Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Anthropology (Co-op) University of Guelph, Canada

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers three types of courses: sociology courses with the prefix SOC*; anthropology courses with the prefix ANTH*; and departmental courses with the prefix SOAN*. The departmental category of courses recognizes the fact that the disciplines of sociology and sociocultural anthropology have developed in tandem and it is possible to identify large areas of overlap and convergence in the work of practitioners both historically and in the present. Departmental courses include most of the core theory and methods courses as well as many elective courses. They contribute equally to the subject matter of sociology as well as the subject matter of sociocultural anthropology for purposes of the undergraduate programs of study in both disciplines. Please see the listings for all courses required for the Anthropology program.

The Co-op program in Anthropology is designed to allow students to gain experience applying anthropological perspectives and methods in diverse workplace experiences.

Co-op Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Analyse, evaluate and apply anthropological theories to address contemporary social and global issues: These learning outcomes will be further engaged in co-op work terms through the practical consideration of anthropological theory in the contemporary issues that are being engaged within the workplace context.
• Critically reflect on culture, social relations and social structures in order to develop a broader and deeper understanding of social problems: Given that we anticipate that work terms will include work with community-based, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, students will be able to experience hands-on understandings of social problems and approaches to addressing them. This will further their ability to critically reflect on these things inside the classroom as well.
• Interpret, use and mobilize historical and contemporary disciplinary knowledge for a variety of audiences: Work terms are likely to include the need to write reports for different stakeholders/readers, and as such, students will be able to enhance their writing and knowledge translation skills.
• Apply anthropological theories and methods to develop and evaluate policy: This will also be enhanced through work terms, given that we expect some work terms to involve governmental or private organizations that create and implement policies.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, personal organization and time management: Each of these are critical in a workplace, and students in work placements will gain practical understandings of how to work in teams, best manage time and personal accountability, and gain insight into leadership. While this is also done in the classroom, co-op students will gain a different perspective on these as critical to workplace success.
• Demonstrate personal, professional, and academic integrity and ethical reasoning: Through work terms, students will gain further insight into the importance of professional ethics and integrity, which will further their personal and academic integrity and ethical reasoning in other aspects of the program and outside of the classroom.
• Demonstrate personal responsibility and initiative for current and on-going learning: Many workplaces require initiative and on-going learning, and gaining practical knowledge and experience of this in work terms will build students’ capacity both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Apply anthropological theories, methods, and diverse perspectives in real-world workplace settings.
• Critically assess the ways anthropological theories, methods, and perspectives are applied and practiced by different actors in diverse real-world workplace settings.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and integrity in diverse workplace settings.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences, in diverse formats, both written and visual, using relevant technologies, within workplace and academic settings.

Anthropology Academic and Co-op Work Term Schedule

The Anthropology Co-op program is a four and a half year program, including three required work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below:-