Anthropology (ANTH)
This is a list of the Anthropology (ANTH) courses available at KPU.
For information about transfer of credit amongst institutions in B.C. and to see how individual courses transfer, go to the BC Transfer Guide bctransferguide.ca
ANTH 11003 Credits
Social & Cultural Anthropology
Students will study the interrelationships among culture, community and well-being. They will examine the diversity of human thought and behaviour in cross-cultural perspective. Students will focus on topics such as ethnography, gender, marriage and kinship, culture and adaptive strategies, social and political organization, religion and world view, and globalization.
Attributes: PATH-3
ANTH 12003 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1211)
Biological Anthropology
Students will explore human ancestry, fossil hominids, non-human primates, and modern human physical variation. They will examine how we have evolved to become modern people and how our bodies and behaviour have been changed and shaped over millions of years. Students will gain knowledge of the theories of Charles Darwin together with the modern synthesis of his ideas, which show how our genes have evolved in response to our environment.
Attributes: QUAN
ANTH 12173 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1125)
Forensic Anthropology
Students will study forensic anthropology in order to identify unknown human skeletal remains for legal purposes. They will learn techniques for assessing the age-at-death, stature, and sex. Students will also explore the validity of determining "race" or "genetic heritage" based on biological remains. Students will analyze the skeleton to the level of individual identity by understanding how disease, trauma, and behavioural patterns can leave their mark on bones and teeth, through an examination of the application of forensic anthropology in particular investigative cases. They will also learn how cause and manner of death, and the postmortem interval affect the ability to apply forensic anthropological techniques.
Attributes: QUAN
ANTH 13003 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1112)
Archaeology
Students will analyze the various methods and perspectives used by archaeologists to study ancient cultures from around the world. They will examine the major branches of modern archaeology, as well as the historical development of the discipline. Students will learn how archaeological sites form and become preserved over long periods of time, and will discover how archaeological data are collected and analyzed through survey, excavation and dating methods. They will learn methods used to reconstruct both the economic and sociopolitical organization of ancient societies through analysis and critical discussion. Students will survey world prehistory and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the various methods and approaches studied.
ANTH 21003 Credits
Methods & Ethics in Anthropology
Students will conduct an overview of anthropological methods such as cross-cultural comparisons, multi-sited ethnography, participant observation, surveys, archival research, media analysis, narrative, collaborative ethnography, and visual analysis. They will critically explore ethical issues that have emerged within ethnographic research while they apply methods to case study examples.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100
ANTH 21203 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1229)
Cross-Cultural Women's and Gender Studies
Students will use a cross-cultural perspective to explore the concept of gender; the cultural construction of gender roles and identities; and gender relations as a dimension of culture, politics and society. They will critically examine anthropological approaches to gender from early studies that overlooked women to feminist anthropology and research on masculinities and gender diversity. The class will investigate political and cultural responses to gender inequality and discrimination in diverse cultural contexts.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100
ANTH 21333 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1230)
Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft
Students will investigate the broadly defined interrelationships between culture and religious beliefs, and practices. They will focus on topics such as religious symbols, magic, and witchcraft; rites of passage; spirit possession; and religion in popular culture.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100
ANTH 21403 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1220)
First Nations Cultures of BC
Students will examine the anthropology of First Nations cultures of British Columbia, including archaeology, history and cultural studies. They will be using language and culture areas as a basis for a regional understanding of the diverse First Nations cultures of British Columbia. Students will also come to understand the importance of health, well-being and other contemporary issues. They will find it especially important to understand these ideas in order to examine the current debate regarding land, resource, treaty rights, and the rationale and history behind the modern treaty negotiations in British Columbia, as distinct from the rest of Canada.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100 or 1300
ANTH 21423 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1260)
First Nations Cultures of Canada
Students will focus on the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and cultures. They will study traditional cultures in relation to regional culture and linguistic areas. Students will explore the impact of European influence on native life and cultures. They will examine the origin and nature of contemporary issues such as aboriginal rights movements, the treaty process, and special legal issues.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100 or 1300
ANTH 21603 Credits
(Formerly
1240)
Culture and the Environment
Students will analyze competing definitions and interpretations of social and physical environments, from various cultural groups around the globe. They will examine the complexity of human relationships with the environment in a world where conflicting cultural systems are often competing for survival. Students will learn to appreciate actions that are crucial to the well-being of environments and the adaptive strategies of threatened cultures.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100, 1200, or 1300
ANTH 21633 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1275)
Culture, Health and Well-Being
Students will investigate the interrelationships among culture, community and well-being. They will explore anthropological topics such as healing systems; culture, spirituality, and well-being; the language of distress; social suffering; and, practitioner-patient interactions.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100
ANTH 21903 Credits
Non-Governmental Organizations in Context
Students will study the role of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), understood to be not-forprofit or 'third sector' organizations concerned with addressing problems of poverty, social justice and/or the environment. They will explore the concepts of global civil society and emerging features associated with social, cultural, economic, and political activity that operate alongside but outside of state and market processes. They will come to understand the various roles that NGOs fill in providing services, promoting particular values, forming the basis for community self-help initiatives or campaigning on public issues. Students will analyze, and demonstrate their familiarity with organizational behaviours and practices.
Co-requisites: ANTH 1100
ANTH 22173 Credits
Forensic Methods & Analysis
Students will explore scientific hypothesis testing by performing experiments that evaluate current forensic methods. They will study several forensic fields such as: metric measurement, fingerprint examination, image analysis (including photographs and x-rays), bone trauma analysis, and discriminating human from animal bone. Students will participate in a one-day outdoor archaeological excavation exercise. They will apply the information learned in the course to practice the techniques associated with the recovery & analysis of material evidence & human remains. Students will also reflect on the ethical dilemmas involved in the integration of scientific, anthropological, archaeological, and legal testimony in professional reports and in the court system.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1217
Attributes: QUAN
ANTH 23003 Credits
Archaeological Methods
Students will conduct an in-depth review of current methods in anthropological archaeology. They will examine the historical development of the discipline and study the nature of the archaeological record, including categories of data and site formation processes. Students will study research design, data collection, dating methods and classification of artifacts. They will critically evaluate methods used to examine prehistoric technology, environmental reconstruction, subsistence and diet, and trade patterns.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1112 or 1300
ANTH 23103 Credits
Archaeology of Death
Students will examine the key concepts and methods used to analyze the funerary rituals and burial practices of ancient and recent societies. They will examine the theories and methods used by archaeologists to understand the social and ideological aspects of mortuary behavior. Students will study various forensic techniques used to analyze human remains from ancient and recent burials, and critically analyze the kinds of information they provide. They will also examine the ethical issues involved in the analysis of human remains from archaeological sites from a variety of different perspectives.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1100, 1217, or 1300.
ANTH 23203 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1215)
Archaeology of the Old World
Students will be introduced to Old World Prehistory from the origin of the earliest modern humans through to the development of agriculture and complex state societies. They will examine the evidence for early human migrations from Africa into Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Students will study the rise of early farming communities in each area and then study the evolution of complex state societies. They will also examine an overview of the ancient civilizations of: Egypt and Mesopotamia; the early states of Europe; the evolution of Indus Valley civilizations and the early states of East Asia. Students will critically evaluate the theories and methods of data analysis used to study these ancient cultures.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1112 or 1300.
ANTH 23403 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 1216)
Archaeology of the Americas
Students will examine the archaeological record of North and South America. They will examine culture history of the indigenous groups from these continents. Cultural groups examined can include the Inka, Aztec, Maya, Moche, Nazca, Amazonia, Norte Chico, Olmec, Hopewell, Haudenosaunee, NW Coast, Ancestral Pueblo, or others. Students will also critically examine theoretical problems particular to the archaeology of the Americas, including the impact of colonialism, the first peopling of the continents, the role of descendent communities in archaeology, and the evolution of urban societies, language, and agriculture.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1112 or 1300.
ANTH 31003 Credits
Anthropological Theory
Students will develop their understanding of how cultural anthropologists use social theory in conducting research, interpreting social processes, and writing ethnography. They will examine how political, intellectual, and cultural contexts have influenced the historical development of anthropological theory. Students will study theoretical writings and ethnographies that reflect a range of theoretical perspectives, time periods, geographical regions, and ethnographic genres. Note: This is a seminar course.Prerequisites: 9 credits including (a) ANTH 2100 and (b) 6 credits from courses in ANTH at the 2000 level or higher
ANTH 31303 Credits
Sikh Culture, Religion and Society
Students will examine the cultural, religious, social and political developments in the Punjab over the past five centuries from the perspective of the Sikhs. They will focus on the cultural and social forces that shaped and consolidated Sikh religious beliefs, ritual practices, and social institutions. Students will explore the interrelationship among traditional pan-Indian customs, Punjabi folklore, and Sikh religious beliefs and practices. They will also explore the impact of the British Raj, including the Sikh reform movements, and the contemporary issue of the Sikh search for a distinct political identity.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100 or ASIA 1111
ANTH 31506 Credits
Ethnographic Field Studies
Students will examine and practice the techniques and ethical conduct of ethnographic research in Cultural Anthropology, building on previous knowledge and experience. They will develop, plan, conduct, and present the results of individual or small group original ethnographic research projects related to an identified theme. Note: This course is only offered as part of an ethnographic field school and will involve an additional fee.
Prerequisites: 45 credits from courses at 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100, and permission of the Departmental Selection Committee.
ANTH 31603 Credits
Environmental Activism
Students will analyze competing definitions and interpretations of social and physical environments, in both urban and rural contexts. They will examine the complexity of human connections to the environment, in a globalized world where conflicting cultural systems often come into play. Students will learn to appreciate how the adaptive strategies of threatened cultures function in the current context, with specific reference to Indigenous rights. Note: Students who have taken ANTH 2160 may not take ANTH 3160 for further credit.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including one of the following: ANTH 1100, ANTH 1200, or ANTH 1300.
ANTH 31683 Credits
Deviance Across Cultures
Students will learn that although crime and deviance occur in all societies, they are not defined or treated in the same way from place to place. They will study anthropological concepts and theories to examine deviance from a cross-cultural perspective. Students will survey topics such as banditry and terrorism, criminal organizations, ‘treasure hunting' on archaeological sites, deviance in folklore and popular culture, and social control.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100.
ANTH 31883 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 2333)
Visual Anthropology
Students will examine the primary aspects of visual anthropology. They will focus on anthropological representations of the interrelationships among culture, society, and the individual through the written and spoken word, still photographs, film, and digital media. Students also will critically apply anthropological concepts and ideas to the study of culture and the politics of representation in popular culture.
Prerequisites: 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100.
ANTH 31903 Credits
Non-Governmental Organizations in Practice
Students will carry out a detailed investigation of an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), understood to be a not-for-profit or 'third sector' organization concerned with addressing problems of poverty, social justice, and the environment. They will complete a case study of a particular organization, or of a particular set of problems that surround a group of organizations. Students will submit original research and analysis. They will also develop an understanding of how stakeholders work towards the solution of social, political, and/or environmental problems.
Prerequisites: ANTH 2190
ANTH 32113 Credits
Forensic Science: Fact and Fiction
Popular forensic science television programs have generated believable misrepresentations of forensic science that have become known as “The CSI Effect”. Students will go through a process of discovery to determine which information is an accurate portrayal of forensic science in popular culture. The exploration of various forensic science fields of study will introduce students to the practical and logistical applications of forensic methods. Another aspect of this course focuses on the differences between the Canadian and American legal systems. These differences have a tremendous impact on expert witness testimony; in particular, the interpretation of forensic science evidence. Furthermore, our Americanized academic literature rarely reflects these legal system distinctions.
Prerequisites: ANTH 1217 or BIOL 1110
ANTH 32203 Credits
Human Osteology
Students will interpret the intricacies of the human skeleton through the identification of complete and fragmentary skeletal and dental elements. They will study additional topics that include skeletal growth and development, the identification of the normal range of variation in human skeletal anatomy, and distinguishing human from animal bones. They will also appraise the form and function of soft tissue attachments on bones, in order to determine individualizing characteristics such as age-at-death and sex. Notes: This course should be considered essential if students are planning future work in the interpretation of modern and archaeological human remains. This course is lab intensive.
Prerequisites: 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1200 and ANTH 1217.
ANTH 32423 Credits
A Survey of the Primates
Students will study the diversity, behaviour, and conservation status of a group of mammals called primates. They will better understand humans by exploring the social organization, social interactions, and ecology of non-human primates. Students will consider the implications of the high number of non-human primate species that are at risk of extinction by exploring the ethical and conservation issues arising from human activities such as the pet trade and the use of non-human primates for medical experiments. They will begin to recognize the significant connection between the animal and human world.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and either (a) ANTH 1200 or (b) BIOL 1110 and BIOL1210.
ANTH 33003 Credits
Archaeological Theory
Students will analyze the development and application of theory in archaeological research. Students will trace the historical development of archaeological theory from a cross-cultural perspective. They will study the culture history, processual, and post-processual paradigms and examine how they have influenced the development of contemporary theory. Students will critically analyze theories of culture change, cognition, gender and ethnicity, and how they are applied to actual archaeological data sets. Students will assess the importance of ethics, cultural resource management, and public relations in conducting research within the context of a modern world. Note: This is a seminar course.
Prerequisites: One of: ANTH 2142, 2217, 2310, 2320, or 2340.
ANTH 33013 Credits
(Formerly
ANTH 2301)
Archaeological Methods for Cultural Resource Management
Students will develop a hands-on understanding of a number of aspects of archaeological methodology central to cultural resource management (CRM) work. They will learn to apply these methods to the analysis of archaeological and landscape data, including how to report and organize the results of these analyses. Students will also be tasked with other important aspects of methodology in CRM, which include mapping, site forms, reporting, budgets, and proposals. Note: This course is offered as field school studies during summer term.
Prerequisites: 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1300.
Co-requisites: ANTH 3361
ANTH 33303 Credits
East Asian Archaeology
Students will study the origins and development of complex societies in East Asia. They will analyze the archaeology of China, Korea, and Japan, including an exploration of key issues in cultural evolution and interaction. Students will examine major topic areas such as: early human migrations into the region; early foraging economies; the development of food production; and the evolution of social complexity. Students will critically analyze the current methods and theories used by archaeologists in studying the evolutionary development of East Asian civilizations. Students will examine the modern cultural context of prehistory in East Asia as a source of discussion on ethnic identity.
Prerequisites: ANTH 2320 or ANTH 2340
ANTH 33403 Credits
British Columbia Archaeology
Students will examine the pre-contact and proto-historic archaeology and cultures of British Columbia's aboriginal peoples. They will study the environmental adaptations and complex cultural developments of both interior and coastal groups, and will develop an understanding of the great diversity and depth of B.C.'s native cultures. Students will critically analyze the theories and archaeological evidence of prehistoric cultural developments in the area from the earliest occupations up to contact with Europeans and Americans. Note: This course is usually offered as field school studies during summer term.
Prerequisites: 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1300.
ANTH 33616 Credits
Archaeological Field Studies
Students will study and practice the basic techniques of archaeological survey and excavation. They will learn and examine field techniques such as site survey and mapping; GPS data collection, mapping, and analysis; excavation methodology; analysis of site stratigraphy; and the proper documentation, collection and curation of field data. Students will examine how archaeological remains are cleaned, sorted and properly stored in the laboratory and will apply preliminary data analysis methodology. Note: This course consists of a six-week field studies project and is offered only during the summer term.
Prerequisites: Both (a) 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1300 or equivalent, and (b) permission of the department selection committee.
Co-requisites: ANTH 3301
ANTH 35003 Credits
Directed Studies in Anthropology
Students will engage in an intensive study of an anthropological topic under the supervision of a faculty member. They will conduct professional research by doing comprehensive weekly readings, in which they identify appropriate resource materials, develop a proposal, and submit an advanced academic project. Note: Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100, 1200 or 1300.
ANTH 35013 Credits
Special Topics in Cultural Anthropology
Students will examine a selected topic in Cultural Anthropology. They will critically analyze relevant literature and develop a comprehensive understanding of particular theories, methods, and themes. Students will question and evaluate recent developments in the topic area and debate future directions of possible study. Note: The specific course content will be established in advance by the instructor. Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100.
ANTH 35023 Credits
Special Topics in Biological Anthropology
Students will engage in an intensive study of the human physical form by studying a special topic selected by the instructor. They will explore a topic in one of the major focus areas within biological anthropology such as: forensic anthropology (an applied aspect); evolution and heredity; non-human primate studies; human evolution; or modern human biological variation. Students will examine and evaluate recent developments in the specific focus area, assess the implications of these developments, and identify future research directions in order to determine what it means to be a member of the human species.
Note: Please check with the department for proposed offerings and the specific prerequisite. Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1200 or 1217.
ANTH 35033 Credits
Special Topics in Archaeology
Students will study particular aspects of archaeology selected by the instructor. They will examine how archaeology attempts to document and interpret the course of human cultural evolution and to trace the development of cultural traditions in various areas of the world by studying a current issue in archaeology. Student emphasis will be on the methodological, technical, and scientific literature relating to archaeological interpretation. Notes: The area of study will be established in advance by the department. Please check with the department for proposed offerings. Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics. This is a seminar course.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1300.
ANTH 35103 Credits
Anthropology of Genocide
Students will examine the anthropological approach to the study of genocide which is a unique multidisciplinary approach due to the contribution of each subfield of anthropology. They will examine the following topics: why anthropology is so well situated to inform the discourse and research on genocide; the definition of genocide and ethnocide; the nature of human aggression from the perspective of our nearest animal relatives; the limitations of forensic investigations in documenting crimes against humanity for future generations; cultural issues, including racial, ethnic and religious concerns; historical and contemporary political issues (local, national, regional, and global through an examination of the United Nations, and other non-government organizations); modern literature and popular culture; and healing processes. Students will, using case examples from Canada and across the globe, investigate the necessity for a multi-disciplinary approach to this problem.
Prerequisites: 18 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100, 1200, 1217 or 1300.
ANTH 41013 Credits
Contemporary Readings in Anthropology
Students will, at an advanced level, study a problem of current concern in anthropology. Students will synthesize current themes and debates arising from a variety of perspectives either about, or within, anthropology. They will study anthropology in institutional and/or applied contexts, by acknowledging the origins of anthropological methodology as well as recognizing its current demands. Students will identify real-life problems through discussion, literature review, and practical observation. They will determine ongoing areas of research that they may utilize for future study or job-related research.
Prerequisites: 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100.
ANTH 45003 Credits
Culture, Community, & Well-Being
Students will bring together a number of theories, methods, and themes in anthropology. They will utilize a multidisciplinary approach to examine contemporary issues and they will address the contributions of a number of fields of study to further explore the department focus on "Culture, Community, and Well-Being". Students will explore topics such as Aboriginal studies; gender & women's studies; biological, medical & environmental anthropology; methods & ethics in anthropological research; human rights issues; audio-visual anthropology; religion and spirituality; and specific geographic area studies with an emphasis placed upon the holistic and applied approach to anthropology. Note: This is a seminar course.
Prerequisites: 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including 6 credits from any courses in ANTH.
ANTH 45013 Credits
Selected Problems in Anthropology
Students will engage in the study of a particular issue in the field of anthropology. They will analyze critically the relevant literature and attendant ethical problems, and examine public awareness of the issue, thereby developing a comprehensive understanding of disciplinary considerations. Students will evaluate recent developments in methods and particular approaches, assess the implications of these developments, and identify future directions for the field of anthropology itself.
Prerequisites: 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100 or 1300.
ANTH 45023 Credits
Regional Focus in Anthropology
Students will carry out a detailed investigation of a particular region, as identified by the course instructor. They will use specific anthropological approaches to provide insights into the society and culture of the specified region. They will be required to identify relevant sources of information, provide a summary of the literature and develop a discussion of relevant problems. Note: Students may take this course multiple times for further credit on different topics.
Prerequisites: 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1100 or 1300.
ANTH 45103 Credits
Applied Research in Anthropology
Students will complete an applied research project in a particular anthropological subfield, and will analyze critically issues relating to the conduct of applied anthropology. Students will utilize and apply anthropological methods to a particular real world problem, possibly including action research, advocacy anthropology, culture resource management (CRM), methodological design, or a forensic human identification problem.
Prerequisites: 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ANTH 1200 and 1217.