Please note:
To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.
Anthropology
Sociology and anthropology is a joint department where students are offered a solid foundation in each discipline and are invited to engage in innovative interdisciplinary studies. Graduates are equipped with a comprehensive foundation in social theory, substantive courses in specific areas of research interest, and rigorous training in research methodologies, a particular strength of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at SFU. Graduate students and their faculty supervisory committees work collaboratively to tailor programs to meet each student's unique goals.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. How well the applicant's proposed research coincides with the research and teaching interests of the faculty is an important admission consideration.
Program Requirements
This program consists of courses and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units. Students may be required to complete more than these courses at the discretion of the supervisory committee.
Students must complete
Orientation to university, professional development, and cohort building. Required course for the first year MA and PhD students in Sociology and Anthropology. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Examines the dynamic relationship among conceptual aims, social relations in research, and the socio-political contexts of anthropological work through close study of selected classical and contemporary works in anthropology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor.
In depth study of ethnographic methodology as practiced, theorized and debated by social and cultural anthropologists. Course will include anthropological analyses of multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to, and adaptations of, ethnographic methodology and methods. Elective course for MA and PhD students in Sociology and Anthropology. Students from other departments and faculties may enrol with permission of instructor. Course will be offered in response to student demand, dependent on availability of departmental resources.
and two of*
A synthetic introduction to historical and contemporary theories of development in Latin America. Topics include political economy of development, sociological theories of development, an introduction to neoliberalism, and the contemporary experience of globalization and development in Latin America. Students who have taken IS 815 or LAS 815 for credit may not take this course for further credit.
A general overview of social and political change in Latin America, including revolutions, independence, transition to democracy, and contemporary social movements. Theoretical approaches may include social-movement theory, democratic theory, etc. Students who have taken IS 835 or LAS 835 for credit may not take this course for further credit.
Examines different historical and contemporary perspectives from the body of social theory. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.
Examines approaches to qualitative methodology and research design in Sociology and Anthropology including epistemological and ethical debates surrounding the practice of qualitative methodology and research design in diverse contexts. Students will investigate research methods applicable to their graduate research projects. Students from other departments and faculties may enroll with permission of instructor.
An advanced seminar devoted to an in-depth examination of a topic not regularly offered by the department.
and a thesis
* Students may also choose a graduate course or graduate directed readings course in another Simon Fraser University department, or from another university that is part of the Western Dean's Agreement. Supervisory committee and departmental graduate program committee approval is required. If a student chooses a course that is less than four units, they will need to take an additional course in order to meet the minimum of 30 units.
Accelerated Master's
SFU students accepted in the accelerated master’s within anthropology take SA 870 and SA 875 during the bachelor’s degree. These 10 units will count as upper division electives of the bachelor’s degree program, and also to the master’s degree. For more information go to: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms. Required courses are normally completed within the first two terms of MA program.
Other Information
Thesis
The thesis will consist of no more than 75 pages, inclusive of bibliographies, appendices and tables. At the discretion of the supervisory committee, the maximum number of pages may be increased, normally only to facilitate the inclusion of large appendices and tables.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.