Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 201W D100

Anthropology and Contemporary Life (A) (4)

Class Number: 3105

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2026
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: SA 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

Theory guides anthropological practice and the study of cultures. Since the start of the discipline, anthropological approaches have shifted, ever influenced by the times, as well as the shifting aims of Anthropology and others disciplines. This course focuses on the overarching approaches that have guided the anthropological gaze, shifts within the discipline, and how recent ethnographies analyze social actions and relationships, identities, and values, in different locales. Consideration of voice, representation, and the subaltern are key to this course.

As a writing-intensive course, the course focuses on developing different components of anthropological writing, including critical thinking, argument, conciseness, and reflexivity.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Identify, describe, distinguish between, and give examples of at least 5 key anthropological theories;
  2. Compare and contrast at least 3 of the major types of critical theories.
  3. Develop and apply critical thinking skills (in writing and discussions);
  4. Identify key anthropological concepts and theories exemplified in documentary films and videos;
  5. Identify and apply key anthropological concepts to two ethnographic books;
  6. Develop and demonstrate growth in anthropological written communication; and
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of the major shifts in historical anthropological thought/theory.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Quotes & Question [5% x 4] 20%
  • Theory Statements [15% x 2] 30%
  • Group Presentation 10%
  • Final Exam 25%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. O’Neill, Kevin Lewis and Benjamin Fogarty-Valenzuela. 2020. Art of Captivity / Arte Del Cautiverio. University of Toronto Press. [available as ebook through SFU library]
  2. One recently published ethnographic book from a given selection. [discussed wk1]
    [All choices are less than $45, and available FREE as e-books via the SFU library.]
  3. Additional readings available online through Canvas or the SFU library.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.