Ghosts, Priests, Doctors, and Witches: What We Miss When We Talk through Science and Belief Letha Victor In this lecture, Letha will discuss her work and experiences with how people manage their encounters with the unseen in northern Uganda. About the Presenter Letha Victor (BA, British Columbia; MA, McGill) is a PhD candidate and a... Continue Reading →

Reproducing Culture: Capitalism, Power, and Hospital Births Sarah Williams Western medicine and health care in North America are often believed to be purely scientific and evidence based, while “alternative” medicine is portrayed as substandard or inferior. In women’s health care especially, many of the medical procedures that are deemed “normal” and necessary for birth are... Continue Reading →

If Humans Evolved from Monkeys, Why are there Still Monkeys? Andrew Holmes This lecture will explore the common questions and misconceptions about evolutionary theory. Drawing on examples from the primate fossil record, Andrew will explain what monkeys, apes, and humans have in common, what makes them different, and how these differences came to be. About... Continue Reading →

Humanitarianism: A View from Anthropology Vivian Solana What are we contributing to when we donate to humanitarian aid? Under the banner of relieving suffering and saving human lives, humanitarian operations have long lasting consequences for the lives of those it assists. Anthropological inquiry into the way in which humanitarian aid infiltrates the social and political... Continue Reading →

Avoiding the Robot Apocalypse: What is Technology? Emma Yasui We are surrounded by technology on a daily basis, and often it feels like our lives are being taken over by gadgets and machines.  But what is technology?  Anthropology is one of several disciplines that has explored this question, from the earliest human ancestors to modern... Continue Reading →

Disappearing Species: Saving Primates through Community Conservation Travis Steffens This lecture will discuss threats to primates in Madagascar, and innovative solutions that help people and primates coexist. About the Presenter Travis S. Steffens has a BSc and MS in Primatology from the University of Calgary, and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of... Continue Reading →

Is it Really Possible to be an “Ethical” Consumer? Jess Davidson Have you ever bought something because it's "green" or "ethical"? Do you know if it really makes a difference? Join University of Toronto Masters student Jess Davidson for a talk on how the ethical consumer has evolved from "boycotter" to "shopper". About the Presenter... Continue Reading →

Are Tattoos, Piercings, and other Body Modifications Natural? Daniel Dick This talk will discuss bodily modifications from past to present. About the Presenter Daniel is a first year MA Candidate in Biological Anthropology at the University of Toronto. He received his Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University earlier this year. During the... Continue Reading →