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Course Description

This course deals with humankind from a broad historical and cross-cultural perspective. Theoretical models, case studies and specific methods will be presented. Course topics may include the origin and transformations of human society, the relationship between biological and cultural traits, human language, variation in family structure and religion, the economic and political aspects of human society.

What You'll Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the core concepts that distinguish anthropology from other academic disciplines
  • Discuss how anthropologists view the world; be aware of some differences of opinion and viewpoints among anthropologists
  • Describe the main technical terms and concepts used by anthropologists
  • Explain the differences between the four main sub-disciplines of Anthropology and how each contributes to a holistic understanding of Homo Sapiens as a species
  • Explain how anthropologists use and define the word culture in the context of human belief and behaviour
  • State the impact of cultural differences, as well as the more universal aspects of human cultural uniformity and be able to identify ethnocentrism, the value of cultural relativism, and strategies to overcome their own cultural biases
  • Distinguish between an anthropological and a non-anthropological perspective on a wide range of issues that flow from being human, ranging from biological diversity, religion, politics, family, race, ethnic relations among other topics, as well as examine the relevant cultural elements of any society from an anthropological perspective
  • State how culture has shaped the development of human societies and appreciate its role in shaping human history

Additional Requirements

This course will use the following:

  • Respondus tool to invigilate one or more exams. 

Please view the Technical Considerations.

Technical Requirements

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*Course details are subject to change.

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Enrol Now - Select a section to enrol in

Section Title
Introduction to Anthropology
Type
Online
Dates
January 05, 2026 to April 06, 2026
Contact Hours
36.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
Domestic Tuition Fee (0.5 units) $683.39 Click here to get more information
Domestic Tuition Fee - Non-Ontario (0.5 units) $815.35 Click here to get more information
International Tuition Fee (0.5 units) $3,787.68 Click here to get more information
Available for Credit
0.5 units
Reading List / Textbook
You may purchase your course textbook, or other required/supplementary reading and learning materials, from the University of Guelph Bookstore or the Guelph Campus Co-op Bookstore, or from another third-party seller.

Section Notes

Note:  If you are in a degree program at the University of Guelph, please DO NOT register using the link above.  You must register through WebAdvisor.
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