XII. Course Descriptions

Anthropology

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers three types of courses: sociology courses with the prefix SOC*; anthropology courses with the prefix ANTH*; and departmental courses with the prefix SOAN*.

Courses will normally be offered in the semesters designated. For information on other semesters these courses will be offered and the semesters those courses without designations will be offered, please check with the department. In addition to regularly scheduled courses, students may elect to do independent study. A student who wishes to do a reading course should first consult the professor with whom they wish to work. Please note: a student is allowed a total of 1.00 credits only for reading courses.

Please note: The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.

ANTH*1120 Biological Anthropology F (3-0) [0.50]
In this course students will be introduced to the central concepts of biological anthropology. Potential topics to be explored include hominid evolution, contemporary human diversity, nutrition and diet, and an introduction of forensic anthropology and paleopathology.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*1150 Introduction to Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course deals with humankind from a broad historical and cross-cultural perspective. Theoretical models, case studies and specific methods will be presented. Course topics may include the origin and transformations of human society, the relationship between biological and cultural traits, human language, variation in family structure and religion, the economic and political aspects of human society.
Offering(s): Also offered through Distance Education format.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*2160 Social Anthropology W (3-0) [0.50]
Using case studies and ethnographies, this course explores the application of anthropological theory and practice to diverse cross-cultural public issues. Topics of discussion will include some of the following: indigenous rights, international development, social marginalization, health and wellbeing, and gender relations.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH*1150
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*2230 Regional Ethnography F (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers a survey of ethnographic studies on selected cultural/geographical area(s) of the world. Topics covered may include social, economic and political systems, the colonial encounter, and the theoretical, methodological and political contexts of ethnographic representation.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH*1150
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*2660 Contemporary Indigenous Peoples in Canada W (3-0) [0.50]
An anthropological analysis of the impact of settler society on Indigenous cultures. Particular emphasis will be given to contemporary issues relating to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Topics to be covered may include education, treaties and reserves, land claims, government administration, economic development, and reconciliation.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of ANTH*1150, IDEV*1000, SOC*1100
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3550 Medical Anthropology W (3-0) [0.50]
This course provides an introduction to medical anthropology and the anthropology of health. We will examine theory, methods, practice, and contemporary and historical topical issues.
Prerequisite(s): (1 of ANTH*2160, ANTH*2230, ANTH*2660, IDEV*2500), SOAN*2120
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3650 The Anthropology of Indigenous Peoples Before Canada F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is an anthropological exploration of the events that took place before the arrival of Europeans in what is now Canada. It draws on evidence from a variety of intellectual perspectives including Indigenous knowledges, oral histories, anthropology, archaeology, history, genetics, and linguistics to investigate current understandings and uses of the past. Archaeological time sequences are covered along with stories and debates about human history in the time period before Canada.
Prerequisite(s): (ANTH*2160 or IDEV*2000)(1 of ANTH*2230, ANTH*2660, IDEV*2400, IDEV*2500)
Restriction(s): ANTH*2650
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3690 Engaging Anthropological Theory F (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers an analysis of the main trends in anthropological theory and practice. Areas of discussion will include the crisis of representation, interpretive anthropology, feminist anthropology, and agency and structure debates.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH*2160, ANTH*2230, SOAN*2120
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3770 Kinship, Family, and Power W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the changing nature of what it means to be a family from anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives. Topics of discussion include kinship, descent, marriage, our relationships to ancestors, gender and power relations, and the politics of kinship ties. In addition, the course considers the relevance of kinship to contemporary issues such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered families, the use of reproductive technologies, and international adoptions.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH*2160, ANTH*2230, SOAN*2120
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3840 Seminar in Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection. The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits including ANTH*2160, SOAN*2120
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3850 Seminar in Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection. The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits including ANTH*2160, SOAN*2120
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*3950 Special Projects in Anthropology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This special study option/reading course is designed to provide advanced undergraduates with an opportunity to explore independently the frontiers and foundations of a field of knowledge. Under supervision, the student will study in greater depth topics related to regular upper-level courses offered in the department which the student has taken or is taking. Permission of the instructor who will be supervising the study is required.
Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Please note, a student is allowed a total of 1.00 credits only for reading courses.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4300 Anthropological Issues F (3-0) [0.50]
Current issues and future trends in the discipline of socio-cultural anthropology will provide the subject matter of this variable content course. This course is meant to provide an opportunity for socio-cultural anthropology majors to consider the latest developments in the sub-discipline. Course topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection time.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including ANTH*3690, SOAN*3070
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4440 Culture, Rights and Development W (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines the theoretical and practical problems associated with respecting local cultures while also respecting human dignity universally. Various definitions of 'development' will be explored in terms of how they reflect cultural values and global inequalities.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or IDEV*2300), (IDEV*2100 or SOAN*3070)
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4540 Seminar in Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection. The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or SOC*3310), SOAN*3070
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4550 Topics in the Anthropology of Health F (3-0) [0.50]
This seminar focuses on the anthropological analyses of medical and health issues among current and past populations. The course is based on case studies. It will provide students with a grounding in the theoretical approaches appropriate to anthropological considerations of issues relating to health.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or IDEV*2300), (IDEV*2100 or SOAN*3070)
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4640 Seminar in Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection. The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or SOC*3310), SOAN*3070
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4700 Issues in Contemporary Anthropological Theory W (3-0) [0.50]
This course critically examines current anthropological theories, which may include post-structuralism, post-modernism, neo-Marxism and processual approaches. Attention may also be given to the theoretical and political implications of constructionism and calls for ethnographic reflexivity.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including ANTH*3690, SOAN*3070
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4740 Seminar in Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection. The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or SOC*3310), SOAN*3070
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4840 Seminar in Anthropology F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will be offered as a structured seminar on various topics depending upon the interests of the faculty member teaching the course. Topics will be announced and course outlines will be available at course selection. The availability of third and fourth year seminar courses will vary. Students must check with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to see when seminar courses are available.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including (ANTH*3690 or SOC*3310), SOAN*3070
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4880 Special Projects in Anthropology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This special study/reading course option is designed to provide advanced undergraduates with an opportunity to explore independently the frontiers and foundations of a field of knowledge. Under supervision, the student will study in greater depth topics related to regular upper-level courses offered in the department which the student has taken or is taking. Permission of the instructor who will be supervising the project is required.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Please note, a student is allowed a total of 1.00 credits only for reading courses.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4890 Special Projects in Anthropology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This special study/reading course option is designed to provide advanced undergraduates with an opportunity to explore independently the frontiers and foundations of a field of knowledge. Under supervision, the student will study in greater depth topics related to regular upper-level courses offered in the department which the student has taken or is taking. Permission of the instructor who will be supervising the project is required.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Please note, a student is allowed a total of 1.00 credits only for reading courses.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4900 Honours Anthropology Thesis I S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
Development and design of an honours thesis proposal conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Recommended to honours major students.
Prerequisite(s): 15.00 credits including ANTH*3690, (SOAN*3070 or SOAN*3120)
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. As well as a cumulative average of 70% in all Sociology and Anthropology courses.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
ANTH*4910 Honours Anthropology Thesis II S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
Completion and presentation of honours thesis.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH*4900
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120