Welcome

Anthropology is the study of human difference and diversity, and at GW, it is a four-fields endeavor.

This means that the anthropology department here unites faculty across:

• archaeology
• biological anthropology
• linguistic anthropology
• sociocultural anthropology.

Anthropology courses combine interests in the sciences, history, language, and the arts. As such, anthropology is one of the most lively majors on campus.

The department offers extensive course-work in biological anthropology at graduate and undergraduate levels. Our sister program in Hominid Paleobiology is one of the finest biological anthropology research and teaching groups in the world.

In sociocultural and linguistic anthropology, the faculty has developed excellence in the domains of diasporas, policy, education, performance, and cultural heritage.

Archaeology at GW focuses on both Old and New Worlds, and concerns issues of state-formation, power, and human origins.

Innovative research and pedagogy take advantage of our location in Washington DC., notably our connection (dating to the 1880's) with the Smithsonian Institution.