The Round Table episode is the first in a series by five students from the University of Victoria. Emily Badger, Scott Steele, Maya Cowan, Lisa Reid and Cianan Butterfield-Stinson discuss their time in Dr. Katherine Cook’s Archaeology & Heritage: Ethics, Politics & Society course.

Coming from diverse backgrounds in anthropology, the students reflect on the course from the first day until the last. Having had different reasons for taking this course, they begin to discuss the major themes, and how these apply to their anthropological experience. The five individuals have interviewed professors within the anthropology department at the University of Victoria, each one slightly focused in one of three primary directions: activism/advocacy, mentorship, and indigenous collaboration. 

Within the series, professors from a variety of backgrounds, interests and specialities share their thoughts on each topic.

Episode 1: Introduction

Dr. Erin McGuire, an assistant teaching professor within the University of Victoria’s Anthropology Department, is interviewed by Emily Badger, a fourth year within the same department.

One of the primary themes in this interview is the idea of mentorship. Dr. McGuire’s position as the professor of the first year anthropology course at the university puts her in touch with individuals just starting in the field. Building a mentorship program that puts students in touch with students is a key idea discussed; peers are some of the best resources. 

On the topic of advocacy, Dr. McGuire makes a point of encouraging students to look at problems that they will be confronted with such as globalization and sustainability.

http://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/anthropology/people/faculty/mcguireerin.php

Episode 2: Dr. Erin McGuire

Dr. Katherine Cook is a sessional assistant teaching professor in the University of Victoria’s anthropology department. An interview by Maya Cowan offers insight into Dr. Cook’s teaching, and how she brings politics and ethics to light in her courses. 

She considers students capable of being activists in many different ways, regardless of their backgrounds. Through social media, participation in conversations and asking questions when you feel unsure are a few of the ways Dr. Cook recommends students get into an active role. 

In conclusion the discussion focuses on mentorship. There are a variety of ways one can find mentorship, both within one’s own department and outside. Dr. Cook says that students should not limit themselves in any way: mentors, careers, or otherwise. 

http://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/anthropology/assets/docs/profiles/Katherine%20Cook%20web%20profile.pdf

Episode 3: Dr. Katherine Cook

5 undergraduate anthropology students get together to interview their professors, and discuss important topics in their academic careers (and beyond): advocacy and activism, indigenous collaboration, and mentorship.

Scott: I am a 5th year UVic student finishing degrees in Anthropology and Geography. My interest in anthropology began in classical studies but over the course of my time in the UVic anthropology department I’ve been exposed to Medical Anthropology and enjoy pursuing questions that unravel how cultural, geographic, political, and economic factors contribute to syndemic determinants of health.

Emily: I’m a fourth year undergraduate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Victoria. I have an array of interests ranging from archaeology to cultural anthropology to biological anthropology. This course was interesting and caught my eye because I’ve been wanting to see different ways one can become involved. I’m primary focus within this series was a mentorship aspect within our department, as anthropology is something that I believe needs to be based on collaboration, especially among peers. 

Lisa: I am a third-year undergraduate working towards my degree in Anthropology. My focus is on cultural and archeological anthropology, as my interest is in human societies from a social and political point of view. This course has exposed me to various opportunities that have helped in the growth of my education. 

Maya: I’m a fourth-year undergraduate, starting grad school for anthropology in fall 2017. My interests within anthropology tend to fall on the cultural side of things, especially economic anthropology and anthropology examining the relationships between epistemologies. 

Cianan: I am a third-year undergraduate in the process of completing my BA consisting of both anthropology and psychology. Most of my interest within this department resides within the cultural side of anthropology and more specifically involving First Nations people in Canada.