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Anthropology and Archaeology Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, including 45 upper division units, as specified below. Students may opt for a bachelor of arts degree from either the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Environment. Faculty requirements will be governed by the faculty from which the student chooses to complete a degree.

Lower Division Anthropology Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 14 units, including all of

SA 101 - Introduction to Anthropology (A) (4)

Anthropology asks fundamental questions about how people live and interact in different contexts. Engages with contemporary social life around the world, including the relations among people, ideas, and things. Provides analytical tools to help understand the role of culture and society in our lives. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Elliot Montpellier
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SA 201W - Anthropology and Contemporary Life (A) (4)

An introduction to the anthropological perspective as applied to the organization of everyday life in contemporary settings. Introduces positivist, interpretive, and critical interpretive approaches to the analysis of social actions, identities, and values as enacted in space and time. Prerequisite: Recommended: SA 101. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Elliot Montpellier
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SA 255 - Introduction to Social Research (SA) (4)

Explores how sociologists and anthropologists investigate social relations and contexts. Students learn to develop research questions and turn them into research projects. Introduces data collection techniques and related ethical issues, the relationship between theory and research, and other fundamental concepts and issues involved in conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150. Quantitative.

and one additional 200 division course SA course designated (A), (S) or (SA).

Lower Division Archaeology Requirements

Students must complete all of (20 units)

ARCH 101 - Reconstructing the Human Past (3)

A survey of methods used by archaeologists to discover and interpret the past. Examples will be drawn from selected sites and cultures around the world. Students who have taken ARCH 201 may not enroll in ARCH 101. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 David Maxwell
Online
ARCH 131 - Human Origins (3)

A non-technical survey of the primate background of humans, fossil primates, and fossil humans, and the associated evidence of cultural development. An introduction to physical anthropology. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Dennis Sandgathe
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Dennis Sandgathe
Online
ARCH 271 - Interpreting the Past: An Introduction to Archaeological Theory (3)

Examines how archaeologists develop explanations of human behaviour, cultural development, and cultural evolution. Reviews the historical development of social and biological theory applied in archaeology and examines how these various theoretical perspectives have shaped interpretations of the past. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.

ARCH 272W - Archaeology of the Old World (4)

A survey of the major centres of Old World cultural development from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. Basic concepts used in reconstructing prehistoric cultures, and the artifactual and contextual evidence for the development of culture. Prerequisite: ARCH 100, 101, or 201. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

ARCH 273 - Archaeology of the New World (3)

A survey of prehistoric cultures of North and South America. The peopling of the New World, the rise of the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico and Peru, and the cultural adaptations by prehistoric populations to other parts of the New World. Prerequisite: Any one of the following: ARCH 100, ARCH 101, EVSC 100, GEOG 100, or REM 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

ARCH 282 - Material Culture Analysis (4)

Analysis and interpretation of archaeological material culture. This lecture and laboratory course combines the practical problems of recognition and interpretation of archaeological specimens, typology, seriation, and statistical procedures with the basic principles of archaeological theory. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201. Students who have completed ARCH 372 cannot take ARCH 282 for additional credit.

Upper Division Anthropology Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 20 units, including both of

SA 301 - Contemporary Ethnography (A) (4)

A consideration of key themes in contemporary anthropology. Addresses theoretical and methodological questions by examining the work of contemporary anthropologists conducting research in diverse locations around the world. Prerequisite: SA 101.

SA 356W - Ethnography and Qualitative Methods (SA) (4)

An examination of qualitative field methods, including participant observation, interviewing, archival research, cross-cultural research, life histories, network analysis, mapping, and ethical problems of fieldwork. Prerequisite: SA 255. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Madelyn Prevost
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and three upper division SA electives. All of these must be designated (A). One of these must be a 400 division course.

No more than four units of Directed Readings and no more than 15 upper division units transferred from another institution may be used toward completion of these requirements.

Upper Division Archaeology Requirements

Students must complete at least six upper division courses (18-30 units) including

  • at least one Group I course
  • at least two Group II courses
  • at least two Group III courses
  • at least one Group IV course

Archaeology Course Groupings

Upper division archaeology courses are divided into the following groups.

Group I - Method & Theory Courses

ARCH 348 - Archaeological Conservation (4)

An introduction to archaeological conservation, the processes affecting the condition of archaeological materials prior to excavation, during excavation, during analysis, exhibition and during reposition. Successful completion of this course will give archaeologists a good understanding of the various materials they encounter during excavation and how to preserve these artifacts and other materials. It will not qualify students to be professional archaeological conservators. Prerequisite: Six units in Archaeology, including ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.

ARCH 349 - Management of Archaeological Collections (4)

The philosophy, policies and practices of the care of archaeological collections. This lecture and laboratory course treats the practical problems of designing museum programs within a framework of legal responsibilities for collections. Contemporary issues such as repatriation will be discussed. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201, and 45 units. Students with credit for ARCH 332 Special Topics in Archaeology I: Mgt. of Archaeological Collections and ARCH 333 Special Topics in Archaeology II: Mgt. of Archaeological Collections may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 374 - Research Design in Archaeology (4)

Introduction to writing a research context, creating research questions, developing hypotheses, collecting, recording and analyzing data to address hypotheses, and report writing. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 (or ARCH 201). Recommended: ARCH 282 (or ARCH 372) and ARCH 271.

ARCH 376 - Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (4)

Theory, method, and operation of the application of statistical techniques to the description, classification, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological data. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201, and any one of ARCH 285, GEOG 251, PSYC 210, STAT 101, STAT 201, STAT 203, or STAT 205. Quantitative.

ARCH 377 - Historical Archaeology (4)

An introduction to theory and method in North American historical archaeology. Laboratory instruction is provided in historic artifact analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201, and one lower division ARCH course.

ARCH 386 - Archaeological Resource Management (3)

Surveys the origins, implementations, and need for archaeological heritage legislation on an international and national scale. Topical issues associated with contract archaeology, public archaeology, native heritage, and avocational societies are incorporated. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.

ARCH 471W - Archaeological Theory (4)

The cultural, evolutionary, physical, and distributional principles which underlie the prediction and reconstruction of the past. Prerequisite: ARCH 101, 131, 201, 272W and 273. Writing.

ARCH 485 - Lithic Technology (5)

An in-depth study of how to manufacture and analyze stone tools. Includes rock and mineral identification, stone working by students, fracture mechanics, and relevance to theoretical problems. Prerequisite: ARCH 282 or 372.

Group II - Environmental Archaeology Courses

ARCH 329 - Special Topics in Environmental Archaeology (3)

Select topics relating to environmental archaeology. Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.

ARCH 340 - Zooarchaeology (5)

An introduction to the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. Coverage of the major concepts and methods used in the study of animal remains and detailed practical coverage of the vertebrate skeleton. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.

ARCH 363 - Landscape Archaeology (3)

The interpretation of archaeological evidence to look at the ways that people in the past perceived, constructed, and used their natural surroundings and their built environments. Prerequisite: ARCH 100 or ARCH 101 or ARCH 201, and 45 units.

ARCH 365 - Archaeological Perspectives on Human Ecology (3)

Examines methods, theories, and concepts for understanding how past cultures interacted with their bio-physical surroundings. Integrates diverse kinds of data and knowledge to understand these relationships. Topics to be addressed include local and traditional ecological knowledge, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, human-environment interaction, human-induced environmental changes, paleodiet, and domestication. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201; or any two of ARCH 100, REM 100, GEOG 100, EVSC 100; and 45 units.

ARCH 375 - From Soup to Nuts: The Archaeology of Food (3)

Examines the origin, development, and cultural significance of the foods we eat. We will delve into the role of food in human evolution and the development of food ways through time. Students are exposed to various approaches taken by archaeologists, anthropologists, palaeoanthropologists, and historians in the study of food and food ways. Prerequisite: ARCH 101, ARCH 201, or 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Angela D'andrea
Jun 25 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
ARCH 388 - Geoarchaeology (4)

This course introduces the concept of archaeological sites as active constituents in natural Quaternary land-forming and land-altering systems. Lectures will focus on all processes which may have contributed to the present geomorphological contexts of archaeological sites and their sedimentary and pedological contents. Prerequisite: ARCH 285 or a minimum of 12 units from any program. Students with credit for ARCH 438 may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 389 - Ethnoecology (3)

Ethnoecology is the study of the relationships between people and their environment. It is motivated by and situated in current issues, such as food security and food sovereignty, ethics, climate change, and cultural loss and reconnection. We will explore these issues through case studies from cultures around the world and directly from ethnoecological researchers. Prerequisite: Students must have completed a minimum of 30 units. Students with credit for ARCH 329 ST-Ethnoecology may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 390 - Archaeobotany (4)

An introduction to the recovery and analysis of macroscopic archaeological plant remains. The major methodological and interpretive issues in archaeobotany will be covered, with an emphasis on plant domestication in selected regions of the world. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201 and either ARCH 272/272W or 273. Students who have taken ARCH 334 or ARCH 335 may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 425 - Archaeometry (3)

The application of methods from biology, chemistry, and physics, to address archaeological questions. Through lectures, seminars, and laboratory work, this course introduces how methods such as isotope analysis, DNA and protein analysis, and radiometric dating, are used to study human migrations, diet, environment, land use, trade, and the age of archaeological sites and artifacts. Prerequisite: 45 units including one of ARCH 100, ARCH 101, ARCH 131, ARCH 201, ARCH 285, or by permission of instructor. Students with credit for ARCH 332 or ARCH 329 under the title "Advanced Archaeological Science" may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 428 - Soil Micromorphology (5)

Microscopic examination of natural soils and sediments, and archaeological materials, features and deposits (e.g. ceramics, bricks, hearths and ashes). The techniques are used as a means to interpret 1) the local or regional history of Quaternary landscapes that entails sedimentation and soil formation; and 2) the mechanisms of archaeological site formation. Prerequisite: ARCH 285 or a minimum of 24 units from any program. Students with credit for ARCH 367 STT: Soil Micromorphology may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 435 - Field Work Practicum (0)

A practical application of the background knowledge and specific techniques of ARCH 433 and 434. It takes place in a research oriented field excavation. Evaluation of student performance is based upon assessments of efficiency and accuracy of excavation techniques/recording procedures, and upon the student's overall contribution to the smooth functioning of the team. Students may repeat this course for credit when the field project is different. Variable units: 3, 4, 5, 6. Prerequisite: ARCH 282 or 372 and permission of the department. Normally taken concurrently with ARCH 433 and 434.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 David Burley
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 9:30 a.m.–4:20 p.m.

Group III - Biological Anthropology Courses

ARCH 322 - Special Topics in Biological Anthropology I (3)

Select topics relating to biological anthropology. Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: ARCH 131.

ARCH 323 - Special Topics in Biological Anthropology II (3)

Select topics relating to biological anthropology. Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: ARCH 131 or any lower division biology course.

ARCH 344 - Primate Behaviour (3)

The evolution of the primate order and the ecology and behavior characterizing the different grades of primates: prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Current trends in interpreting primate behavior are emphasized. Prerequisite: ARCH 131 or any lower division biology course. Students with credit for ARCH 333 Special Topics in Archaeology II: Primate Behaviour may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 373 - Human Osteology (5)

A detailed and lab-intensive study of the human skeletal remains and dental variation. Designed for students to learn how to identify all the bones in the human skeleton, both whole and fragmentary. Focuses on archaeological and forensic field and lab applications for the study of the human skeleton. Prerequisite: ARCH 131 or any lower division ARCH, BISC, HSCI, or BPK course.

ARCH 383 - Ancient and Forensic DNA (3)

Introduces molecular biology techniques used to analyze DNA to address archaeological questions and applications to degraded DNA samples for forensic identification of human remains and conservation of endangered species. Prerequisite: Any lower division ARCH, BISC, BPK, CHEM, CRIM or HSCI course.

ARCH 385 - Paleoanthropology (4)

The relationship between culture and biology in prehistoric human evolution. The recognition and critical evaluation of the significance of the similarities and differences among fossil human types. Prerequisite: ARCH 131 and 272/272W.

ARCH 436 - Biological Anthropology Field Practicum (0)

A practical application of the background knowledge and specific techniques of ARCH 433 and 434. It takes place in a research oriented field excavation. Evaluation of student performance is based upon assessments of efficiency and accuracy of excavation techniques/recording procedures, and upon the student's overall contribution to the smooth functioning of the team. Students may repeat this course for credit. Variable units: 3, 4, 5, 6. Prerequisite: ARCH 373 and permission of the department. Normally taken concurrently with ARCH 433 and ARCH 434.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Hugo Cardoso
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 9:30 a.m.–4:20 p.m.

ARCH 442 - Forensic Anthropology (4)

Focuses on the role of the forensic anthropologist in medico-legal death investigations, such as the recovery, identification and determination of cause of death of human remains found in a variety of settings. The lab component provides an overview of anthropological methods of examination of human skeletal remains, such as the estimation of sex and age, and trauma analysis. Prerequisite: ARCH 373 or CRIM 357, BPK 303, BPK 324, BPK 325, BPK 326. ARCH 373 is recommended.

ARCH 452 - Ancient Health and Disease (4)

Introduces the study of ancient and historic diseases in humans and animals as expressed in bones, teeth, mummified remains, art, and historical documents. Provides a foundation for the interpretation of pathological conditions in the human skeleton and the impact of social change on human health and well-being over time. Prerequisite: ARCH 373 or HSCI 321, HSCI 324, BPK 303, BPK 324, BPK 325, BPK 326. ARCH 373 is recommended. Students who have taken ARCH 332 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Group IV - Regional Courses

ARCH 301 - Ancient Visual Art (3)

A selection of major art traditions from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Mesoamerica and South America is explored. Issues of intellectual property rights, copyright and the use of ancient art in contemporary contexts are also addressed. Prerequisite: 45 credit hours. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Laurie Darcus
Online
ARCH 312 - Greek Art and Archaeology (4)

Introduces the major Greek archaeological sites from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period through a chronological and historical survey of Greek art and architecture. Examines the ways in which ancient Greeks used and interacted with their material remains and how they relate to their social, cultural, religious, and political practices and institutions. Prerequisite: One of the following courses: ARCH 100, ARCH 101, ARCH 201, HS 100, HS 231, HS 232, HS 277, HIST 277 or by permission of the instructor. Students with credit for HS 312 cannot take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ARCH 321 under the title "Select Regions in World Archaeology I: Greece" may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 313 - Roman Art and Archaeology (4)

Introduces the art and archaeology of ancient Rome from 8th c. BCE to 4th c. CE through an overview of the material remains in their original historical, political and cultural contexts. Addresses several issues: stylistic changes and innovations, art as a vehicle of propaganda and art as projection of Roman imperial power. Prerequisite: One of the following courses: ARCH 100, ARCH 201, HS 100, HS 231, HS 232, HS/HIST 277 or by permission of the instructor. Students with credit for HS 313 cannot take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ARCH 332 under the title "Special Topics in Archaeology I: Roman Art and Archaeology" may not take this course for further credit.

ARCH 321 - Special Topics: Select Regions in World Archaeology I (3)

An overview of culture history and methodological/theoretical issues for a specific region of the world. Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: ARCH 272W or 273 or by permission of instructor. Other prerequisites may be required, but will vary according to topic.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Valentina Martinoia
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
ARCH 331 - Special Topics: Select Regions in World Archaeology II (3)

An overview of culture history and methodological/theoretical issues for a specific region of the world. Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: ARCH 272W or 273 or by permission of instructor. Other prerequisites may be required, but will vary according to topic.

ARCH 378 - Pacific Northwest North America (3)

The prehistory and cultural traditions of the region. The content, antecedents, relationships, and changes in these cultures through time. Technological, socio-economic, and environmental factors in culture growth. Prerequisite: ARCH 273.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the normal university degree requirements, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology requires a minimum 2.00 SA cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (calculated on all SA courses completed at SFU), and a minimum 2.00 SA CUDGPA (calculated on all upper division SA courses completed at SFU) for graduation with an SA program.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.

Faculty of Environment Degree Requirements (BA)

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs (except the honours program), students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.