The Program
Anthropology is the study of humanity, our culture, history, evolution, language, and biology. Anthropologists follow a holistic approach, integrating all aspects of human existence, offering a humanistic understanding of society, and the way people solve their own problems. Anthropologists are concerned with understanding the structure and functioning of social groups through minimally invasive participant observation and other "qualitative" techniques in their own communities, as well as in other countries.
VIU's program encourages the application of anthropological theory, knowledge and methods in areas such as "race" relations, cultural sensitivity training, archaeology, resource management, human rights facilitation, the interaction of culture and the environment, as well as, the evolutionary biology of our species and the history of cultures around the world. The inclusive nature of anthropology is especially relevant in light of the increasing cultural diversity of our own society and the current intensity of political actions worldwide.
The Anthropology Honours programme will provide students with training and qualifications that extend those in the regular anthropology degree program. The development and completion of the honours essay that is comprised of original research is invaluable experience for those planning to apply to graduate school.