Anthropology is the comparative study of human beings and cultures. Anthropologists explore differences in food systems, lifeways, spirituality, family structure, economies and other areas of industrial and non-industrial societies around the world, as well as human physical adaptations to the environment. If you are curious about the diversity of human cultural experience, then anthropology is for you.
Select a course below to see full descriptions. (#) Indicates amount of credits per course.
What differentiates humans from other animals and from each other?
Anthropology attempts to answer this question by exploring the diversity of human culture, including the social, economic, political, linguistic, and belief systems of industrial and non-industrial societies from around the world.
Types of anthropology and its historical development, fieldwork practices, and problems in anthropology will also be discussed.
Special attention will be paid to indigenous and postcolonial perspectives, as well as ethical fieldwork practices and the maintenance of human rights in a global framework.
Prerequisite(s):
ENGL 099
Transfer to:
UBC ANTH 100 (3)
SFU SA 1XX (0), SA 101 (3)
UVIC ANTH 200 (1.5)
UNBC ANTH 213 (3)
TRU ANTH 1210 (3)
As the original inhabitants of Canada, Indigenous peoples have made unique cultural adaptations to a range of environments from the West coast and Maritimes to the prairies, arctic, and Canadian Shield regions.
This course is an anthropological exploration of what distinguishes different Indigenous cultures from each other in terms of language, subsistence, lifeways, belief systems, histories, land use and territory, and other issues pre- and post-colonization.
Students will be able to communicate a solid research-based understanding of Canadian Indigenous identities and culture, focusing on various First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups.
Prerequisite(s):
ENGL 099
Transfer to:
SFU SA 1XX (3), UNBC FNST 100 (3)
In addition to traditional lectures and class readings, students will engage in hands-on individual and group activities in which they can explore the concepts they have learned. Library research, essay-writing, presentations, field trips and guest speakers are complemented by classroom technology and online learning.
Anthropology students gain communication and research skills, critical thinking abilities and an appreciation of human cultural diversity. This prepares them for careers in such diverse areas as tourism, teaching, cultural planning, government, international aid, and foreign services.
Dedicated to the promotion of anthropological research, ensuring a high-quality anthropological education for Canadian graduates and undergraduates, and supporting those doing anthropological work outside of academia, the Canadian Anthropology Society now has over 500 members from around the world. cas-sca.ca
The American Anthropological Association was founded in 1902 by famous anthropologist Franz Boas. It is now the largest organization of anthropologists in the world, including membership in both higher education and the private sector, as well as 40 specialized sub-sections within the organization, 22 journals and career services. americananthro.org
The World Council of Anthropological Associations includes regional, national and international anthropological organizations that seek to jointly promote anthropology as an international discipline, through international cooperation, scientific events, and joint research activities. Links to various anthropology organizations around the world are included on the website. wcaanet.org
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
+1 604-435-5815
4805 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 4T6 Canada
+1 604-435-5815
#100-602 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1P2 Canada
