Anthropology

WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?

Anthropology is the study of human beings, their complex relationships with one another and with the world around them, both now and in the past. In keeping with the North American tradition, our department includes four sub-fields: archaeology (the study of the human past through changes in physical and social landscapes, material artifacts, and documentary records), biological anthropology (the study of the biological evidence for phenomena such as evolution, population change, health, and social inequality), linguistic anthropology (the study of the use and transformation of language in social practices and cultural contexts) and sociocultural anthropology (the study of human relationships and activities and of the meanings and values that motivate them).  In our department, we offer an array of coursework in these sub-fields and promote opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to develop their own research projects. We are especially interested in promoting engaged anthropology, scholarship and teaching that works with members of diverse communities to carry out research that addresses their concerns and interests.

WHY STUDY ANTHROPOLOGY?

The study of human relationships touches on literally every aspect of our world. Our undergraduate majors have gone on to work as physicians and journalists, playwrights and software designers. Both undergraduate and graduate students have made use of anthropological skills and insights at state and national parks, museums, laboratories, and cultural resource management firms. Some of our students participate in internships or conduct research in local cultural institutions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne. Our methods range from scientific techniques used to understand the biochemistry of ancient agricultural or hunting practices to the interpretive skills necessary for understanding processes like immigration or indigenous rights movements around the world. Our faculty are dedicated to insuring that our students develop the skills, concepts, and experience they need to make vital contributions to the world beyond William & Mary.

Students can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Anthropology. Our graduate program offers a terminal M.A., an M.A./Ph.D. sequence, and a Ph.D, with specializations in Historical Anthropology and Historical Archaeology. Undergraduates can major and minor in Anthropology or minor in Native Studies. Students at all levels have multiple research opportunities in and around Williamsburg and in faculty research labs housed in our department.