Course Descriptions

Anthropology

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 humankind’s historical and pre-historical past.
Socio-cultural Anthropology examines the nature and structure of society’s 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 111 (3) Introductory Anthropology: Physical Anthropology /Archaeology

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) Introductory Anthropology: 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 141 (3) Culturally Responsive Resource Management

A general introduction to culture, cultural institutions and the complex interplay between cultural differences/diversity and resource management in British Columbia. A brief examination of the nature and scope of culture: cultural diversity; claim to resources; rights; power relationship and privileges. A cross-cultural conception of resource utilization/exploitation and analyses of dispute management across cultures. (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 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. (2:0:2)

Prerequisite: ANTH 111 and ANTH 112.

ANTH 214 (3) Human Evolution

An examination of the methods of investigating the biology of human populations in the present and in the past. Laboratories will introduce students to basic techniques. (2:0:2)

Prerequisite: ANTH 111.

ANTH 221 (3) Native Cultures of B.C.

An examination of native cultures of B.C., from an anthropological viewpoint. Topics include methods for studying and classifying cultures; reconstructions of 10,000 years of prehistoric development; cultural structure and function, including social, economic, and political structures; ecological adaptations; religious beliefs; mythology; the &quot;potlatch&quot;, etc. Note: Not offered every year. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 111 and one of 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 267 (3) Anthropology of Education (Ends Dec 2012)

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.

ANTH 267 (3) Anthropology of Education (Effective Jan 2013)

Prerequisite: Second-year standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 270 (3) Intro to Peoples and Cultures of Central America and the Caribbean

An introduction to past and present cultures of Central America and the Caribbean. Topics include the evolution of Maya dominance in the region, their subsequent decline and contemporary status; origins of the Garifuna from their African and Carib ancestors; the historical impact of Spanish and English occupation on culture; other contemporary cultures such as Creole, Mestizo, and Mennonite. Note: Not offered every year. (2:1.5:0)

Prerequisite: None.

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 Through Time: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (Ends Dec 2012)

An introduction to the oral traditions of various cultures. Topics include life history methodology, research ethics, the role of the researcher, the joint construction of life history documents, comparison between conventional and contemporary life histories documents, and the value of life history research as a resource to the community. Note: Not offered every year. (1.5:1.5:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 or ANTH 121.

ANTH 280 (3) Oral Tradition Through Time: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (Effective Jan 2013)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 or ANTH 121 or permission of instructor.

ANTH 304 (3) Technology in Culture

A review of technology from its protocultural foundations. The course surveys various techniques and places them in chronological, geographical and cultural context. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 305 (3) Anthropology of the Arts

Comparative approaches to the arts in different cultural traditions with special emphasis on the arts of prehistoric and nonliterate cultures. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: 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 112 and ANTH 211.

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. Data gathering for all types of cultural and social anthropology will be surveyed, but participant observation and other types of "qualitative" approaches will be accented. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

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: Min. "C" in ANTH 211.

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 112 and ANTH 211.

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 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325B (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - Siberia

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325C (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - East Africa

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325D (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - Amazonia

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325E (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions - Polynesia

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. Ethnographic regions may vary from one semester/year to the next. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325F (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions: Western Europe

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325G (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions: Eastern Europe

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 325H (3) Ethnology of Selected Regions: The Americas

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 participant observation and interviewing; problems in doing fieldwork; organization of research materials; writing descriptive ethnographies. Includes field research. Working with international students will give anthropology students a new perspective on their own culture. (2:0:0 —30)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112, ANTH 211, and permission of instructor.

ANTH 328 (3) Gathering, Hunting and Foraging Societies

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 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 329 (3) Community Oral History Project

An applied approach to planning, organizing, and delivering a community-based oral history project. Topics include developing research protocol, recording and transcribing oral narratives, and preparing a report summarizing the completed research, providing recommendations regarding archiving, establishing access and utilizing recorded and transcribed material at the community level. (2:1:0)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in ANTH 280.

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 211.

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 112 and ANTH 211.

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 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 335 (3) Canadian Ethnic Groups

An anthropological perspective on the ethnic groups of Canada. The groups will be studied in the context of the wider literature of race relations, minority groups, and ethnicity. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

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 112 and ANTH 211.

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: Third-year standing.

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 Precolumbian America

A survey of the archaeological record for the development of aboriginal cultures and societies of the New World prior to European colonization from late Ice Age settlement of North and South America through the appearance of farming villages up to the growth of urban civilizations of middle America and the Andes. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 111 and ANTH 213.

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 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 111 and ANTH 214.

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 111 and 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 361 (9) 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. (6:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: ANTH 111, ANTH 213, and permission of instructor.

ANTH 367 (3) Peoples and Cultures of the World I

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 112 and permission of instructor.

ANTH 368 (3) Peoples and Cultures of the World II

A continuation of ANTH 367. Selected ethnographies from agricultural and industrial societies, and chiefdoms and nation states. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 367 or permission of instructor.

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 and either ANTH 112 or ANTH 121.

ANTH 388 (3) Language and Culture

A study of language in culture and society. Topics include the ways in which people use artistic and expressive language; the nature of speech communities; social meaning and social variation in language; gender and language; the use of language in identity formation and power relations; minority languages; and language revitalization. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: ANTH 211.

ANTH 390 (3) Selected Problems in Anthropology (Ends Oct 2012)

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: Varies with topic.

ANTH 390 (3) Issues in Anthropology (Effective Nov 2012)

Prerequisite: Varies with topic.

ANTH 390D (3) Issues in Anth: Arab Women in Diaspora

Prerequisite: 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 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 415 (3) Human Social Organization: An Applied Approach (Ends Mar 2013)

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 112 and ANTH 211.

ANTH 415 (3) The Anthropology of Progress (Effective Mar 2013)

Prerequisite: ANTH 112 and ANTH 211.

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 projects affiliated with the Community-Based Research Institute or other similar community endeavours. ANTH 418 may be taken more than once if the topic is different. (2:0:1.5)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing and permission of Department.

ANTH 419 (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, 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 ANTH 214.

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) Analysis in Prehistoric Archaeology

This combined seminar and lab course introduces students to more advanced methods of analysis applied to various prehistoric archaeological materials. Seminar presentations will be combined with hands-on analysis of material. Areas of data analysis will include lithic, organic artifacts, faunal and floral, study of human skeletal remains, soils and stratigraphy, and conservation. Also considered is relationship of data to archaeological theory and method as applied to prehistoric archaeology. To be taken following the Archaeological Field School. Materials used will be derived from the excavation. (0:2:3)

Prerequisite: ANTH 213 and ANTH 361 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 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.

ANTH 491 (3) Senior Project

This course, involving independent research, is for majors and should only be taken after consultation with the Coordinator of the department of Anthropology. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Consultation with Department Chair.

ANTH 492 (3) Senior Project

This course, involving independent research, is for majors and should only be taken after consultation with the Coordinator of the department of Anthropology. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Consultation with Department Chair.

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)

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)

INTD 494 (3) Integrated Seminar in Natural and Cultural Resource Management

An in-depth interdisciplinary study of natural and cultural resource use and allocation issues. Topics include social, economic, ecological and political implications of resource use conflicts and resolution approaches; political and institutional processes of resource and environmental management; the role of citizens groups, land/resource owners, First Nations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students from different disciplines will learn from one another in order to become educated, articulate and responsible stakeholders of British Columbia resources upon graduation. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing in Recreation and Tourism program, or min. 84 credits for other programs.