University of Guelph
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Fall 2025
Course Number: ANTH6080
Course Title: Anthropological Theory
Instructor: Dr. Renee Sylvain
Contact Information: Office: MACK601
Office Hours: TBA
Email: rsylvain@uoguelph.ca
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide an overview of the theoretical trends and philosophical shifts in the history of anthropological thought. We will examine major theoretical trends in social and cultural anthropology from the late nineteenth century to the present. The historical survey will focus on major themes and tensions that recur in theoretical frameworks, such as: social change and history; structure and agency; resistance and domination; power and inequality; and interpretation and representation. We will also examine the evolution of key concepts used in anthropological theories, such as culture, class, race, ethnicity, and gender. We will examine these theoretical issues by focusing on major debates and controversies in anthropology in order to explore the ways in which anthropological interventions may enhance or hinder broader popular understandings of important public issues.
READINGS:
- Readings are posted on ARES and/or CourseLink
REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION:
- Participation - 10%
- Discussion Leading -15%
- Debate Presentations - 40%
- Paper proposal - 10%
- Research Paper - 25%
*Readings, requirements, method of evaluation, and mode of delivery are subject to change.