Courses
The Anthropology department offers courses required to complete VIU's Bachelor of Arts Major and a Minor in Anthropology.
The discipline of Anthropology emphasizes a holistic approach.
- Physical/Biological Anthropology emphasizes the human place in nature through the study of evolution; changes in the anatomical structure; primatology and population variation.
- Archaeology emphasizes the methodological approaches in constructing humankinds historical and pre-historical past.
- Socio-cultural Anthropology examines the nature and structure of societys institutions (e.g., politics, religion, economics, health and healing, etc.) emphasizing cross-cultural analyses.
- Linguistic Anthropology is the study of language as a part of culture. At VIU, this approach is integrated into the courses in biological and socio-cultural anthropology.
Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
ANTH 110 (3) Developing Intercultural Competence
This course focuses on the development of intercultural awareness and competence. Intercultural skills are necessary in today's world. Understanding cultural identity and developing intercultural communication skills are key to improving relations across cultures. We examine current models and concepts of intercultural competence, and put intercultural learning into practice. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 111 (3) Introduction to Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
An introduction to the theories, methods and research findings of physical/biological anthropology and archaeology, focusing on the origin and evolution of humans and of cultures. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 112 (3) Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology
A cross-cultural approach to sociocultural anthropology, involving both simple and complex societies. Topics include the relationship between anthropology and the philosophy of science, cultural ecology, systems of government, supernatural beliefs and practices, marriage and the family, law and social control, economy, age and gender, art and aesthetics, technology, and the dynamics of cultural change. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 121 (3) Aboriginal Peoples and Cultures in Canada
An introduction to aboriginal peoples and cultures in Canada from an anthropological perspective. Topics include an overview of major culture areas from pre-contact to present times and analyses of the changing relationships between aboriginal communities, anthropologists, and the wider Canadian community. Aboriginal guest speakers comprise an important part of the course. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 211 (3) Social Anthropology
A critical examination of theories and research pertaining to the `explanation' of human behaviour patterns. Topics include religion and magic, economic organization, marriage and the family, kinship and descent, stratification and political organizations. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 or ANTH 121.
ANTH 212 (3) Social Anthropology
A comparative study of human societies and cultures, using resource materials from ethnographic studies, to provide a framework for holistic interpretation of Western and non-Western social issues. The nature of hunting and gathering as well as horticultural, pastoral and complex economies will be examined. ANTH 212 was formerly called ANTH 211; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 213 (3) Archaeology
A survey of the method and theory of archaeology, basic archaeological concepts of culture and space and time, dating techniques, methods for locating and excavating sites, lab analysis, theoretical approaches, and ethics. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 214 (3) Biological Anthropology
An examination of the methods of investigating the biology and evolution of human populations in the present and in the past. Laboratories will provide hands on examination of human and primate skeletons and an exploration of the hominin fossil record. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 215 (3) Research Methods in Anthropology
An introduction to concepts and strategies of social science research: ethical conduct for research with humans, research design, quantitative and qualitative data collection, data analysis including computer-assisted data analysis, and reporting and presenting research. Students with credit in SOCI 250 and/or CRIM 220 and/or PSYC 204 and/or SSID 250 are exempt from ANTH 215. Credit will only be granted for one of SSID 250, CRIM 220, SOCI 250 or ANTH 215. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: ANTH 111 or ANTH 112 (recommended), or any 100-level course in Anthropology, Criminology, Geography, Political Studies, Psychology, or Sociology.
ANTH 221 (3) Indigenous Cultures of B.C.
An introduction to the Indigenous cultures (First Nations and Metis), languages and resources of British Columbia from an anthropological perspective. Topics include systems of governance; education; oral tradition; indigenous ways of knowing; ecological adaptations; kinship; symbolic systems; the effects of colonization; aboriginal rights; and the role of contemporary anthropology. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 or ANTH 121.
ANTH 231 (3) Intro to Music in Culture
An examination of musical phenomena in a cultural context to understand the forces which shape musical styles and the role music plays in broader aspects of culture. Terms and concepts from anthropology, ethnomusicology, and related disciplines are presented along with sound recordings of a wide variety of musical traditions from the Americas, Africa and Asia. Credit will only be granted for one of ANTH 131 or ANTH 231. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 245 (3) Archaeology in Pop Culture
A survey of how archaeology is represented in popular culture, both today and in the past. It includes the examination and critical analysis of diverse media, i.e., film, television, websites, newspapers, magazines, journals, and video games, and experiential platforms (such as, theme parks, heritage tourism, and performance art). (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 267 (3) Anthropology of Education
An introduction to the basic concepts, theories, and methodologies of anthropology of education. Topics include cross-cultural methods of transmission and retention of cultural and social knowledge; linguistic diversity; and the history of education in Canada including segregation, assimilation, integration and multiculturalism. Major units of analysis include gender, ethnicity, and class. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Second-year standing or permission of instructor.
ANTH 272 (3) Language and Culture in East and Southeast Asia
An introduction to the diversity and complexity of cultures in East and Southeast Asia. Note: Not offered every year. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 280 (3) Oral Tradition in Cross-Cultural Perspective
An introduction to the oral traditions of various cultures. Topics include oral history methodology, research ethics, the role of the researcher, the joint construction of life histories, conventional and contemporary life histories, and the value of oral history research as a resource to the community. Note: Not offered every year. (1.5:1.5:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112, or ANTH 121, or second-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 290 (3) Special Topics in Anthropology
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Anthropology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 290A (3) Special Topics in Anthropology: Futures We Create -Macedonia
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Anthropology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 290B (3) Special Topics in Anthropology: Monster Anthropology
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Anthropology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 290C (3) Special Topics in Anthropology: Archaeology After Dark
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Anthropology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 290D (3) Special Topics in Anthropology: Bones/Bugs/Forensic Science
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Anthropology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 304 (3) Anthropology of Virtual Space
A study of the relationship between humans and digital-era technology. The goal of this course is to examine virtual ethnography, which is how computer-mediated-communications and digital technologies are used to shape, transform, and produce culture. The focus will be on ethnographic work. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 305 (3) Anthropology of the Arts
Comparative approaches to the arts in different cultural traditions, including the arts of prehistoric and nonliterate cultures, and contemporary society. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 307 (3) Culture and Education in Global Context
A cross-cultural analysis of education addressing cultural, social, political, and economic dynamics in North America and abroad. Topics include ethnography in the classroom; critical analysis of multicultural, anti-racist, and indigenous forms of education; theories of cultural difference and production; and practical implications for students and teachers. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
ANTH 311 (3) Critical Issues in Development Anthropology
An introduction to the acquisition of culturally appropriate data for the solution of practical problems arising in the context of social change. The course surveys applications of anthropological research to various fields such as agricultural development, population planning, the impact of technological change, education, law, medicine, and heritage resource management. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 312 (3) Medical Anthropology
Practices and beliefs of selected societies related to the concept of health and problems of disease prevention, identification, and treatment in cross cultural situations. Topics include epidemiology, disease and evolution, and transcultural nursing and psychiatry. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 315 (3) Field Research Methods
A survey of field research methods for students anticipating or participating in a field project. Methodological focus will vary based on the area of field research: sociocultural, archaeological or biological anthropology. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be accented. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
ANTH 316 (3) The Anthropology of Homelessness
An examination of homelessness in a cross-cultural perspective. Topics include urban homelessness; rural homelessness; possible pathways out of homelessness; local initiatives; gender and age; identity and place; and diasporas and diaspora communities. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 324 (3) Food and Culture
A cross-cultural examination of food traditions and rituals, as well as food as metaphor and communication. The role food plays in individual and cultural identity is surveyed, along with classifications of food. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 325 (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political, and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 325A (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - The Himalayas
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. May be repeated for credit up to three times for different topics. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 325B (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - Europe
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. May be repeated for credit up to three times for different topics. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 325C (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - East Africa
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. May be repeated for credit up to three times for different topics. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 325F (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions: Western Europe
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political, and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 325G (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions: Eastern Europe
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political, and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 325H (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions: The Americas
An integrated description and analysis of the cultural history and present day economic, social, political, and religious ways of life of selected groups of people from different regions around the world. Selection of ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 326 (3) Ethnographic Research
An opportunity to utilize qualitative research methodology in researching Canadian culture and society. Topics include ethics, participant observation and interviewing, problems in doing fieldwork, and organization of research materials, as well as, hands-on assignments. (2:0:0 -30)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 328 (3) Indigenous Societies, Subsistence and Ecology
Small scale band societies are strikingly different from larger scale societies in all parts of the world. An examination of several of these societies in depth, comparing them to other types of society in an attempt to understand their egalitarian, relatively non-sexist and non-warlike lifestyles. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 329 (3) Community Oral History Project
An applied approach to planning, organizing, and delivering a community-based oral history project. Topics include developing a research ethics protocol, interviewing skills, recording and transcribing oral narratives, and preparing a summary report, including recommendations regarding archiving, establishing access and utilizing recorded and transcribed material at the community level. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112, third-year standing, or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 331 (3) Studies in Ethnomusicology
A continuation of ANTH 231, including selected topics on definitions and scope of ethnomusicology, theory and method, the impact of Western music on a variety of traditional (musical) cultures, gender and music, and analysis of musical styles. Regional studies, including discussion and analysis of field recordings, vary according to available resources. Research and field work involves several projects culminating in a major ethnography paper. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in ANTH 231.
ANTH 332 (3) Political Anthropology: People, Power, and Place
A cross-cultural analysis of political meanings, processes, and systems dealing with identity and power-relations. Topics include state formation, conflict, violence and identity struggle, as well as cultural variability in the practice of politics, nationalism, ethnicity, and racism. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 333 (3) Anthropology of Kinship and Gender
The study of kinship and gender considers how power, knowledge, and social action are expressed through men and women in society. Topics include theoretical perspectives; cross-cultural variations in defining gender identities; the relationship between cultural concepts of kinship and gender and the human body and reproduction. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 334 (3) Anthropology of Ritual and Belief
This course asks the question "what is religion"? It looks at belief systems and their practices and explores how people assert their religious beliefs. Topics include a cross-cultural examination of ritual, symbolism, taboo, myth, possession, witchcraft, magic, sacrifice, initiation, and death. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 335 (3) Race and Ethnicity in Canada
An anthropological perspective on race and ethnicity in Canada. A number of groups will be studied in the context of the wider literature of race relations, minority groups, and ethnicity. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 336 (3) Ways of Seeing: Ethnographic Film, History, and Theory
This course investigates film as ethnography, as an applied research method and as a medium of communicating anthropological understanding. Topics include research methodology; visible aspects of culture; the assumed dilemma between science and art; accuracy, fairness and objectivity; the relation between written and visual anthropology; and ethics. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 338 (3) Death and Dying: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
An exploration of cultural, historical and contemporary issues in theory and research pertaining to the study of death and dying. Topics will include attitudes towards death and dying, developmental perspectives, care for the dying, grief, and spirituality. All topics will be considered from cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. Credit will only be granted for one of PSYC 338 or ANTH 338. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 339 (3) Anthropology in Pop Culture
A survey of how anthropology is represented in popular culture, both today and in the past. It includes the examination and critical analysis of diverse media, i.e., film, television, websites, newspapers, magazines, journals, and video games, and experiential platforms (such as, theme parks, heritage tourism, and performance art). ANTH 339 was formerly called ANTH 245; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
ANTH 340 (3) Engendering Archaeology
An exploration of the varying power and authority wielded through gender roles as evidenced in material culture remains, while critiquing earlier anthropological conceptualizations of gender. This course focuses on how we are able to "see" gender archaeologically, as this is an integral component to knowing the past. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 341B (3) Emergence of Civilization
A review of the archaeological record on the origin of animal/plant husbandry, sedentary village life and pastoralism, technological innovation and social life, of subsequent developments leading to the appearance of the first cities, state institutions and stratified societies in major centres of the Old World. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 111 and ANTH 213.
ANTH 342 (3) Archaeology of the Americas
A survey of the origins and development of archaeology in the Americas, situated in the context of colonization. Emphasis on archaeological storytelling, ethics and the law, repatriation, origin stories and migrations, heritage tourism, Indigenous archaeology, and cultural resource management. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 343 (3) Early Prehistory of the Americas
A survey of the early prehistoric cultures of North and South America, from the peopling of the New World to the rise of complex chiefdoms and the beginnings of agriculture. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in ANTH 213.
ANTH 344 (3) Prehistory of Meso-American and South American Civilizations
A study of the prehistory of Meso-America and South America from the beginnings of agriculture and urban settlement to the great civilizations of Mexico and Peru. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in ANTH 213.
ANTH 345 (3) Eating Antiquity (Ends Aug 2023)
Food has always been more than simply nutrition. It embodies culture, religion, gender, technology, and more. This course explores food from ancient sites around the globe, touching on daily food, feast food, and extreme cuisine. Special attention is paid to how we can "see" food through archaeological research. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 345 (3) Archaeology of Food and Feasting (Effective Sep 2023)
Food has always been more than simply nutrition. It embodies culture, religion, gender, technology, and more. This course explores food from ancient sites around the globe, touching on daily food, feast food, and extreme cuisine. Special attention is paid to how we can "see" food through archaeological research. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 346 (3) Archaeology of Alcohol
From the corn-based chicha of the Inka to Viking grog and the wine of pharaohs, alcohol has been a part of social relations for millennia. This course explores an archaeology of alcohol through specific ancient societies and the material culture they left behind. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213, third-year standing or permission of instructor.
ANTH 347 (3) Archaeology of the Ancient Near East
Mesopotamia, the ancient land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, was home to the people who built the Assyrian empire, the Royal Tombs of Ur and the Ziggurat of Babylon. This course works to people the past, highlighting archaeological excavations from the earliest Neolithic cities to the first empires. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 348 (3) Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
This archaeological course highlights evidence of the lives of ancient Egyptians as over millennia dynasties rose and fell, villages expanded into cities, histories were inscribed into monumental architecture, and lives were recorded in tombs designed to ensure eternal life. From daily lives to pharaonic rituals, ancient Egypt is explored. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 349 (3) Archaeology of the Pacific Northwest Coast
A survey of the history and development of archaeology on the Pacific Northwest Coast. Situated in the contexts of colonization and expanding industrial capitalism, topics include repatriation, traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous histories, culture history, ethics and the law, material culture, and cultural resource management. Field trips may be scheduled. ANTH 349 was formerly called ANTH 449; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:2:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 350 (3) Primatology
A detailed survey of the field of primatology including taxonomy, genetics, morphology, palaeontology, ecology, zoogeography, growth and behaviour of the primates. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 214 or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 351 (3) Paleoanthropology
An examination of the fossil evidence for human evolution emphasizing the interpretation and reconstruction of the human lineage. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 214.
ANTH 352 (3) African Archaeology
A survey of African archaeology with an emphasis on examples from East and South Africa, from prehistoric to historic times. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213.
ANTH 353 (3) Human Osteology
Combined seminar/lab course focusing on the human skeleton. Provides an in-depth understanding of skeletal growth, development, identification of skeletal elements and estimation of age, sex, ancestry and stature. Incorporates new analytical techniques, practical applications of human osteology and reconstruction of past populations in relation to diet and disease. (0:1:2)
Prerequisite: ANTH 214 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 354 (3) Bioarchaeology of Death
Students explore topics and issues that surround the Bioarchaeology of Death. Burial is much more than simply bones placed in the ground but it is embedded with multiple layers of meaning. Topics include the relationship between the living and the dead, and models for understanding past burial practice. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 214 or third-year standing.
ANTH 355 (3) Special Topics in Biological Anthropology
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Biological Anthropology chosen by the instructor. Students will examine and evaluate recent developments within the specific area of focus and assess the implications of these developments. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 214, or permission of the instructor
ANTH 361 (6) Archaeological Field School
A hands-on training program of archaeological techniques and methods (lecture-internship). Students work on an archaeological site (prehistoric or historic) to gain practical experience. They are introduced to all aspects of field archaeology, from survey, to excavation, to identification of artifacts, to writing a research proposal (or permit application) and budget. (12:0:0 for 6 weeks)
Prerequisite: ANTH 111, ANTH 213, and permission of instructor.
ANTH 361A (3) Archaeological Field School
A hands-on training program of archaeological techniques and methods (lecture-internship). Students work on an archaeological site (prehistoric or historic) to gain practical experience. They are introduced to all aspects of field archaeology, from survey, to excavation, to identification of artifacts, to writing a research proposal (or permit application) and budget. (0:0:0 -36 for 6 weeks)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213, and permission of instructor.
ANTH 361B (6) Archaeological Field School
A hands-on training program of archaeological techniques and methods (lecture-internship). Students work on an archaeological site (prehistoric or historic) to gain practical experience. They are introduced to all aspects of field archaeology, from survey, to excavation, to identification of artifacts, to writing a research proposal (or permit application) and budget. ANTH 361B was formerly called ANTH 361; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:0:0 -72 for 6 weeks)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213, and permission of instructor.
ANTH 362 (3) Ethnographic Field Studies I
Immersion in an experiential field study, Canada or abroad, provides opportunity to apply anthropological knowledge and analytical frameworks. The course typically includes site visits, observation, in-field data collection and seminars (day and/or evening). Advance sessions and readings will provide background on the topic and setting before the field study. (6:6:0 -60 for 2 weeks)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, and third-year standing; and/or permission of instructor.
ANTH 363 (6) Ethnographic Field Studies II
Immersion in an experiential field study, Canada or abroad, provides opportunity to apply anthropological knowledge and analytical frameworks. The course typically includes site visits, observation, in-field data collection and seminars (day and/or evening). Advance sessions and readings will provide background on the topic and setting before the field study. (6:6:0 -120 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, and third-year standing; and/or permission of the instructor.
ANTH 367 (3) Peoples and Cultures of the World
A general survey of comparative ethnography from around the world. Discussion on collecting and quantifying ethnographic data and the selection of ethnographies with varying levels of economic, political and technological complexities. Selection of ethnographic areas will vary from one semester/year to the next. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 368 (3) Nomadic Peoples
A comparative examination of nomadic peoples past and present. The course introduces key concepts and theories used to investigate nomadism; explains the social, economic, political, and environmental features of nomadic societies; and discusses the impact of globalization and ecological change on contemporary nomads. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 370 (3) Critical Ideas in Anthropology
An exploration of fundamental concepts, theories, and methods that inform the practice of anthropology today. Topics will include historical anthropological debates and perspectives, feminist and post-modernist critiques, objectivity and reflexivity in research, recent developments, and emergent issues. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 380 (3) Museum Anthropology
An introduction to contemporary issues in museum practice and their historical context. Topics include the changing purposes and role of museums and anthropology; core museum functions and practices; museums, communities, and First Nations; the case and interpretation of cultural property; and issues in public representation. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 111, or ANTH 112, or ANTH 121; or permission of instructor.
ANTH 388 (3) Language and Culture
A study of language in culture and society. Language continues to evolve and will be reflected in the topics covered, such as, speech communities; social meaning and social variation in language; gender and language; and the use of language in identity formation and power relations. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or third-year standing.
ANTH 390 (3) Special Topics in Sociocultural Anthropology
Presentation of selected problems in Anthropology. Students interested in this course should enquire at Registration when the course is to be offered and what substantive areas are to be studied. Students may take this course up to three times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 390D (3) Issues in Anth: Arab Women in Middle East
Presentation of selected problems in Anthropology. Students interested in this course should enquire at Registration when the course is to be offered and what substantive areas are to be studied. Students may take this course up to three times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
ANTH 390E (3) Special Topics in Sociocultural Anthropology:Museum Research
Presentation of selected problems in Anthropology. Students interested in this course should enquire at Registration when the course is to be offered and what substantive areas are to be studied. Students may take this course up to three times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 391 (3) Special Topics in Archaeology
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Archaeology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 391A (3) Special Topics in Archaeology: Comics and Archeology
This course will be an exploration of a specific topic within Archaeology chosen by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times provided it is a different topic each time. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 401 (3) Ecological Anthropology
Theories concerning the relationship of human groups, culture and environment; cultural systems as the means by which human populations adapt to their environments. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 412 (3) Medical Anthropology (Ends Aug 2023)
Practices and beliefs of selected societies related to the concept of health and problems of disease prevention, identification, and treatment in cross cultural situations. Topics include epidemiology, disease and evolution, and transcultural nursing and psychiatry. ANTH 412 was formerly called ANTH 312; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 412 (3) Health and Wellness Around the World (Effective Sep 2023)
Practices and beliefs of selected societies related to the concept of health and problems of disease prevention, identification, and treatment in cross cultural situations. Topics include epidemiology, disease and evolution, and transcultural nursing and psychiatry. ANTH 412 was formerly called ANTH 312; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 414 (3) Globalizing Culture: A Critical Perspective
An examination of the culture of consumer capitalism and its impact on peoples around the world. Topics include population growth, poverty, environmental sustainability, ethnic conflict and their relationship to global processes. Resistance to the globalization process by way of local protest and rebellion is also discussed. ANTH 414 was formerly called ANTH 419; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 415 (3) Human Social Organisation (Ends Aug 2023)
A critical examination of human social organization in the 21st century. Cross-cultural models of society are applied to understand the links between population growth, technological development, environmental pollution, and concentrations of wealth and power. Topics include progress and sustainability, alternative models of social organization, and sustainable living in North America. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212. Recommended to take ANTH 414 prior.
ANTH 415 (3) Sustainable Living (Effective Sep 2023)
A critical examination of human social organization in the 21st century. Cross-cultural models of society are applied to understand the links between population growth, technological development, environmental pollution, and concentrations of wealth and power. Topics include progress and sustainability, alternative models of social organization, and sustainable living in North America. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212. Recommended to take ANTH 414 prior.
ANTH 418 (3) Researching Community
A practical course that can be applied to any of the four subfields. The intention is to engage students in community-based projects--endeavours affiliated with the VIU community or non-profit sector. ANTH 418 may be taken more than once if the topic is different. (2:0:1.5)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing and permission of instructor.
ANTH 419 (3) Globalizing Culture: A Critical Perspective (Ends Aug 2023)
An examination of the culture of consumer capitalism and its impact on peoples around the world. Topics include population growth, poverty, environmental sustainability, and ethnic conflict and their relationship to global processes. Resistance to the globalization process by way of local protest and rebellion is also discussed. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 419 (3) Globalizing Culture (Effective Sep 2023)
An examination of the culture of consumer capitalism and its impact on peoples around the world. Topics include population growth, poverty, environmental sustainability, and ethnic conflict and their relationship to global processes. Resistance to the globalization process by way of local protest and rebellion is also discussed. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.
ANTH 430 (3) Forensic Anthropology
An examination of forensic anthropology for criminology and anthropology students. Examines the archaeology of the crime scene, the retrieval of contextual information, the science of osteology, pathological conditions, trauma, and cause of death evidence. Includes process of identifying human remains through sex, age, stature, (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing in B.A. Major in Criminology, or third-year standing in Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection, or ANTH 214.
ANTH 435 (3) Human Osteology
Combined seminar/lab course focusing on the human skeleton. Provides an in-depth understanding of skeletal growth, development, identification of skeletal elements and estimation of age, sex, ancestry and stature. Incorporates new analytical techniques, practical applications of human osteology and reconstruction of past populations in relation to diet and disease. ANTH 435 was formerly called ANTH 353; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:1:2)
Prerequisite: ANTH 214 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 449 (3) Archaeology of the Pacific Northwest
An intensive study of problems of interpreting Pacific Northwest archaeological data. Field trips may be scheduled. (3:2:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 111 and ANTH 213.
ANTH 460 (3) Material Culture Analysis
This combined seminar and lab course introduces methods of material culture analysis. Hands-on, using materials from recent and distant times, emphasis is on archaeological laboratory procedures for classification, quantification, description, recording, analysis, and interpretation. Incorporates textual, experimental and ethnoarchaeological approaches to understand the relationship between material culture and culture. ANTH 460 was formerly called ANTH 460; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:2:1)
Prerequisite: ANTH 213 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 461 (3) Historical Archaeology: Method and Theory
A combined seminar and lab course introducing students to historical archaeology: methods, techniques and theory. Hands-on experience in the laboratory and, when possible, in the field are major components of this course. Field work will be undertaken during Study Week if the course is not taught in conjunction with ANTH 361. (0:2:1)
Prerequisite: ANTH 111, ANTH 213, and permission of instructor.
ANTH 470 (3) Critical Ideas in Anthropology
An exploration of fundamental concepts, theories, and methods that inform the practice of anthropology today. Topics will include historical anthropological debates and perspectives, feminist and post-modernist critiques, objectivity and reflexivity in research, recent developments, and emergent issues. ANTH 470 was formerly called ANTH 370; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212.
ANTH 480 (3) Museum Anthropology
An introduction to contemporary issues in museum practice and their historical context. Topics include the changing purposes and role of museums and anthropology; core museum functions and practices; museums, communities, and First Nations; the case and interpretation of cultural property; and issues in public representation. ANTH 480 was formerly called ANTH 380; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: ANTH 212, 213, third-year standing, or permission of instructor.
ANTH 490 (3) Directed Studies in Anthropology
Independent studies for advanced students. Complete arrangements must be made with an instructor in the department before registering. This course has several requirements which must be met before it can be taken. Consult the Coordinator if you plan to take this course. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing or permission of instructor.
ANTH 491 (3) Honours Thesis Proposal
This course is taken prior to ANTH 492 and involves the development of a topic and preparation required for the completion of an Honours thesis. This course is for Anthropology majors and should only be taken after acceptance into the Anthropology Honours program. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Anthropology Honours program
ANTH 492 (3) Honours Thesis
This course, involving independent research, is for majors and can only be taken after acceptance into the Anthropology Honours Programme. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Honours Programme
ANTH 493A (3) Internship
Voluntary service in local or international organizations. Selection based on availability as well as student's academic performance and qualifications. ANTH faculty evaluate and supervise student (field and written component) with input from host agency. On completion student must make a presentation at the annual ANTH Forum. (0:0:0 -120)
Prerequisite: May vary depending on the Internship placement but include, at a minimum, all required 200-level ANTH courses, a min. 12 credits of upper-level ANTH, which may include specific upper-level ANTH courses depending on the Internship placement requirements. Restricted to ANTH majors only.
ANTH 493B (6) Internship
Voluntary service in local or international organizations. Selection based on availability as well as student's academic performance and qualifications. ANTH faculty evaluates and supervises student (field and written component) with input from host agency. On completion student must make a presentation at the annual ANTH Forum. (0:0:0 -240)
Prerequisite: May vary depending on the Internship placement but include, at a minimum, all required 200-level ANTH courses, a min. 12 credits of upper-level ANTH, which may include specific upper-level ANTH courses depending on the Internship placement requirements. Restricted to ANTH majors only.
ANTH 493C (9) Internship
Voluntary service in local or international organizations. Selection based on availability as well as student's academic performance and qualifications. ANTH faculty evaluates and supervises student (field and written component) with input from host agency. On completion student must make a presentation at the annual ANTH Forum. (0:0:0 -360)
Prerequisite: May vary depending on the Internship placement but include, at a minimum, all required 200-level ANTH courses, a min. 12 credits of upper-level ANTH, which may include specific upper-level ANTH courses depending on the Internship placement requirements. Restricted to ANTH majors only.
ANTH 494 (1) Anthropology Senior Seminar
A critical examination, through round table discussion, of anthropological topics covering multiple sub-disciplines. Students will receive a Pass or Fail on the basis of participation alone. This one-credit course involves no lectures, examinations or written assignments, and may be repeated up to three times with a different topic. (0:1:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing in Anthropology Major or Minor.