Overview
Anthropologists ask the fundamental question… what is a human being? As a social science, anthropology links perspectives with sociology, psychology, cultural geography, economics and other disciplines. As a biological science, we study human behaviour as a part of nature, for example, we compare human anatomy and behaviour with other animals, especially our closest relatives - apes and monkeys. Anthropology is often called a holistic discipline because we relate to many different perspectives of human behaviour, so nothing is off–limits to investigation. This broad scope is reflected by course offerings at Langara College and by the diverse backgrounds of our faculty.
Anthropology instructors at Langara College bring together wide-ranging interests, considerable experience in various aspects of the discipline, and conduct ongoing research programs in cultural (social), physical (bioanthropology) and archaeology. Our teaching foci provides students with a strong understanding of the basic anthropological principles, theories and methods required for exploration of global and regional cultural diversity, change and explores human origins.
Anthropology also supports a number of external study programs and contemporary cultural initiatives. For example, we support field programs in Africa, British Columbia, Latin America and Thailand. Faculty members participate in workshop sand seminars as well as teaching support courses for Aboriginal Studies, Fraser River Studies, Classical Studies and Latin American Studies programs.
Our Archaeology Field School is offered regularly in the summer semester.