Anthropology | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Anthropology

Examine Cultural Diversity Does the thought of living in some far-off country give you butterflies? Do you love hearing stories about how other people live? What they value? Or what they believe? Are you fascinated by human diversity?

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Anthropology at ULethbridge Anthropology studies the diversity of human life in every part of the world. Long-term ethnographic fieldwork is the hallmark of the anthropological approach to studying the human condition — which allows you to see how your world fits into a broader context.

The particulars of any local life, society, or culture are not isolated from global processes and flows. Contemporary anthropology examines the material, social and cultural conditions of human behaviour and life from a “locally global” perspective.

Anthropology will expose you to a variety of different cultures. At the same time, you will learn to examine your own life from an anthropological perspective. You will learn how to explore and understand radically different contexts in both your own and other cultures.

Two elements distinguish anthropology: an intensely comparative, wide-ranging view of human society and culture, and a strong desire to know how individuals in specific cultures make sense of the world and respond to its challenges.

Anthropologists are committed to understanding common aspects of human social life, despite apparent differences. They typically spend extended periods doing field research where they interact with people in their environment to gain cultural understanding.

Anthropology Degrees. The Department of Anthropology offers a major in anthropology for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. Alternatively, you can choose to do a general major in the social sciences and select anthropology as one of your three streams. You may also opt for anthropology as your BA major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt programs.

Anthropology Courses. With a major in anthropology, you’ll have the opportunity to concentrate on your field of study through specialized courses on particular topics and by taking independent and applied study courses tailored to your interests.

Courses selections for the program will vary, but may include: • Concepts & Theories • Anthropology of Gender • Race & Ethnicity • Medical Anthropology • Popular Culture • Social Movements • Language, Culture & Communication • Material Culture • Anthropological Archaeology • Economic & Political Anthropology • Ritual & Religion • Globalization & Power • History of Anthropological Thought • Methods & Ethics in Anthropology • Urban Anthropology

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest.

It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs.

Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Learn more about anthropology at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/anthropology

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects and supports and supervises students in their research initiatives.

Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • Environmental Anthropology • Policy & Personhood • Embodiment & Health • Emergence of Complex Society • Religion & Modernity • Cross-Cultural Health & Medicine • Gender & the State • Political Ecology • Andean Pre-history • Globalization & Neoliberalism • Indigenous Social Movements

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Childhood Space & Place The City & Urbanism Culture & Ancient Political Economies Psychological Anthropology Ritual & Politics Development & Develop-mentalism The Americas (North, Central & South) Asia (Southeast & East) West Africa

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. Studying anthropology helps you develop the analytical skills critical to succeeding in teaching, research, advocacy, business, policy analysis, public service and programming. It provides you with the ability to analyze a wide range of social and cultural situations. You will also develop your written and oral communication skills and work both independently and within a group setting.

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Related Fields. Many anthropology graduates will cross over into another field, applying their knowledge to a wide range of institutional and cross-cultural situations. This knowledge often helps assess and rectify social issues and problems in areas such as: • Public Health • Immigration • Education • Museum Management • Urban Planning • International Development • Social Welfare • First Nations Planning & Development • Government Planning

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in anthropology also provides an excellent foundation for law, management and education.

Examine cultural diversity in Anthropology.

“Studying anthropology at the U of L has exposed me to entirely new ways of thinking about and being in the world.

I’ve not only learned about the cultural and physical histories of humanity, but also about how these histories shape us today, and how we can use that knowledge to create a better tomorrow. Each professor brings expertise in their field, and is also excited to help you pursue your passions and interests.”

- Mikey, Anthropology (Co-op)

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Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary.

Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.