ANTH 112 Syllabus (S24N04)

Section 04–4:00-5:20pm (TR)

Anthropology is divided into four subfields: physical or biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology.  In this course, the focus is primarily on cultural anthropology—examining the many social institutions that make us human.  Students will also be introduced to linguistic anthropology for language is the means by which we transmit and share with others both cultural and individual experiences.

The format of instruction is by lecture, although students will be expected to participate in periodic class discussions based on readings, lectures, and films.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and apply core concepts and principles in anthropology.
• Engage in different ways of knowing based on the subfields of anthropology.
• Evaluate the ways in which anthropology can be used to address current social, political, and economic issues.

Rather than have the bulk of the grade based solely on exams, students will be evaluated on participation (20%), opinion piece (5%), two exams (25% each), and one short paper (25% each).  There is NO final exam.

Not submitting an exam or assignment will result in an “F”;
your final grade is based on completing ALL course work.

Required text:
Brown, Nina, Thomas McIlwraith, and Laura Tubelle de González, eds. 2020. Perspectives: An Open Invitation to Cultural Anthropology. Second Edition. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association.

Additional readings and films (online) will be listed.  Please check VIULearn for updated material.

Please read the assigned chapter or articles prior to the week’s lecture to facilitate discussion.

NOTE:

• Use of technology: Recording is only permitted by request as authorized by Accessibility Services. Please contact Accessibility Services if you need academic support and accommodation.
• If there are exceptional and/or extenuating circumstances, such as illness or a death in the family, that prevents you from meeting an assignment deadline or being present for an exam, please notify me as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made.  (See VIU General Regulations.)
• Should you need counselling at any time during the semester, contact Student Affairs.  Drop-in counselling is available.  If immediate support is needed after hours, call the Crisis & Information Line: 1-888-494-3888.  As well, you can contact Cowichan Valley Mental Health and Substance Use Services Intake, 3088 Gibbins Road, Duncan: 250.709.3040.  In Nanaimo, there is a Walk-in Counselling Clinic, Brooks Landing (203-2000 Island Highway North), Nanaimo: 250-739-5710.  For general health and wellness queries, go to bc211 or dial 211; it’s free and confidential.
• If you appear to be experiencing difficulties, you might be identified to VIU Student Affairs through the Early Alert System (EAS).  EAS is a campus-wide program to connect students with resources that may help their success.
• Withdrawing from any VIU course MUST be done formally, that is, by applying at the Registration Centre.
• All in-coming mail is spam-filtered. Identify the course name in the “Subject” box when emailing your instructor. Also, add your instructor to your “accepted” email address file and ensure that VIU has your correct email address. If I do not respond within a reasonable period of time, check that I have indeed received your message.

Final grade assignment:
Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

Created 2002-08-29; last updated 2024-03-12