Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - SA 101 D100

Introduction to Anthropology (A) (4)

Class Number: 6946

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 7, 2018
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the study of human social and cultural life from an anthropological perspective. The course will explore the scope and nature of the discipline of anthropology through study of selected cases drawn from both technologically simple communities and complex modern industrial societies. Students with credit for SA 170 may not take SA 101 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences. Equivalent Courses: SA170 Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce you to the discipline of anthropology and the academic study of humans and their cultures. Case studies from around the world will be considered,  ranging from gender roles in China to witchcraft in South Sudan to storytelling practices among British Columbia First Nations. Students will also become acquainted with ethnographic methods, and will have the opportunity to apply these in an observation assignment of their own design. Course topics range from classic anthropological inquiries (Kinship: who is related to who?) to contemporary issues (What can online social media platforms tell us about cross-cultural communication in a virtual world?). Students will be introduced to both the diversity of anthropological fields and possible applications for anthropological methods.

Grading

  • Tutorial discussion group participation and assignments 10%
  • Observation assignment proposal 5%
  • Observation assignment 30%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

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:

Kenny, M. G., & Smillie, K. (2017). Stories of culture and place: An introduction to anthropology (2nd ed.). Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
ISBN: 978-1487593704

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