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ANTHR 101: Introduction to Anthropology B2
Term: Winter 2021
Course Time and Location: New pre-recorded lectures will be posted online MWF, recorded lectures will remain online for the duration of the term
Instructor: Dr. J. Jeffrey Werner (Jeff) Email: [email protected]
Office Hours and Location: Video meetings may be scheduled by appointment TA: Cynthia Olufade
Email: [email protected] Office hours: 9:00 – 9:50 am Course Description
Anthropology is the study of human beings and non-human primates across the globe both today and in the past. In this course you will learn how anthropologists study all aspects of humanity through space and time, from the distant origins of the human species to contemporary issues such as race, gender, and family. You will also be exposed to the basic methods and techniques employed by anthropologists and the terms that they use to communicate their findings. The course is structured around an exploration of the different subfields of this diverse discipline. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Recommended Text:
Students are not required to purchase a textbook for this course. Readings will be made available through links posted to eclass.
Grading Policy
The grades for the course are based on two midterm exams, and a final exam. The course exams will focus on material drawn from the lectures, assigned text/supplementary readings, and films. The final exam is non-cumulative and will be scheduled for the exam period. DO NOT make any holiday plans until the official exam schedule is released.
Midterm 1: Feb 12 30%
Midterm 2: Mar 24 30%
Final Exam: TBA 40%
2 At the end of the term, each student's cumulative mark (out of 100%) will be converted to a final grade on the letter grade scale.
Descriptor Letter Grade Percentage Range Grade Point Value
Excellent A+ 98-100% 4.0
A 94-97% 4.0
A- 91-93% 3.7
Good B+ 86-90% 3.3
B 81-85% 3.0
B- 76-80% 2.7
Satisfactory C+ 71-75% 2.3
C 66-70% 2.0
C- 61-65% 1.7
Poor D+ 56-60% 1.3
Minimal Pass D 50-55% 1.0
Fail F 0-49% 0
Classroom Policy and Student Responsibilities
Missed Tests and Assignments: If you miss an exam or assignment please contact your instructor right away. Accommodations will be made for unforeseen circumstances, incapacitating illness, or domestic affliction. Cases for deferral will be evaluated individually and there is no guarantee that a deferral will be granted. Misrepresentation of facts to gain a deferral is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
Deferred Final Examination: For information on how to apply for a deferred exam see
“I Missed my Final Exam, Now What?”
Academic Integrity: The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour and avoid any behaviour that could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
All students should consult the Academic Integrity website. If you have any questions, ask your instructor.
3 An instructor or coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she could not possibly reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of fairness to other students, to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. See the Academic Discipline Process.
Recording of Lectures: Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan.
Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this syllabus are subject to change and will be announced in class and posted on eClass. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.
Student Resources: The best all-purpose website for student services is:
https://www.ualberta.ca/current-students.
Accessibility Resources (1–80 SUB): The University of Alberta is committed to creating work and learning communities that inspire and enable all people to reach their full potential. Accessibility Resources promotes an accessible, inclusive, and universally designed environment. For general information and to register for services visit the Accessibility Resources webpage.
The Academic Success Centre (1-80 SUB): The Academic Success Centre offers a variety of workshops on effective study and exam strategies. There are in-person and online sessions available for a modest fee.
The Centre for Writers (1-42 Assiniboia Hall): The Centre for Writers offers free one-on- one writing support to students, faculty, and staff. Students can request consultation for a writing project at any stage of development. Instructors can request class visits and presentations.
First People’s House: The First Peoples' House provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners to achieve personal and academic growth.
Health and Wellness Support: There are many health and community services available to current students. For more information visit the Health and Wellness Support webpage.
4 Office of the Student Ombuds: The Office of the Student Ombuds offers confidential interviews, advice and support to students facing academic, discipline, interpersonal and financial difficulties.
Learning and working environment: The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment.
It is the policy of the University of Alberta that sexual violence committed by any member of the University community is prohibited and constitutes misconduct.
Resources and more information can be found at https://www.ualberta.ca/campus- life/sexual-violence
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading System section of the University Calendar.
Copyright: Joseph Jeffrey Werner, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta (2020) Past or Representative Evaluative Course Material Available: Representative evaluative material (sample exam questions) will be made available via eClass.
Contacting the Instructor:
The best way to contact your instructor or TA is via email during business hours.
Emails should include ANTH 101 in the subject line in order to ensure a timely
response. Please use your @ualberta.ca email address to avoid being filtered as spam.
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Date Topic
Jan 11 Introduction
Jan 13 What is Anthropolog Jan 15 The Culture Concept Jan 18 Evolution
Jan 20 Genetics Jan 22 Microevolution Jan 25 Macroevolution Jan 27 Dating Objects
Jan 29 Primate Classification Feb 1 Primate Evolution Feb 3 Hominin Evolution Feb 5 The First Humans Feb 8 Modern Humans Feb 10 The Neanderthals Feb 12 MIDTERM 1 Feb 15-19 NO CLASS Feb 22 Archaeology
Feb 24 Who owns the past?
Feb 26 Environment and Diet Mar 1 Human Remains
Mar 3 The First Farmers Mar 5 Social Complexity Mar 8 The Rise of States Mar 10 Culture and Language Mar 12 Language Change Mar 15 Making Meaning Mar 17 Religion and Ritual Mar 19 Economics 1
Mar 22 Economics 2 Mar 24 MIDTERM 1
Mar 26 Social Organization Mar 29 Sex and Gender Mar 31 Kinship 1 Apr 2 NO CLASS Apr 5 NO CLASS Apr 7 Kinship 2
Apr 9 Race and Racism Apr 12 Race and Racism Apr 14 Globalization Apr 16 Review
