Course Descriptions
Not all courses described in the Course and Program Catalogue are offered each year. For a timetable of courses offered in 2013-2014, please consult the online registration information.
As of 2005-2006, certain course abbreviations have changed. Students with credit for a course under its
former label may not take the relabeled course for credit.
The following conventions are used for course numbering:
- 010-099 represent non-degree level courses
- 100-699 represent undergraduate degree level courses
- 700-999 represent graduate degree level courses
Please use the following form to look up courses and find detailed information on course
prerequisites, corequisites, and other special notes. To view all 100-level courses in a subject,
select a Subject Code and type 1% in the Course Number field. (200-level = 2%, etc.)
Results
ANTH 111.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Acquaints the student with contemporary social and cultural variation. The basic mechanisms of society and culture will be explained within a comparative framework.
Note: Students with previous credit for ANTH 110 may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 220.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Ethnological Theory and Social Structure
Outlines the major social and cultural theories which have been developed by anthropologists. It also surveys the principles of social structure (with a special emphasis on kinship) as well as economic and political organization.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111.
ANTH 224.3 — 1/2(3L)North American Plains Ethnography
A comprehensive survey of the ethnography and ethnohistory of the cultures of the North American plains and prairies. The composition and development of the "plains culture complex" will be treated together with the impact of acculturation on this life-style.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111.3 or NS 107.3 or ARCH 112.3.
ANTH 226.3 — 1/2(3L)Business and Industrial Anthropology
Examination of the utility of cultural anthropology's concepts, theory, methodology and insights in creatively influencing the conduct of domestic and international business. Cross-cultural business etiquette, understanding of marketing and consumer behaviour, and importance of intercultural negotiation in solving business problems in multicultural/transnational organizational settings are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or completion of 30 credit units at the university level including a 100-level social science course.
ANTH 227.3 — 1/2(3L)Cultures of Central and Eastern Europe
Broadly considers society and culture in Eastern and Central Europe, how the region today is related to both the socialist and pre-socialist pasts, and how ethnography as a key research tool used by anthropologists helps to account for sociocultural changes the region is undergoing since the late 1980's.
Formerly: ANTH 298.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or completion of 30 credit units at the university level, including an introductory social science course.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 298 Special Topics: Cultures of Central and Eastern Europe may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 230.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Cultural Dynamics
Examines some of the major dimensions of non-material culture including religion, magic, and constructs of space and time. It also examines processes of enculturation and culture change.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111.
ANTH 231.3 — 1/2(3L)Cross Cultural Perspectives on Health Systems
Examines the medical systems of practice and belief utilized by non-Western traditional societies in contending with the universal realities of disease and mental illness. The attempts to extend Western medical systems into traditional societies will also be considered.
Prerequisite(s): A 100-level course in the social sciences.
ANTH 232.3 — 1/2(3L)Peoples and Cultures of South Asia
A general survey of the social, economic, political and religious institutions of the countries of South Asia from an anthropological perspective. Both the traditional cultures and the changes which are taking place are considered. Although the primary emphasis in the course is on the peoples and cultures of India, comparative materials from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other areas of South Asia are also examined.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111.
ANTH 233.3 — 1(2L-1S)Anthropological Perspectives on Contemporary Ukraine
Explores the effects of post-soviet transition in today's Ukraine on the lives, identities and practices of its people. The emphasis is placed on how ethnography - a key research tool of anthropologists - helps to account for the changes the Ukrainian society has undergone since the late 1980s.
Formerly: ANTH 298.3 Special Topics: Anthropological Perspectives on Contemporary Ukraine.
Prerequisite(s): A 100-level course in the social sciences.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 298.3 Special Topics: Anthropological Perspectives on Contemporary Ukraine may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 235.3 — 1/2(3L)Anthropological Approaches to Ethnicity and Ethnic Groups
Introduction and assessment of various anthropological approaches to the study of ethnicity and ethnic groups in a cross-cultural comparative framework.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or completion of 30 credit units at the university level including a 100-level social science course.
ANTH 240.3 — 1/2(3L)Cultural Landscapes and Environments
This course examines the cultural construction of landscapes, as well as of built and social environments, through a series of topical readings focusing on historical, archaeological, literary, and ethnographic understandings: predominantly of western North American environments, as these places have been known by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111.
Note: Not open to students with credit in ANTH 498.3(02): Anthropological Perspectives on Space and Place (2009).
ANTH 244.3 — 1/2(3L)Political Ecology Anthropology and Global Environmental Issues
Taking a political ecology approach drawn from anthropology, cross-cultural examples, and other disciplines, the course examines the impact of major 20th. and 21st. Century economic and technological developments upon peoples and environments. The focus is upon indigenous nations, farming, peasant, and other local communities in cross-cultural and global perspective. A core emphasis is on environmental crises (chronic and acute), often associated with asymmetrical power relations, and socio-cultural responses to them, especially in the form of movements of resistance, protest, and reform. Political ecology blends the insights of a unified political economic approach in the social sciences with cultural and human ecologies as well as a mixture of biological and social ecological sciences. The course also explores sustainable futures through this paradigm.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or ARCH 112 or successful completion of 30 credit units of university study.
Note: Students who have taken ANTH 298 (Special Topics): Political Ecology, Anthropology and Contemporary Environmental Issues may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 298.3 — 1/2(3L)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ANTH 299.6 — 1&2(3L)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.
ANTH 302.3 — 1/2(3L)The Practice of Ethnography
This course will examine the practice of ethnography by integrating a discussion of ethnographic research methods with training in the critical reading of ethnography and skills development in writing ethnography. Specific techniques will be explored, with an emphasis on qualitative approaches. The relationship of ethnographic theory and methodology will be highlighted.
Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units 200-level ANTH.
Note: Students who have credit for ANTH 430 may not take ANTH 302 for credit.
ANTH 309.3 — 1/2(3L)Motherhood and Maternal Care Anthropological Perspectives
Critically examines how categories of motherhood and experiences of maternal care are constructed cross-culturally. Although the course adopts an interdisciplinary approach and introduces students to diverse theories of maternity, anthropological perspectives on maternal care and ethnographic studies of mother identities and nurturing behaviours are central.
Formerly: WGST 212.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or WGST 112.
Note: Students with credit for WGST 212 may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 310.3 — 1/2(3S)Anthropology of Gender
Introduces students to the anthropological approaches to gender, looking specifically at the gendered norms of collective behaviours and identities. The course centers on two questions: How is gender understood in different cultural contexts? What are the processes by which people learn to identify themselves as gendered and sexual citizens?
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or WGST 112.
ANTH 311.3 — 1/2(3L)Selected Topics in Ethnology
Coverage of specialized areas of ethnological analysis, method and theory of an ethnographic region of the world not covered in the listed ethnology curriculum. Topics could include peasantry; cultures of Latin America, Southeast Asia or Africa; cognitive or symbolic anthropology.
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.
ANTH 321.3 — 1/2(3L)Myth Ritual and Symbolism
Critically examines various approaches to the study of primitive religion and ritual symbolism. The problems in the study and interpretation of myth, ritual, and symbol are considered through a survey of the works of both early social scientists and contemporary scholars. The role of symbols and ritual in social communication is examined in preliterate societies as well as modern Western civilization.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
ANTH 322.3 — 1/2(3L)Visual Anthropology
Reviews the history, theory, methodology and technology of the use of photography, film and video in anthropological research and documentation. Theories of communication, visual communication and visual expression are considered. Course work includes a research assignment and a photographic or video project.
Formerly: ANTH 311 Visual Anthropology
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
Note: Students with credit for Selected Topics: Visual Anthropology may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 326.3 — 1/2(3L)Principles of Applied Anthropology
Applications of anthropological concepts to contemporary culture contact and change problems. Includes treatment of social organizational analysis, adjustment strategies, community development, communication and politics. Theory, ethics, planning and contemporaneous case materials are dealt with. Methodological techniques will be introduced.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
ANTH 328.3 — 1/2(3L)Political and Legal Anthropology
Analytical and comparative examination of anthropological approaches to the study of political and legal structures and processes in their sociocultural contexts focusing on structural-functional, neo-evolutionary, processual and political economy paradigms. Sources of conflict resolution and the relationships between politics, law, and religion are explored from a cross-cultural comparative framework.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
ANTH 329.3 — 1/2(3L)Environmental Anthropology
Examines the variety of cultural adaptations that societies make to local environments, dealing with such adaptations as hunting and gathering, pastoralism, horticulture and intensive agriculture. It also attempts to illustrate how the principles of general ecology apply to the study of man in his environmental relationships.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
ANTH 330.3 — 1/2(1.5L-1.5S)Oral History and Storytelling Anthropological Perspectives
Offers an anthropological perspective on stories and storytelling events, their meanings, interpretations, and applications. Drawing on a wealth of scholarship generated by folklorists, anthropologists and oral historians, students will examine current theories and principles of oral historical research and consider the implications of storytelling and oral narrative in modern societies.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 200-235 or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 398 Special Topics: Oral History and Storytelling may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 332.3 — 1/2(3L)Anthropology of Contagion and Infectious Disease Critical Gender and Race Perspectives
Examines the ways in which infectious diseases and agents of contagion are represented in public culture, and experienced in different ways individually and collectively. Students have the opportunity to apply gender- and race- based critiques to the understandings of major epidemic diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Formerly: WGST 353.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 111 or WGST 112.
Note: Students with credit for WGST 353 may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 337.3 — 1/2(3L)Economic Anthropology and Economic Development
Analytic and comparative examination of economic relations in their sociocultural contexts and a critical appraisal of anthropological approaches to the study of economic development and underdevelopment. Primitive and peasant economic structures and transformations in their systems of exchange are assessed through substantivist, formalist, adaptivist, and political economy approaches in economic anthropology.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
ANTH 339.3 — 1/2(3L)Cultural Change
Surveys anthropological theories relating to cultural change from the general trends of cultural evolution to the results of cross-cultural contacts. Anthropological perspectives on urbanization, modernization and social movements will be covered. Examples will come principally from non-Western societies.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 220 to 235.
ANTH 379.3Washington Center Topics in Anthropology
Covers topics in Anthropology, offered by the Washington Center, Washington D.C. Possible topics include Peace and Social Justice, International Human Rights, Public Policies and Empowerment Strategies that Reduce Hunger and Poverty or other topics approved by the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Prerequisite(s): 60 credit units of university level study including 6 credit units senior ANTH.
Note: Registration in this course is restricted to students selected for the Washington Center Term Abroad program.
ANTH 398.3 — 1/2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ANTH 399.6 — 1&2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ANTH 401.3 — 1/2Honours Essay
Students will undertake a project involving original research or a review essay under the direction of a faculty member. An oral presentation and written report submitted at the end of the project will be evaluated by a faculty committee. Topics are open within the field of Anthropology, subject to the availability of a faculty advisor. An outline of the project must be submitted to the course coordinator in the term preceding registration and be approved before Departmental permission will be granted.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Honours program in Anthropology; ANTH 302.3; and permission of the department.
ANTH 403.3 — 1/2(3S)Anthropology of Healing
The intent of this course is to expose the student to critical anthropological perspectives on contemporary issues in traditional or alternative approaches to health, healing and well-being. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the meaning of healing in cultural context, and on the cultural bases of psychosocial and medical therapeutic interventions.
Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units of 300 level ANTH, or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students who have taken ANTH 498 (Special Topics): Anthropology of Healing may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 421.3 — 1/2(3L)Historical Perspectives of Ethnological Theory
A critical survey of basic concepts, ideas and schools of thought in cultural and social anthropology in an historical perspective. Both European and North American schools are examined. The time period covered is from the beginning of the Enlightenment (1690) to the end of World War II. Includes the classical evolutionism, diffusionism, historical particularism, structural-functional approaches, structuralism, culture and personality school, and cross-cultural comparisons.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 200-level anthropology and at least 3 credit units from ANTH 311, 321, 322, 326, 327, 328, 329, 337 or 339.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 420 cannot take this course for credit.
ANTH 422.3 — 1/2(3L)Contemporary Ethnological Theory
A critical survey of contemporary developments in ethnological theory from the end of World War II to the present. Both European and North American approaches are examined. Covers neo-evolutionism, cultural ecology and cultural materialism, contemporary structuralism, emics, etics and new ethnography, cognitive approaches and symbolic anthropology, feminist perspectives and anthropology of gender, post-modernist approaches, hermeneutics and semiotic anthropology, Marxist anthropology, politically correct anthropology, and ethical issues in research and application.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 200-level anthropology and at least 3 credit units from ANTH 311, 321, 322, 326, 327, 328, 329, 337 or 339.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 420 may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 498.3 — 1/2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ANTH 499.6 — 1&2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ANTH 801.3 — 1/2(3S)Contemporary Anthropological Theory
Will survey and critically assess the works of major contributors to Anthropological theory, with an emphasis on contemporary culture theory.
Permission of the instructor required.
ANTH 802.3 — 1/2(3S)Community-Based Research Ethnography and Engagement
This course explores strategies for community-based research and engagement, with an emphasis on the practice of ethnography.
Permission of the instructor required.
ANTH 804.3 — 1/2(3S)Medical Anthropology
Will survey the theoretical and conceptual trends within the field of medical anthropology, spanning biocultural, clinical, ecological, political economic and critical interpretive approaches. The substantive areas of focus include reproductive health, infectious disease, disability, mental illness, health systems, and healing.
Permission of the instructor required.
ANTH 806.3 — 1/2(3S)Anthropological Environments
This course is designed to teach history, theory, and central concerns of Environmental Anthropology at an advanced level. The course covers the breadth of historical development of the sub-discipline internationally, while examining selected topics in depth through a regional focus on northern North America.
Note: Students who received credit for ANTH 898: Environmental Anthropology may not take this course for credit.
Permission of the instructor required.
ANTH 898.3 — 1/2/1&2(3R)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Permission of the instructor required.
ANTH 899.6 — 1/2/1&2(3R)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Permission of the instructor required.
ANTH 990.0 — 1/2/1&2Seminar
During residence, all graduate students will register in and attend ANTH 990 and will make at least two presentations based on their research. Graduate students in the Anthropology program are required to attend and participate; interested undergraduate students may also be invited.
Restriction(s):Enrolment in the graduate program in Anthropology or permission of the Graduate Chair or designate.
ANTH 994 — 1/2/1&2Research
Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.
ANTH 996 — 1/2/1&2Research
Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.
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