ANTHROPOLOGY

ANTH 101:
Human Origins 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU , TWU

This course traces our physical and cultural evolution by looking at our animal past, at our primate relatives (the prosimians, monkeys, and apes), and especially at the fossils and tools our ancestors have left behind. You will be introduced to the basics of evolution and to some of the basic questions physical anthropologists consider: Are we just a naked ape? Are humans innately aggressive? Are sex roles built in or learned? Are some races superior to others?

ANTH 102:
Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC

An introduction to basic concepts and ideas in social and cultural anthropology, and an examination of selected topics such as resource use, social organization, mythology, religion, and culture change among small-scale and indigenous societies.

ANTH 111:
B.C. First Nations (Traditional Life) 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU , TWU, UNBC

A survey of traditional First Nations cultures in British Columbia, including technology, economy, law and decision making, family organization, religion, art, and the changes brought about by European settlement.

ANTH 112:
B.C. First Nations (Contemporary Issues) 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU , TWU

This course considers 19th and 20th century First Nations history and issues of importance to First Nations people today, including land claims, self-government, community development, education, and political action.

ANTH 120:
Culture and Environment 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UVic, OU, TWU

The world is said to be facing an environmental crisis — one of overpopulation, overpollution, and overuse of energy and natural resources. Is this so? Is it because Canada and the other industrialized nations are out of tune with their environments? This course seeks to answer these questions by looking at the relationship between people and their environment in our own society and in those of hunters and gatherers (like the James Bay Cree) and tribal agriculturalists (like the Tsembaga of New Guinea).

ANTH 130 (formerly 230):
World Religions 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC

An introduction to world religions beginning with the search for religion’s essence (in ideas ranging from the Perennial Philosophy to the theories of Durkheim, Marx, Freud and Jung) and continuing with an overview of indigenous religion (the Sto:lo, Hopi, and Tsembaga), and religions of the West (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), and the East (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism). The course uses lectures, discussions, readings and films to consider such questions as “What is religion?”, “What does religion do for individuals?”, and “What is religion’s place in today’s world?”

ANTH 210:
Social Organization 3 credits

Prerequisites: ANTH 102

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC

Anthropological approaches to, and the examination of, the structures of social relations in non-industrial societies, with emphasis on kinship and social organization among North American Indians, Australian Aborigines, and other indigenous populations.

ANTH 220:
Culture Change: People of the Third World 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC

By far the majority of the world’s population lives in the underdeveloped world. In this course we look at the lives of such people by considering case studies from Latin America. Particular attention is given to the peasantry as a social group and to cultural changes within that group due to processes such as urbanization and commercialization of agriculture. The course will be of interest to anyone concerned with the present and future of the underdeveloped world. It is of particular value to those who plan to enter the teaching profession, travel or work abroad, or who want to have an appreciation for Canada’s international role.

ANTH 240:
Introduction to Archaeology 3 credits

Prerequisites: ANTH 101 recommended

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC

An introduction to archaeological concepts and techniques, and an examination of the archaeological record of early societies throughout the world. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the archaeological and heritage record of British Columbia.

ANTH 241:
Archaeological Field Studies 6 credits

Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or ANTH 240 and instructor’s permission

Transferability: SFU, UBC, OU, TWU, UNBC

Course length: 6–8 hours/day for 6–8 weeks

Offered in the spring or summer sessions only.

This is a course in archaeological methods, techniques, and theories dealing with the excavation, recovery, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological material. This is a practical field course in archaeology. In addition to techniques of archaeological recovery and interpretation, participants will acquire a number of related skills, such as photography, mapping, computer applications, preparation of reports, and heritage conservation and interpretation.

ANTH 301:
Key Ideas in Anthropology 4 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: 45 credits, to include ANTH 102 and at least three additional credits of anthropology

Transferability: SFU, OU, TWU, UNBC

A consideration of selected themes and ideas in anthropological thought with respect to their historical origins and theoretical importance.

(This course was previously numbered SA 301, and is known as such at SFU. Students having credit for SA 301 at UCFV or SFU will not receive additional credit for ANTH 301.)

ANTH 469:
Myth and Ritual 4 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: 60 credits, to include ANTH 102 and either ANTH 130 or 301

Transferability: UNBC

An examination of myth and of theorists of myth ranging from the popular and widely known (Joseph Campbell) to the anthropological but less well-known (Claude Levi-Strauss, Mary Douglas, Victor Turner). Anthropology and its study of symbol, myth, and ritual will be the ground for a critical look at Campbell and at the recent trend towards using myth and ritual as a means to personal transformation.

ANTH 490:
Directed Readings in Anthropology 4 credits

Prerequisites: 60 credits, to include at least nine credits of anthropology plus permission from supervising faculty member and department head.

Directed reading in a selected field of study under the direction of a faculty member. A major paper will be required.

NOTE: The following SCMS courses can be used for anthropology credit. Course descriptions are found under Social, Cultural, and Media Studies.

SCMS 255 — Introduction to Social Research
SCMS 310 — Special Topics: Regional Studies in Latin America
SCMS 355 — Quantitative Research Methods
SCMS 356 — Qualitative Research Methods
SCMS 363 — Processes of Development and Under-Development in Latin America
SCMS 387 — Canadian Native People
SCMS 388 — Comparative Studies of Minority Indigenous Peoples
SCMS 463 — Special Topics in Development Studies
SCMS 468 — Environment and Society
SCMS 470 — Race and Racism: Selected Topics
SCMS 470A — Latin American Immigrants and Immigration

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