Kinship, Family and Power (ANTH*3770)
Code and section: ANTH*3770*01
Term: Winter 2026
Instructor: Renee Sylvain
Details
University of Guelph
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Winter 2026
Course Number: ANTH3770
Course Title: Kinship, Family, & Power
Instructor: Dr. Renee Sylvain
Office Hours: TBA
Office: MACK601
Email: rsylvain@uoguelph.ca
Tel: ext. 52721
DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the changing nature of families from anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives. Topics and themes examined include descent systems; marriage practices; connections among households, markets, and states; gender relations; sexuality; reproduction; parenting; personhood; and culture, power, and agency. The primary objective of this course is to critically examine our own assumptions about what is ‘natural’ and inevitable in discussion and debates about families. Thus, we will interrogate heteronormative biases in kinships studies and we will examine the systems of intersectional inequalities in which families are embedded.
COURSE READINGS:
- CouseLink and ARES
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING:
- In-class midterm 1 (20%)
- Take-home Midterm 2 (30%)
- Response papers (15%)
- Final exam (35%)
* Requirements and methods of evaluation are subject to change.