Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area’s Anthropology faculty is expanding course offerings with the addition of full-time member Dr. Jen Newton, a biological anthropologist.  

Biological anthropology is the study of human biology, evolution, and all of the social aspects surrounding it including death, osteology, disease, and mortuary practices. With the addition of Professor Newton, new courses like Plagues and People (ANTH2450), Human Osteology (ANTH3404), and Mortuary Archaeology (ANTH3540) will now be offered at the Trent Durham GTA campus.

“You’ll find the courses in biological anthropology have an interdisciplinary approach. For example, in the Mortuary Archaeology course, we will explore topics such as health and disease, gender and kinship, and material offerings in respect to the funerary context.  I encourage students from all majors to explore the great course offerings we have in Anthropology,” said Prof. Newton. 

Along with the additional courses, Prof. Newton is also leading the development of a growing osteology collection, which will be used in the new Human Osteology course.   

Trent Durham’s Anthropology department offers a well-rounded program, with Prof. Newton’s focus on biological anthropology, Dr. Helen Haines’ archaeology expertise, and Dr. Roger Lohmann’s proficiency in cultural anthropology. 

There will be future opportunities for students with a keen interest in biological anthropology to participate in hands-on learning opportunities, like in Trent’s field school in Belize that Professor Haines leads. 

Prof. Haines, the new associate chair of Anthropology at Trent Durham, said, “I am really excited to welcome Dr. Newton to our faculty in Durham. Her addition enhances the program offerings in Durham and allows us to offer the high-demand specialization biological anthropology. These additions show that Anthropology is a thriving discipline with much to offer Durham students. 

With the addition of the biological anthropology courses, the Bachelor of Arts Anthropology program is now fully available at the Trent Durham campus. 

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Learn more about Trent Durham’s growing Anthropology department.