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Frequently Asked Questions


How do I become an author?

There are two main ways to become an author for TOTEM. The first is to submit an original paper written for a course. The second is to write an original paper specifically designed for TOTEM. Articles can cover any anthropological topic, issue, question, critique, or other unique perspective or experience. All works submitted to TOTEM must be previously unpublished. We also welcome work from undergraduate and graduate students from other fields and institutions whose work is relevant to anthropology. Work to be considered for publication should be submitted using the link in the action bar on the left side of this page.

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I am an undergrad student here a UWO, and I conducted my research elsewhere. Can I still publish in TOTEM?

Yes, definitely.

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What type of articles does TOTEM accept?

TOTEM accepts articles related to all the subfields of anthropology; these can include course papers and original pieces for journal. If you have something specific in mind, please contact the co-editors.

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What is the deadline for submitting articles?

Articles for the 2011/2012 issue will be accepted from October 1, 2011 until January 31, 2012

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What is the format for citations in manuscripts?

TOTEM follows the citation format of Current Anthropology. We will be updating our own style guide shortly.
Link for website: Anthropology Style Guide. Link for PDF: You can download the Style Guide here.

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Who decides which articles will be published?

Articles are collected by the co-editors and assigned anonymously to peer-reviewers with expertise on the paper’s topic. Each paper is then reviewed by at least two peer reviewers before meeting final approval by the co-editors who coordinate final edits and publication

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Where can I obtain past TOTEM articles or journals?

Hard copies of TOTEM are available in the Weldon Library at The University of Western Ontario and in the Department of Anthropology Library. All new articles will be published online, and soon all the past issues will be digitized and accessible online as well. Online issues will be accessible for free as downloadable pdfs.

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Who Supports TOTEM?

TOTEM receives the majority of its support from the undergraduate Anthropology Society and the UWO Department of Anthropology. Weldon Library supports TOTEM by hosting the journal site and past volumes.

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Can I submit work completed as part of my class? Does my professor have to be a co-author? Will my professor be contacted?

Papers written for an university course can be submitted for publication. Unless they have contributed substantially to the research and/or writing of the work, professors will not be considered as co-authors and will not be contacted.

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Who can I contact for more information?

Questions can be emailed to

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If I publish in TOTEM, can I submit to other journals?

Authors agree to grant TOTEM exclusive first publication rights, but the author can later republish their work as long as it is accompanied by a citation referring to TOTEM (Link to copyright policy). Please note that many journals claim the same right of first publication and may not accept previously published work.

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How do I become involved with TOTEM?

Currently, we welcome undergraduate and graduate students to volunteer as peer-reviewers, a position that will entail attendance at an editing workshop to be held in early December. There are also opportunities to volunteer with the undergraduate Anthropology Society, and for graduates, the chance to run for a co-editor position in the spring.

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If I am a non-UWO student, can I submit an article?

We welcome students from all academic institutions to submit articles that are in line with our aims and scope. If there are problems with submitting using the online submission system, please email the co-editors at to arrange a solution.

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How do I become a peer-reviewer?

Any University of Western Ontario Anthropology undergraduate or graduate student can respond to the Call for Reviewers or contact the co-editors directly. The Call for Reviewers includes an application (on which to detail one's experience and areas of interest) AND mandatory attendance at one of two sessions on professional and effective reviewing techniques. The sessions will include veterans of The University of Western Ontario Teaching Support Centre's Teaching Assistant Training Program who will present on the art of offering constructive feedback. Finally, if accepted as a reviewer, one will receive one or two papers which must be returned within a two week deadline to the chief editors. Reviewers will also receive credit in the volume for which they offered their time and skills.

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