Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans across space and time. It is essentially cross cultural, and attempts to understand the way of life of other peoples across the world, how they have attempted to solve pan human problems, food, shelter, and repopulation; and what worlds of meaning and explanation they have created. It is a comparative discipline seeking similarities and differences between societies and environments. Its study leads to a heightened awareness of the importance of culture and a sensitivity to cultural differences.

Disciplinary B.A. Programmes

MINOR in Anthropology is 24 credits earned as follows:

3	from Anthropology 1011
3	from Social Science at the 1/2000 level
6	from Anthropology at the 2000 level
6	from Anthropology 2801, 3021, 3031, 3311, 3821, 3831, 3841, 3851, 3861, 4021, 4311
6	from Anthropology at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

MAJOR AREA OF STUDY in Anthropology is 60 credits earned as follows:

3	from Anthropology 1011
3	from Social Science at the 1/2000 level
6	from Anthropology at the 2000 level
9	from Anthropology 3311, 3021, 3031
6	from Anthropology 3811, 3821, 3831, 3841, 3851, 3861
9	from Anthropology at the 3/4000 level
6	from Anthropology at the 4000 level
18	credits from complementary courses in Social Science, Humanities, Arts and Letters, and 2 chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

HONOURS in Anthropology (Thesis Option) is 66 credits earned as follows:

42	credits as in the eight lines of the Major, plus:
3	additional credits from Anthropology 4021, 4311
15	from Anthropology at the 3/4000 levels chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor
6	from Anthropology 4990

HONOURS in Anthropology (Course Option) is 66 credits earned as follows:

42	credits as in the eight lines of the Major, plus:
3	from Anthropology 4021, 4311
21	from Anthropology at the 3/4000 level chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

Note: The Honours Average will be calculated on all courses required for Honours that have been taken above the 1000 level.

Note: The listing of a course in the calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.

Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department or Programme Coordinator must be obtained.

ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES

ANTH 1011 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY
The course is designed to introduce students to the major fields of anthropology (physical, archaeological, linguistic and cultural) and to the major domains of cultural and social anthropology (types of society, social change, and political, economic, kinship and religious institutions).
Exclusion: SOAN 1011

ANTH 2401 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGY AND THE LIFE COURSE
This course examines the human life course in comparative perspective. It expands on many of the anthropological concepts introduced at the 1000 level, but centres on exploring the relationship between individuals and their ecological and sociocultural environments throughout the life cycle. It covers such topics as birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, family relations, and work in different cultures.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 3 credits in Social Science; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 2401

ANTH 2501 (3CR)
ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
A study of the various types of society, both past and present, that have emerged or been transformed through their interaction with their environments. The course will explore features associated with the major forms of society from foraging, through horticultural and agrarian, to industrial and post-industrial societal types. It will explore such themes as demography, resource exploitation, ecological adaptation, energy access, and environmental impact, in the context of social organization and societal formation.
Prereq: Anthropology 1011 and 3 credits in Social Science; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 2501

ANTH 2521 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON DEVELOPMENT
An examination of development issues at the global and local levels, with emphasis on gender and indigenous peoples. The focus will fall on such questions as "What is development?" and "Who benefits?" The course reviews the contribution of applied anthropology, participatory action research, and popular education to development models, theory, and praxis.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 3 credits in Social Science; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 2521

ANTH 2801 (3CR)
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF CANADA
An introduction to traditional and contemporary aboriginal societies and cultures of Canada, with particular attention being paid to their major regional divisions and issues of modernization affecting each.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 3 credits in Social Science; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 2801

ANTH 3021 (3CR)
PERSPECTIVES IN ANTHROPOLOGY
A review of the historical emergence of and major approaches taken to cultural and social anthropology. It will introduce the students to the major components of evolutionism, neo-evolutionism, particularism, functionalism, culture and personality, cultural materialism, and ecological anthropology.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3021

ANTH 3031 (3CR)
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
This course explores the epistemology of systems of knowledge of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world. We ask questions such as "How is knowledge constructed?" "What is embodied in the terms "science" and "ethnoscience?" "Does Indigenous Knowledge differ from Scientific Knowledge and are there possibilities for integration in education, development and research?"
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3031

ANTH 3101 (3CR)
SOCIAL INEQUALITY
A critical and comparative analysis of social inequality, one of the original and central issues in social thought. The course will consider the major theoretical interpretations of the various forms of structured social inequality.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3101

ANTH 3231 (3CR)
CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
This course presents an anthropological analysis of verbal and non-verbal systems of communication as well as the influence of language on human cognition. The aim is to develop an understanding of the role of bodily movements, facial expressions, and the use of personal space and symbolic gestures in the communicative process.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 2231, 3231

ANTH 3311 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
This course introduces students to the central elements in anthropological field research methods, past and present. Topics covered include: research goals and project design; participant-observation and related techniques for acquiring original data; practical and ethical considerations regarding the field experience.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3311

ANTH 3321 (3CR)
FIELD COURSE IN ANTHROPOLOGY
This course is designed to provide students with an intensive field experience, during which they pursue research on a topic to be chosen by the Instructor. As such, the course is not designed to be offered during normal semester time, but is available to students through Continuing and Distance Education. Completion of ANTH 3311 (Anthropological Research Methods) is recommended before registering for this course.
Prereq: Permission of the Department

ANTH 3401 (3CR)
BELIEF SYSTEMS
This course explores the relationship between ideas, beliefs and social/cultural context. It covers a wide range of phenomena, among which are magic, witchcraft, shamanism, initiation and other types of rituals, and religious movements.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3401

ANTH 3421 (3CR)
FOLKLORE
A survey of the various types of folklore - tale, song, rhyme, riddle, proverb, belief, and custom with particular attention to their form and function in relation to their contextual setting. Collection and analysis of examples by students will be combined with the use of materials from the Mary Mellish Archibald Memorial collection in the Library.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3421

ANTH 3531 (3CR)
FAMILY AND KINSHIP
A study of a central principle of social organization and a major institution in society. The course will investigate the forms and functions of kinship and the role of and changes in the family in relation to pre-industrial, industrial and post-industrial societies.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3531

ANTH 3541 (3CR)
ETHNOBOTANY
Ethnobotany is the systematic study of how people of a particular region use and relate to plants. The scope of the course is global with special emphasis on the ecosystems of the Atlantic Region. Each year focuses on a different ecosystem. This is a field course, incorporating field trips and site visits as a class and for independent study, and providing basic skills for carrying out ethnobotanical fieldwork - plant identification and description, taxonomies, applications of specific plants for food, technology and medicine in different cultural traditions, ethnobotanical research methods and ethical issues.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3541

ANTH 3621 (3CR)
HEALTH AND CULTURE
A review of the relations between human health and culture, biology and environment, with reference to the social dimensions of health, sickness, disease, and treatment. Through cross cultural and historic comparisons, connections between mainstream and alternate medicine are explored, and the role of anthropology in clinical settings and international health is discussed.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3621

ANTH 3811 (3CR)
CARIBBEAN ETHNOGRAPHY
An introduction to the peoples and cultures of the Caribbean region through both a general review of the region and a detailed and critical analysis of specific ethnographies.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3811

ANTH 3821 (3CR)
MARITIME ABORIGINAL CULTURES IN ETHNOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE
This course focuses on the aboriginal cultures of Atlantic Canada, offering an overview of the region and critical appraisal of ethnographic materials relating to its various peoples. Topics covered include: oral tradition, language and identity, healing and traditional medicine, spirituality, relations with Euro-Canadians, political movements, and issues of resource management
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3821

ANTH 3831 (3CR)
AREAL ETHNOGRAPHY
An ethnographic study of an area other than those covered in other 3800 courses.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3831

ANTH 3841 (3CR)
SOUTHEAST ASIAN ETHNOGRAPHY
A course addressing social, cultural, and political issues in Southeast Asia from historical and contemporary perspectives, and considering social change and culture persistence in the region and in particular countries. Current topics such as refugees, biodiversity, gender, trade and development, nationalism, the legitimization of power, and relations between ethnic minorities and the state will be examined.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3841

ANTH 3851 (3CR)
ARCTIC ETHNOGRAPHY
A survey course exploring the diversity of the circumpolar regions, Siberia, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia and the Canadian North. How indigenous cultures have flourished in the harshest environment on earth will be examined. In addition, current issues facing indigenous peoples today such as, land claims, self-government, intellectual property rights, and transnational linkages, will be discussed.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3851

ANTH 3861 (3CR)
AFRICAN ETHNOGRAPHY
A course in which ethnographic studies of African peoples will be considered from a critical perspective. through course-readings and lectures and in extended class discussions covering a range of topics including art, ritual, gender, history, economy and world view. Students will be called upon to question the ways in which Africa and African people have been represented in anthropological, colonial and popular discourses. Current issues that dominate academic and popular writing on the continent and its inhabitants will be approached from this same critical stance.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department

ANTH 3911 (3CR)
INTERMEDIATE SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
An intermediate course which focuses on topics not covered by current course offerings in Anthropology, or topics not covered in depth in the courses offered.
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3911

ANTH 4021 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY
This seminar course is an advanced consideration of twentieth century anthropology. It explores the emergence and impact of major national styles of anthropological thought as well as the contribution of key individuals.
Prereq: Anthropology 3021 or 3031, 3311; and three additional 3000 level credits in Anthropology; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 4021

ANTH 4311 (3CR)
CRITICAL ETHNOGRAPHY
An advanced seminar exploring the relationship between anthropological field research - fieldwork - and anthropological writing - ethnographies. This course deals with issues of form, content and purpose in contemporary ethnographies. The status of ethnographic 'facts' and 'truth' is a central concern.
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; 3311; 3811 or 3841 or 3851 or 3861 or 3831; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 4311

ANTH 4401 (3CR)
SYMBOLS AND SOCIAL CATEGORIES
This is an advanced course on the social construction of meaning and its structural and interactional consequences. It investigates the underpinnings of culture and the bases of human social action.
Prereq: ANTH 3021; or 3031; 3311; 3401 or 3421; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 4401

ANTH 4521 (3CR)
ECOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
An examination of the theoretical assumptions of ecological anthropology and its historical development, through case studies illustrating differing types of adaptions to the environment and differing relations between humans and nature. Current issues in land and resource management on the global and local levels will be examined, as will the role of anthropologists in environmental education and advocacy.
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; 3311; 3811 or 3841 or 3851 or 3861 or 3831; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 4521

ANTH 4531 (3CR)
CULTURAL ECOLOGY
This course explores the relationship amongst human groups and their social, symbolic and physical surroundings. It discusses cultural systems as the means by which humans adapt to, interact with, and invest meaning into, their environments. Students will become familiar with current theoretical, methodological and applied issues in cultural ecology with special emphasis on traditional plant knowledge.
Prereq: ANTH 3541; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 4541

ANTH 4901 (3CR)
ISSUES IN ANTHROPOLOGY
A study of specific issues in Anthropology.
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; three additional 3000 level credits in Anthropology; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: SOAN 4901

ANTH 4911 (3CR)
ADVANCED SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
An advanced course which focuses on topics not covered by current course offerings in Anthropology, or topics not covered in depth in the courses offered.
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; three additional credits in Anthropology; or permission of the Department.

ANTH 4990 (6CR)
HONOURS THESIS

Prereq: Permission of the Department.

SOCIOLOGY/ANTHROPOLOGY

Note: Interdisciplinary Major Area of Study and Honours in Sociology/Anthropology are also available. See Sociology/Anthropology.