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.
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 Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
ANTH 1011 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Exclusion: SOAN 1011
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).
ANTH 2231 (3CR)
CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 3 credits in Social Sciences; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 2231, 3231, ANTH 3231
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.
ANTH 2401 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGY AND THE LIFE COURSE
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 3 credits in Social Sciences; or permission of the
Department
Exclusion: SOAN 2401
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.
ANTH 2501 (3CR)
ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: Anthropology 1011 and 3 credits in Social Sciences; or permission of the
Department
Exclusion: SOAN 2501
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.
ANTH 2521 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON DEVELOPMENT
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 3 credits in Social Sciences; or permission of the
Department
Exclusion: SOAN 2521
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.
ANTH 3021 (3CR)
CLASSICAL THEORY IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3021, any version of ANTH 3021 previously offered with a different title
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.
ANTH 3031 (3CR)
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3031
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?"
ANTH 3101 (3CR)
SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3101
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.
ANTH 3311 (3CR)
ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
Format: lecture/case studies 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3311
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.
ANTH 3321 (3CR)
FIELD COURSE IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: Permission of the Department
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 term time, but is available to
students through Continuous Learning. Completion of ANTH 3311
(Anthropological Research Methods) is recommended before registering for this
course.
ANTH 3401 (3CR)
BELIEF SYSTEMS
Format: lecture/case studies 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3401
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.
ANTH 3421 (3CR)
FOLKLORE
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3421
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.
ANTH 3531 (3CR)
FAMILY AND KINSHIP
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3531
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.
ANTH 3541 (3CR)
ETHNOBOTANY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3541
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.
ANTH 3621 (3CR)
HEALTH AND CULTURE
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3621
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.
ANTH 3801 (3CR)
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF CANADA
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the
Department
Exclusion: ANTH 2801
This course is a survey of the dynamics of Aboriginal life in Canada
linking its rich and varied past with the challenges of the present. It follows the
development of Aboriginal societies in Canada drawing on archaeological, linguistic and
ethnographic data to reveal a complex picture of regional cultural diversity. Attention is
given to contemporary issues of rights, economic development, and governance.
ANTH 3821 (3CR)
MARITIME ABORIGINAL CULTURES IN ETHNOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE
Format: lecture/case studies 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3821
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
ANTH 3831 (3CR)
AREAL ETHNOGRAPHY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3831
An ethnographic study of an area other than those covered in other 3800
courses.
ANTH 3841 (3CR)
SOUTHEAST ASIAN ETHNOGRAPHY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3841
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.
ANTH 3851 (3CR)
ARCTIC ETHNOGRAPHY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 3851
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.
ANTH 3861 (3CR)
AFRICAN ETHNOGRAPHY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
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.
ANTH 3871 (3CR)
NORTH AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN ETHNOGRAPHY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 1011 and 6 credits from 2000 level Anthropology courses; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: ANTH 3831 - Areal Ethnography Mideast/Middle East and North Africa
This course explores the themes of similarity and difference among Muslim,
Jewish, and Christian populations of North Africa and the Middle East in historical
and contemporary perspective. Topics include the relationship between state and
society through such institutions as family, gender, ritual, law, and foodways.
ANTH 4021 (3CR)
CONTEMPORARY THEORY IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: Anthropology 3021 or 3031, 3311; and three additional 3000 level credits in
Anthropology; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 4021, any version of ANTH 4021 previously offered with a different title
This seminar course is an advanced consideration of theory in anthropology since 1980.
It explores the emergence and impact of major national styles of anthropological thought
as well as the contribution of key individuals.
ANTH 4311 (3CR)
CRITICAL ETHNOGRAPHY
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; 3311; 3 credits from ANTH 3800 series; or permission of
the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 4311
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.
ANTH 4421 (3CR)
THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF PERFORMANCE
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; 3311; 3401 or 3421; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: ANTH 4401; SOAN 4401
This course investigates the ongoing construction and interactional nature
of culture. This seminar addresses contemporary discussions surrounding performance as an
analytical tool in the context of ritual, representation, identity, mimicry and mimesis,
everyday life, and art, through a variety of theoretical perspectives.
ANTH 4531 (3CR)
CULTURAL ECOLOGY
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 3541; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 4541
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.
ANTH 4621 (3CR)
THE BODY IN CULTURE
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; 3311; 3 credits from ANTH 3800 series; or permission of
the Department
A seminar course exploring contemporary ethnographies that
focus on the body as a site and instrument of culture. Topics addressed
may include the senses, violence, adornment, foodways, and movement.
ANTH 4721 (3CR)
GLOBALIZATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Format: Seminar 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 3021 OR 3031; 3311; 3 credits from ANTH 3800 series; or permission of the Department
This course uses ethnographic materials to explore the meanings and central processes of globalization as a force in reshaping social and cultural life everywhere. Particular concerns include the relationship between globalization, inequality and poverty, the fate of cultural diversity in a globalizing world, and issues of gender, ethnicity, the environment, social justice, and human rights.
ANTH 4901 (3CR)
ISSUES IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: ANTH 3021 or 3031; three additional 3000 level credits in Anthropology; or
permission of the Department
Exclusion: SOAN 4901
A study of specific issues in Anthropology.
ANTH 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: Independent Study
Prereq: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain
consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register
for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term
during which the course is being taken.
Note: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through
regular course offerings.
Note: Students may register for ANTH 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject
matter differs.
This course permits senior students, under the direction faculty members,
to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other
courses through a program of independent study.
ANTH 4990 (6CR)
HONOURS THESIS
Format: independent study/thesis
Prereq: Permission of the Department
ANTH 1991/2991/3991/4991 (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPIC IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Format: Variable
Prereq: Set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced
Note: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation,
it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean.
Note: Students may register for ANTH 1991/2991/3991/4991 more than once, provided the
subject matter differs.
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being
considered for inclusion in the regular program.