Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2017 - SA 402 D100

The Practice of Anthropology (A) (4)

Class Number: 2997

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2017: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    minimum of 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Recommended: at least two upper division courses in anthropology.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the ways in which anthropology and ethnography may be used to affect action in the world. Topics may include: advocacy anthropology; the development and practice of applied anthropology; the emergence of anthropology and ethnography and the arts.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course centers on the ways that we as anthropologists (and other social scientists) can
practice our skills outside the academy and in service of addressing specific social issues.
Anthropology offers a unique set of methods and theoretical lenses with which to assess and
address a wide variety of societal problems. Its focus on in-depth experiential knowledge along
with a reflexivity about the position of the researcher lends itself to sensitivity and nuance in the
attention and analysis an anthropologist applies to his or her subject of focus. Through readings,
class discussions, and hands-on ethnography, we will examine how we might bring
anthropological theories and methods to bear to positively impact society. We will consider how
anthropological methods can be applied in a variety of institutional, community, and political
contexts, as well as with a series of broad thematic issues that applied anthropologists work on.
The major project of this course will be a substantive group ethnography aimed at an issue in the
Lower Mainland. Along with your field findings and analysis, you will be asked to critically and
reflexively examine the process of conducting fieldwork as part of a team.

Grading

  • Class participation and attendance 15%
  • Weekly reading responses 15%
  • Group project proposal 5%
  • Group project presentation 10%
  • Group project report 20%
  • Team evaluation 10%
  • Individual reflection on group project 5%
  • Final individual project report 20%

NOTES:

Grades in this class will be based on a percentage scale. Reading responses will not be accepted
after 12 noon on the day before class; late submissions for all other assignments will result in a
grade reduction of 5 percentage points per day, unless you present documentation for a medical
reason or other significant emergency. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all
graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be
assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading
practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures
(S10.01– S10.04). 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:
http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings are available through Canvas, the SFU Library, or online.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS