ANTH 335: Race and Ethnicity in Canada

Course Description

This course provides an anthropological perspective on ethnicity in Canada, studying groups in the context of the wider literature of race relations, minority groups, and ethnicity. The course explores themes and issues relevant to all Canadians, with a focus on understanding the impact of racism, distinguishing how 'race' is used or weaponized in media, and critically evaluating resources presented in various forms.

Learning Objectives

• Assess the impact of racism past to present
• Distinguish how 'race' is used or weaponized in media
• Compare and contrast a number of different settler groups within Canada
• Critically evaluate resources as presented in various forms, e.g., news media, websites, etc.

Evaluation and Assignments

Evaluation will be based on:

• Attendance and participation (25%)
• Opinion piece (5%)
• Short paper-films (15%)
• Exam (25%)
• Final paper (30%) There is no final exam. Not submitting an exam or assignment will result in an "F"; the final grade is based on completing all course work.

Participation and Attendance

• Participation accounts for 25% of the grade, split between different aspects of participation.
• Attendance is required; after the first two weeks, a sign-in sheet will be circulated.
• Active participation includes contributing to all in-class activities and discussion.
• A self-evaluation of participation is required, submitted through VIULearn.

Opinion Piece

• Attend an event and submit an opinion piece (no more than 250-300 words) through VIULearn.
• The opinion piece should be reflective and support the student's opinion.

Short Paper, Films

• Compare/contrast Nakagawa's Between: Living in the Hyphen (2005) with one of the following films:
  • Osborne's Sleeping Tigers: The Asahi Baseball Story (2003)
  • Pappa's Opre Roma: Gypsies in Canada (1999)
  • Welsh's The Story of the Coast Salish Knitters (2000)
• The paper should be no more than 4 pages (1200 words), excluding endnotes and/or bibliography.

Final Paper

• The focus of the paper will be on theme(s) arising from the selection of either Chop Suey Nation or Five Little Indians.
• The paper should illustrate the ability to think and write critically and intelligently.
• Papers should be 6-8 pages in length, maximum of 2400 words, excluding endnotes and/or bibliography.

Required Texts

• James, Carl E., and Adrienne Shadd, eds. 2001. Talking about Identity: Encounters in Race, Ethnicity, and Language.
• Optional texts:
  • Good, Michelle. 2020. Five Little Indians.
  • Hui, Ann. 2019. Chop Suey Nation: The Legion Café and Other Stories from Canada's Chinese Restaurants.

Weekly Topics

• The weekly topics are a guideline and may vary according to class discussion and interests.
• Topics include:
  • Introduction to the course
  • Pandemic times and the rise in racism
  • Language and naming
  • Canadian identity
  • Race: What is it?
  • The BC History You Didn't Learn
  • Roots of identity, points of origin
  • Ethnic persistence
  • Identities
  • Ethnic hierarchy
  • Stereotypes and media awareness
  • Common themes
  • Shared learning and presentations

Grading Scale

• 90-100: A+
• 85-89: A
• 80-84: A-
• 76-79: B+
• 72-75: B
• 68-71: B-
• 64-67: C+
• 60-63: C
• 55-59: C-
• 50-54: D
• <49: F

Academic Support and Accommodation

• Recording is only permitted by request as authorized by Accessibility Services.
• If there are exceptional and/or extenuating circumstances, such as illness or a death in the family, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.
• Counselling services are available through Student Affairs.
• The Early Alert System (EAS) is a campus-wide program to connect students with resources that may help their success.

Vancouver Island University

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Overview:

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health, science, technology, and trades. VIU is known for its commitment to student success, providing a supportive learning environment and a variety of services to help students thrive.

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Services Offered:

VIU offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:

Academic Advising:

Personalized guidance on program selection, course planning, and academic progress.

Financial Aid and Awards:

Scholarships, bursaries, loans, and other financial assistance options.

Career Services:

Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Library:

Extensive collection of books, journals, databases, and online resources.

Health and Wellness Services:

Counseling, health promotion, and fitness programs.

Student Housing:

On-campus residence options for students seeking a convenient and supportive living environment.

Campus Recreation:

Opportunities for physical activity, sports, and recreational activities.

Campus Store:

Supplies, textbooks, and VIU merchandise.

Food Services:

Dining options on campus, including cafes, restaurants, and vending machines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

VIU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, offering students a variety of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, connect with peers, and develop their personal and professional skills. Students can participate in:

Student Clubs and Organizations:

A wide range of clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.

Campus Events:

Social gatherings, workshops, performances, and guest speaker events.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Opportunities to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.

Athletics:

Participation in varsity sports and recreational leagues.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

Situated on beautiful Vancouver Island, offering access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Small Class Sizes:

Personalized attention from faculty and a more intimate learning environment.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and inclusive campus community that fosters a sense of belonging.

Practical Experience:

Emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications.

Career-Focused Programs:

Programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

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Academic Programs:

VIU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Bachelor's Degrees:

In various disciplines, including arts, business, education, health, science, and technology.

Master's Degrees:

In areas such as business administration, education, and geographic information systems.

Diplomas and Certificates:

In a wide range of fields, including trades, technology, and professional development.

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Other:

VIU has three campuses located in Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Powell River, providing students with a variety of campus environments to choose from. The university also has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and offers a variety of programs and services specifically designed for Indigenous students.