Anthropology
Head: Derek Johnson
Campus Address/General Office: 432 Fletcher Argue Building
Telephone: 204 474 9361
Email Address: um-anthro@cc.umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/anthropology/
Program Information
Anthropology is a science that examines human issues from both cultural and biological perspectives. The most fundamental concern of this discipline is the survival of humanity and the conditions of continuity and change for all human life. The department offers courses in socio-cultural anthropology or ethnology, archaeology, language and culture, and biological or physical anthropology. While academic staff of the department have research interests that range from northern climates to the tropics and from Asia to the Americas, the department is also involved in research that sheds light on Manitoba and its people.
For entry, continuation and graduation requirements for the General Degree, Advanced Degree and Honours Degree, see: Basic Faculty Regulations for the B.A. General, Advanced and Honours Degree Programs.
Major Program
For entry to the Major, the prerequisite is a grade of “C” or better in both ANTH 1210 and ANTH 1220.
A minimum "C" average in all courses that comprise the Major is required to graduate including the higher grade of repeated courses and excluding failed courses.
Minor (Concentration) Program
For entry to the Minor (Concentration), the prerequisite is a grade of “C” or better in both ANTH 1210 and ANTH 1220.
Honours Program
For entry to the Honours program, see: Basic Faculty Regulations for the B.A. General, Advanced and Honours Degree Programs.
Co-operative Education Options
Students interested in alternating employment terms and academic terms as part of the Single Advanced Major or the Single Honours programs in Anthropology may apply to enter the Co-operative Education Option upon completion of their second year in the program (min. 48 credit hours completed). The course and grade requirements for entry to this option are the same as those required for entry to the Single Advanced Major and Honours programs respectively, as indicated above. Students should refer to the general faculty regulations for Co-operative Options for additional conditions of this option.
Introductory Courses
The general introductory courses (ANTH 1210, and ANTH 1220) present the major ideas and findings of Anthropology and are equally appropriate for those planning to take further courses in this field and for students from other departments or faculties.
Programs
| Degree/Diploma | Years to Completion | Total Credit Hours | Has Co-op Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Diploma Anthropology, B.A. Double Advanced Major | Years to Completion 4 | Total Credit Hours 120 | Has Co-op Option no |
| Degree/Diploma Anthropology, B.A. Double Honours | Years to Completion 4 | Total Credit Hours 120 | Has Co-op Option no |
| Degree/Diploma Anthropology, B.A. General | Years to Completion 3 | Total Credit Hours 90 | Has Co-op Option no |
| Degree/Diploma Anthropology, B.A. Single Advanced Major | Years to Completion 4 | Total Credit Hours 120 | Has Co-op Option Yes |
| Degree/Diploma Anthropology, B.A. Single Honours | Years to Completion 4 | Total Credit Hours 120 | Has Co-op Option Yes |
| Degree/Diploma Anthropology Minor (Concentration) | Total Credit Hours 18 | Has Co-op Option no |
Courses
Anthropology
ANTH 1210 Ancient Peoples and Places 3 cr
An introduction to biological anthropology and archaeology. Topics include: biological evolution, evolution and comparative behaviour of primates, fossil evidence for human evolution, and the emergence of human culture. Through this study, students will learn to contextualize current human biological diversity, culture, and behaviour through the lens of our past. May not be held with ANTH 1211.
Equiv To: ANTH 1211
Attributes: Social Science, Recommended Intro Courses
ANTH 1220 Socio-Cultural Anthropology 3 cr
The comparative study of human societies and cultures, including language, economic and political organization, family and kinship, ritual and belief systems, cultural stability and change. May not be held with ANTH 1221 or the former ANTH 1520.
Equiv To: ANTH 1221, ANTH 1520
Attributes: Social Science, Recommended Intro Courses
ANTH 2000 Culture, Society, and Power 3 cr
An advanced introduction to cultural anthropology that focuses on anthropological approaches to the cross-cultural organization, dynamics, and tensions of social relationships at individual, group, and societal levels. May not be held with ANTH 2001 or the former ANTH 2390 or the former ANTH 2391.
Equiv To: ANTH 2001
Mutually Exclusive: ANTH 2390, ANTH 2391
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2020 Relatedness in a Globalizing World 3 cr
Anthropological approaches to diverse practices of human relatedness across cultures and over time, including 21st century reconfigurations or marriage, family, reproduction and kinship.
Attributes: Social Science, Written English Requirement
ANTH 2040 A Socio-Cultural Survey of North American Indigenous Peoples 3 cr
An ethnographic survey of North American Indigenous Peoples. May not be held with ANTH 2041.
Equiv To: ANTH 2041
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2060 European Archaeology 3 cr
This course will survey the archaeological record of Europe from the earliest human occupation through the rise of early cities and complex societies. Case studies will be used to examine the social, political, economic, and technological adaptations of early human societies in the region.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2240 Plagues and People 3 cr
Examines selected plagues in evolutionary, ecological, and epidemiological context, and considers the complex biological, social, and economic repercussions for human populations. Foci include past, present, and emerging infectious disease epidemics.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2300 Anthropology of Childhood 3 cr
Anthropological approaches to the study of children and childhood. Childhood is examined as a social and historical construction, and children are analyzed as active contributors to their social worlds. Cross-cultural ethnographic material relating to children and youth is critically read and discussed.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2370 Language and Culture 3 cr
The investigation of the complex interaction of language and culture, including linguistic perspectives on prehistory, ethnosemantics, and sociocultural correlations of linguistic variation. May not be held with ANTH 2011.
Equiv To: ANTH 2011
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2430 Ecology, Technology and Society 3 cr
Ecological analysis of the interplay of socio-political and technological processes in different types of societies. Focus upon the ecological side-effects and selected technologies, economic mechanisms and political institutions. Students may not hold credit for both ANTH 2430 and ANTH 2500. May not be used for Major or Minor in Anthropology.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2470 Media Anthropology 3 cr
This course focuses on media production and dissemination and on images of the world created by media. Media practices and products are addressed in relation to the formation of social relations and identities, the shaping of peoples' sense of time and space, and media's role in the construction of communities and in processes of socio-economic and cultural change.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2500 Culture, Environment, and Technology 3 cr
Study of ecological systems, focusing on processes of adaptation in societies differing in organization and in views of technology. Demographic and technological changes are examined in relation to cultural, political and ideological factors. May not be held with ANTH 2430.
Mutually Exclusive: ANTH 2430
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2510 Anthropology of Economic Systems 3 cr
A comparative study of factors bearing upon production, exchange, and consumption of goods, practices and ideas in varying social contexts. The course also examines the articulation of economic systems in the global political economy.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2530 Anthropology of Political Systems 3 cr
Analysis of political institutions and their changing nature in diverse societies and forms of society, with attention to authority, leadership, decision-making, power and its disguises, and forms of resistance.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2550 Culture and the Individual 3 cr
The study of the interrelations between life-cycle, psychological functioning and malfunctioning, and social and cultural institutions. Emphasis is placed on enculturation and life-cycle rituals. May not be held with ANTH 2551.
Equiv To: ANTH 2551
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2560 Anthropology of Illness 3 cr
Critical examination of illness, health, and disease from a biocultural perspective. Students will learn about cross-cultural variations in how health is understood and study links between health and evolutionary and environmental factors.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2570 Urban Anthropology 3 cr
Comparison of the processes of urbanization and various forms of urbanism, with attention to archaeological evidence and the emergence of urbanism and urbanization in developing nations.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2600 Old World Prehistory 3 cr
A survey of the archaeological evidence and cultural interpretations of Old World cultures from the beginning of the Pleistocene to the development of agriculture.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2610 Old World Civilizations 3 cr
Archaeological evidence and cultural interpretations of the origins of complex societies from the development of agriculture to the beginnings of written history in the Old World.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2620 Archaeology of Pre-Colonial Americas 3 cr
A survey of archaeological evidence and interpretations for peoples in the Americas prior to European contact. This course will explore the insights that are being gained through the application of an integrative approach to Indigenous Archaeology to an understanding of the cultural past of the Americas with particular focus on North America.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2630 Archaeology of Agriculture and Urbanism in the Americas 3 cr
A survey of archaeological evidence and interpretations of cultures in the Americas from the origins of agriculture to the period of initial European contact. Emphasis will be placed on the rise of urbanism in Central and South America and encompassing population centres established in North America.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2640 Manitoba Archaeology 3 cr
Archaeological evidence and interpretations for the history of what is now Manitoba up to the time of European contact.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2650 Archaeology of the Ancient Near East 3 cr
This course is an overview of the prehistory and early historical periods of the ancient Near East. Considerable attention is given to the fundamental transitions that transform the human existence and create the foundations for later civilization, such as: (1) the colonization of the region by humans; (2) the emergence of food production (domestication of plants and animals), settled village life, and hierarchical social organization; (3) the rise of states, urban centers, and writing; and (4) the emergence of militaristic empires. The course examines both archaeological and historical evidence with a heavy emphasis on material culture, primary archaeological, and historical data, and the process of scholarly interpretation.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2800 Introduction to Biological Anthropology 3 cr
A general introduction to the field of biological anthropology. This course will capture the scope of areas covered by biological anthropology and provide a foundation for human osteology. Areas covered will include palaeoanthropology, bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology,primatology, and medical anthropology. Through this course, students will be exposed to and learn to work ethically with replica human skeletal remains.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2860 Evolution and Human Diversity 3 cr
An introduction to the interacting roles of genes, culture and environment in adaptive context. Explores the biological bases for variation within/between modern human populations. May not be held with ANTH 2861.
Equiv To: ANTH 2861
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2880 Human Evolution 3 cr
Intensive study of fossil evidence for human biological evolution. Consideration of the relationships of biological, cultural, and behavioural adaptations in human evolution.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2890 Human Population Biology 3 cr
Intensive study of the evolutionary implications of genetic variation within/between human populations in relation to ecological and cultural variation.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2860] or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2860] or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2910 Post-Colonial Archaeology 3 cr
An archaeological survey of the post-contact period in North America. Case studies will emphasize selected regions, time periods, and topics that may include the fur trade and settler colonialism.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 2930 Archaeology of a Selected Area 3 cr
Detailed examination of the archaeology of a geographical area that is of current interest to faculty and students. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3200 Anthropology of Food 3 cr
Considers the diversity of ways that anthropologists have used food as a productive entry point for understanding culture, society, and relations with the environment. The course will survey highpoints in the history of the anthropology of food and address current topics such as food security and food movements.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3320 Women in Cross-Cultural Perspective 3 cr
Critical perspectives on the role of women cross-culturally, with ethnographic reference to non-Western societies and cultures. May not be held with ANTH 3321.
Equiv To: ANTH 3321
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3380 Anthropology and Contemporary Social Issues 3 cr
Equiv To: ANTH 3381
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3500 Archaeology of Inuit Nunangat 3 cr
This course examines the history of people, animals, and places in what is now Inuit Nunangat through archaeology, ethnography, and oral histories. May not be held with ANTH 3501.
Equiv To: ANTH 3501
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3600 Archaeological Method and Theory 3 cr
The historical development and current application of theoretical and methodological frameworks for archaeological interpretation.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3700 Human Osteology 3 cr
(Lab required) An in depth examination of human skeletal biology. Through this course, students will learn how to identify human skeletal remains and will gain foundational knowledge and experience with core methods used in archaeological, palaeoanthropological, and forensic contexts. Students in this course will be exposed to and learn to work ethically with both real and replica human skeletal remains. May not be held with the former ANTH 2820.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2800 or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2800 or written consent of instructor.
Equiv To: ANTH 2820
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3720 Demography of Past Populations 3 cr
This course provides students with a basic understanding of, and skills associated with, demographic methods and techniques applied to the analysis of long-term changes in the structure of human populations.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3740 Human Growth and Variation 3 cr
An examination of variation in human growth and development viewed in an evolutionary perspective.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3750 Anthropological Perspectives on Globalization and the World-System 3 cr
An anthropological perspective on the modern world-system and the expansion of capitalism into peripheral areas of the world; the transformation of indigenous societies and cultures; the rise of ethnic conflict, protest and resistance; and a comparative examination of selected global and transnational processes. May not be held with ANTH 3751.
Equiv To: ANTH 3751
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3810 Anthropology of Belief Systems 3 cr
A comparative study of belief systems, rituals, and ceremonies in non-Western and Western societies and cultures. May not be held with ANTH 3811.
Equiv To: ANTH 3811
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3910 Archaeological Field Training 6 cr
Theory and practical field experience in the investigation of archaeological sites from the formulation of research designs through data analysis in the field.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3930 Ethnographic Research Methods 3 cr
A survey of critical and engaged ethnographic research methods with an emphasis on qualitative approaches. May not be held with the former ANTH 3390.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2000 or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2000 or written consent of instructor.
Equiv To: ANTH 3390
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3950 Archaeological Laboratory Methods 3 cr
Introduction to the analysis of materials recovered from archaeological contexts, such as stone and ceramic technologies, and animal and botanical remains through a combination of lectures, demonstrations and other laboratory exercises.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2100 or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2100 or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3960 Cultural Heritage Stewardship 3 cr
This course critically reviews the current state of cultural heritage stewardship in Canada. Particular focus is given to the archaeological cultural resource management industry and its colonial underpinnings. The roles of legislation, Indigenous communities and governments, public agencies, and private contractors are discussed.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2100 or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: ANTH 2100 or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3970 Ethnography of a Selected Region 3 cr
An ethnographic survey of a selected geographical area currently of interest to faculty and students. The areas to be studied may differ from year to year. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different. May not be held with ANTH 3971.
Equiv To: ANTH 3971
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3980 Botanical Analysis in Archaeology 3 cr
Analytic and interpretive methods for treating archaeologically recovered plant remains and soils are addressed through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 3990 Faunal Analysis in Archaeology 3 cr
Analytic and interpretive methods of treating archaeologically recovered faunal remains are addressed through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4080 Museums, Memory, and Witnessing 3 cr
The course brings scholarship, contemporary art, exhibitions, activism, and policy into creative and critical conversation on the state and idea of museums today. Discussing key issues in museology – such as collections and collecting, conservation, representation, repatriation, and restitution – we explore the museum as witness. Particularly examining how museums are entangled with violence, we attend to memory as our approach for delving into both museums’ histories and their imagined futures. Includes visiting museums.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4470 Scientific Methods and Applications in Archaeology and Biological Anthropology 3 cr
In this course, a range of scientific methods that can be applied to answer questions in archaeology and biological anthropology will be considered. These include microscopy, 3-D and virtual technologies, ancient DNA, and elemental analyses. Students will learn how many of the core techniques are transferable across fields and will learn the strengths and limitations of the different techniques. The class will be formatted as a seminar class, combined with practical and laboratory-based exercises. Field trips to facilities across the University will be scheduled in class time over the course of the term. May not be held with ANTH 4860 when titled “Advanced Practicum in Tools, Techniques & Interpretation for Biological Anthropology and Archaeology.”
Mutually Exclusive: ANTH 4860
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4700 Forensic Anthropology 3 cr
An in depth coverage of forensic anthropology, including introduction to core methods and techniques. Students will learn laboratory and field methods necessary for recovery and identification of human remains from forensic contexts. Students will gain an appreciation of the central role of human biological variation in reconstructing aspects such as age at death, sex, and population affinity. They will be encouraged to think about the practices they learn from decolonizing and diversifying standpoints. Through this course, students will work with both real and replica human skeletal remains. May not be held with the former ANTH 3730.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: one of ANTH 3700, the former ANTH 2820, or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: one of ANTH 3700, the former ANTH 2820, or written consent of instructor.
Equiv To: ANTH 3730
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4710 Bringing the Past to Life Through Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology 3 cr
An in-depth coverage of the areas of bioarchaeology and palaeopathology to learn about how we can gain insight into the lived experiences of past peoples from their biological remains. Students will become familiar with the sources of evidence used and will gain a breadth of knowledge into the different areas of inquiry. Students will also gain an appreciation for the complexities of the topic and for the ways in which the study of the past can connect to current understandings of adaptation and health. Students may directly interact with real or replica human remains in this course.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: one of ANTH 3700, the former ANTH 2820, or written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: one of ANTH 3700, the former ANTH 2820, or written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4760 Practicum in Archaeology 3 cr
This course is designed to provide advanced undergraduate students in archaeology with individualized practical experience in different aspects of archaeology by working with professional archaeologists.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] and written consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: [ANTH 2100] and written consent of instructor.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4780 Selected Topics in Socio-Cultural Anthropology 3 cr
The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4790 Selected Topics in Archaeology 3 cr
The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4800 Seminar in Applied Anthropology 6 cr
A review of the history of applied anthropology and investigation of major case studies, research methodologies, intervention strategies, and substantive areas of application.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4830 Advanced Reading and Research 3 cr
The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor and department head.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor and department head.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4840 Advanced Independent Work 6 cr
The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor and department head.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor and department head.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4850 Advanced Seminar in Anthropological Theory 3 cr
An analysis of the process of theory formation in the social sciences in general and in cultural (social) anthropology in particular. The theoretical content of various contemporary "schools" in anthropology is critically analyzed.
Attributes: Social Science
ANTH 4860 Selected Topics in Biological Anthropology 3 cr
Topics in biological anthropology which will vary depending on the needs of students and the interest of the instructor. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head.
Prerequisite: written consent of instructor or department head.
Mutually Exclusive: ANTH 4470
Attributes: Social Science