This course will examine the interface between anthropological and public understandings of public issues, with sensitivity to the presence or absence of anthropological insights. The course will assure that students become well versed in how to synthesize the resources of various branches of the discipline.

An examination of classical and contemporary anthropological theory, including an emphasis on the most recent directions in the discipline.

An examination of the methods of qualitative research, including participant observation and unstructured interviews, as well as the ethical considerations of fieldwork. Other topics, such as comparative and historical methods, may be included.

This course will examine a range of approaches used in the study of intergroup relations, with special emphasis on struggles over influence and power. Students will acquire a deeper understanding of the complex intersection, as well as the overlap among forms of identity and group mobilization based on ethnic, linguistic, regional, class, gender, racial and other forms of social division. The course may also cover native issues and policies related to multiculturalism, equity and local or regional autonomy.

This course reflects sociological and anthropological interests in understanding societal-ecological interactions. The specific focus may include environmental/natural resources/food systems and/or environmental justice/community sustainability. Students are encouraged to draw on established methodologies in the field, including ethnographic, comparative and historical approaches. Attention is given to the ways that structure/power/culture and class/gender/race/ethnicity play out in at least one of the substantive topics comprising this field. This course is offered in conjunction with SOC*6420.

Cross-cultural and historical changes in gender relations and the roles/positions of women brought about by industrialization and the development of the world system. Critical examination of the predominant theories of gender relations, in so far as these inform development research and action in societies with different socio-economic systems. Introduction to the latest theories and research in the area of women and development, as well as with social and political actions undertaken by women themselves. This is one of the two alternative core courses for the International Development Studies collaborative specialization.

This course will consider some of the theoretical frameworks available for examining work, workers and work places in the context of globalization, economic restructuring, and shifts in public policy. Using case studies of particular work worlds, the course may include topics such as changing patterns of work and employment in comparative contexts, labour regimes, industrial and organizational change, organizations and protest, education for work, and the regulation of work. The course will focus on the dialectical relationship between the configurations of gender, class, race and ethnicity and the transformation of work.

This course will be offered with varying content focusing on theory or research.

A program of directed reading, complemented with the writing of papers or participation in research. Reading courses are arranged by students through their advisors or advisory committees and must be approved by the chair of the department. This course may be repeated provided different content is involved.

The major paper is an extensive research paper for those who do not elect to complete a thesis. It may be taken over two semesters.

The pro-seminar concerns matters involved in graduate studies and later work as a professional anthropologist, including how to form a graduate advisory committee, assistantship responsibilities, presentation skills, exploration of careers in anthropology, writing grant proposals, reports and articles, and teaching. Offered in conjunction with SOC*6700.