
Ethnographic Field Studies
Students will examine and practice the techniques and ethical conduct of ethnographic research in Cultural Anthropology, building on previous knowledge and experience. They will also explore a topic in Cultural Anthropology, including theoretical and methodological approaches, through developing, conducting, and presenting the results of individual or small group original ethnographic research projects.
ANTH 3160 3 credits
Environmental Activism
Students will analyze competing definitions and interpretations of social and physical environments, in both urban and rural contexts. They will examine the complexity of human connections to the environment, in a globalized world where conflicting cultural systems often come into play. Students will learn to appreciate how the adaptive strategies of threatened cultures function in the current context, with specific reference to Indigenous rights. Note: Students who have taken ANTH 2160 may not take ANTH 3160 for further credit.
ANTH 3162 3 credits
"Trash Talk": Dirt and Disorder Across Cultures
In this course, we apply an anthropological lens to constructions of contamination, disorder, and disposability. Students will explore cross-culturally the ways that various objects, people, and spaces are framed as sources of contagion that must be properly contained for the good of ‘all.’ By taking an ethnographic approach to a range of topics – from the politics of landfills and personal hygiene to abandoned buildings, zombies, and ‘bad hombres’ – students will explore the arbitrariness of cultural categories and the politics of belonging.
ANTH 3171 3 credits
Latin America and the Caribbean
Students will explore anthropological perspectives on the diverse cultures and societies of Latin America, the Caribbean, and their diasporas. Students will examine how anthropologists have studied, interpreted, represented, and politically engaged with, contemporary societies through their research. They will explore ethnographic studies on religious expressions, social hierarchies, legacies of colonialism, Indigenous and Afro-descendant political struggles, genders and sexualities, popular culture, social movements, and migration, transnationalism, and globalization.
ANTH 3188 3 credits
Visual Anthropology
Students will examine the primary aspects of visual anthropology. They will focus on anthropological representations of the interrelationships among culture, society, and the individual through the written and spoken word, still photographs, film, and digital media. Students also will critically apply anthropological concepts and ideas to the study of culture and the politics of representation in popular culture.
ANTH 3190 3 credits
Non-Governmental Organizations in Practice
Students will carry out a detailed investigation of an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), understood to be a not-for-profit or 'third sector' organization concerned with addressing problems of poverty, social justice, and the environment. They will complete a case study of a particular organization, or of a particular set of problems that surround a group of organizations. Students will submit original research and analysis. They will also develop an understanding of how stakeholders work towards the solution of social, political, and/or environmental problems.
ANTH 3211 3 credits
Forensic Science: Fact and Fiction
Popular forensic science television programs have generated believable misrepresentations of forensic science that have become known as “The CSI Effect”. Students will go through a process of discovery to determine which information is an accurate portrayal of forensic science in popular culture. The exploration of various forensic science fields of study will introduce students to the practical and logistical applications of forensic methods. The course also focuses on the differences between the Canadian and American legal systems. These differences have a tremendous impact on expert witness testimony; in particular, the interpretation of forensic science evidence. Furthermore, our Americanized academic literature rarely reflects these legal system distinctions.
ANTH 3220 3 credits
Human Osteology
Students will undertake a comprehensive study of the human skeleton through hands-on identification, interpretation and analysis of complete and fragmentary skeletal and dental elements. They will study and identify stages of skeletal growth and development, variation in human skeletal anatomy, as well as distinguish human from animal bone. They will also appraise the form and function of soft tissue attachments on bone, in order to determine individualizing characteristics such as age-at-death, sex and other research interests. Notes: This course is considered essential for students planning future work in the interpretation of modern and archaeological human remains. This course is lab intensive.
ANTH 3242 3 credits
A Survey of the Primates
Students will study the diversity, behaviour, and conservation status of a group of mammals called primates. They will better understand humans by exploring the social organization, social interactions, and ecology of non-human primates. Students will consider the implications of the high number of non-human primate species that are at risk of extinction by exploring the ethical and conservation issues arising from human activities such as the pet trade and the use of non-human primates for medical experiments. They will begin to recognize the significant connection between the animal and human world.
ANTH 3300 3 credits
Archaeological Theory
Students will analyze the development and application of theory in archaeological research. Students will trace the historical development of archaeological theory from a cross-cultural perspective. They will study the culture history, processual, and post-processual paradigms and examine how they have influenced the development of contemporary theory. Students will critically analyze theories of culture change, cognition, gender and ethnicity, and how they are applied to actual archaeological data sets. Students will assess the importance of ethics, cultural resource management, and public relations in conducting research within the context of a modern world. Note: This is a seminar course.
ANTH 3301 3 credits
Archaeological Methods for Cultural Resource Management
Students will develop a hands-on understanding of several aspects of archaeological methodology central to cultural resource management (CRM) work. They will learn to apply these quantitative and qualitative methods to the analysis of archaeological and landscape data, including how to report and organize the results of these analyses. Students will also be tasked with other important aspects of methodology in CRM, which include mapping, site forms, reporting, budgets, and proposals. NOTE: This course is co-requisite with ANTH 3361 and offered as field school studies during summer term. Students may earn credit for only one of ANTH 3301 or ANTH 2301.
ANTH 3330 3 credits
East Asian Archaeology
Students will study the origins and development of complex societies in East Asia. They will analyze the archaeology of China, Korea, and Japan, including an exploration of key issues in cultural evolution and interaction. Students will examine major topic areas such as: early human migrations into the region; early foraging economies; the development of food production; and the evolution of social complexity. Students will critically analyze the current methods and theories used by archaeologists in studying the evolutionary development of East Asian civilizations. Students will examine the modern cultural context of prehistory in East Asia as a source of discussion on ethnic identity.
ANTH 3340 3 credits
British Columbia Archaeology
Students will examine the deep pre-colonial history of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia and will follow this history through into the colonial period. They will study the environmental adaptations and complex cultural developments of both interior and coastal groups and develop an understanding of the great diversity and depth of Indigenous cultures in the province. Students will analyze archaeological evidence from the earliest occupations up to and including the colonial period, which was fundamental to the modern configuration of British Columbia. Note: This course is usually offered as part of the Archaeological Field School during summer term. During field school, the course is often delivered in the context of indigenous supervision of our field project. Indigenous knowledge, cultural information, and material evidence are all important for an understanding of the deep history of British Columbia.
ANTH 3361 6 credits
Archaeological Field Studies
This course involves students in active archaeological field research at one or more sites in British Columbia. Students will complete archaeological investigations using field techniques such as site survey and mapping, GPS data collection, excavation, analysis of site stratigraphy; and documentation, collection and curation of field data. Students will clean, sort and properly store archaeological materials in field and in the laboratory and will undertake data analysis. When the field research involves an Indigenous site and is supervised by Indigenous nations students will learn about the role of Indigenous knowledge, cultural information, and material evidence in archaeological field research. Note: This course consists of a six-week field studies project and is offered only during the summer term. The co-requisite course is ANTH 3301.
ANTH 3501 3 credits
Special Topics in Cultural Anthropology
Students will examine a selected topic in Cultural Anthropology. They will critically analyze relevant literature and develop a comprehensive understanding of particular theories, methods, and themes. Students will question and evaluate recent developments in the topic area and debate future directions of possible study. Note: The specific course content will be established in advance by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
ANTH 3502 3 credits
Special Topics in Biological Anthropology
Students will engage in an intensive study of a particular topic in biological anthropology. Potential topics will focus on one of the major areas of the field: forensic anthropology (an applied aspect); evolution and heredity; non-human primate studies; human evolution; or modern human biological variation. Students will examine and evaluate recent developments in the specific focus area, assess the implications of these developments, and identify future research directions. Note: Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
ANTH 3503 3 credits
Special Topics in Archaeology
Students will study particular aspects of archaeology selected by the instructor. They will examine how archaeology attempts to document and interpret the course of human cultural evolution and to trace the development of cultural traditions in various areas of the world by studying a current issue in archaeology. Student emphasis will be on the methodological, technical, and scientific literature relating to archaeological interpretation. Notes: The area of study will be established in advance by the department. Please check with the department for proposed offerings. Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics. This is a seminar course.
ANTH 3510 3 credits
Anthropology of Genocide
Anthropology provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of genocide. The class will explore the following topics: why anthropology is so well situated to inform the discourse and research on genocide; the definition of genocide and ethnocide; study of aggression from the perspective of our nearest animal relatives; the limitations of forensic investigations in documenting crimes against humanity for future generations; cultural issues, including racial, ethnic and religious concerns; historical and contemporary political issues (local, national, regional, and global through an examination of the United Nations, and other non-government organizations); modern literature and popular culture; and healing processes. Using case examples from Canada and across the globe, students will investigate the complexities of this subject.
ANTH 4101 3 credits
Contemporary Readings in Anthropology
Students will, at an advanced level, study a problem of current concern in anthropology. Students will synthesize current themes and debates arising from a variety of perspectives either about, or within, anthropology. They will study anthropology in institutional and/or applied contexts, by acknowledging the origins of anthropological methodology as well as recognizing its current demands. Students will identify real-life problems through discussion, literature review, and practical observation. They will determine ongoing areas of research that they may utilize for future study or job-related research.
ANTH 4500 3 credits
Culture, Community, & Well-Being
Calendar Description: Students will bring together a number of theories, methods, and themes in anthropology. They will utilize a multidisciplinary approach to examine contemporary issues and they will address the contributions of a number of fields of study to further explore the department focus on "Culture, Community, and Well-Being". Students will explore topics such as Indigenous studies; gender & women's studies; biological, medical & environmental anthropology; methods & ethics in anthropological research; human rights issues; audio-visual anthropology; religion and spirituality; and specific geographic area studies with an emphasis placed upon the holistic and applied approach to anthropology. NOTE: This is a seminar course.
ANTH 4501 3 credits
Selected Problems in Anthropology
Students will engage in the study of a particular issue in the field of anthropology. They will analyze critically the relevant literature and attendant ethical problems, and examine public awareness of the issue, thereby developing a comprehensive understanding of disciplinary considerations. Students will evaluate recent developments in methods and particular approaches, assess the implications of these developments, and identify future directions for the field of anthropology itself. Note: Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
ANTH 4502 3 credits
Regional Focus in Anthropology
Students will carry out a detailed investigation of a particular region, as identified by the course instructor. They will use specific anthropological approaches to provide insights into the society and culture of the specified region. They will be required to identify relevant sources of information, provide a summary of the literature and develop a discussion of relevant problems. Note: Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
ANTH 4510 3 credits
Applied Research in Anthropology
Students will complete an applied research project in a particular anthropological subfield, and will analyze critically issues relating to the conduct of applied anthropology. Students will utilize and apply anthropological methods to a particular real world problem, possibly including action research, advocacy anthropology, culture resource management (CRM), methodological design, or a forensic human identification problem.
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