Academics
The department has three undergraduate major programs: Anthropology, Archaeology, and Biological Anthropology. Together, these place us in the top five at GW in the number of student majors.
The department also provides a variety of innovative graduate programs in anthropology that take advantage of the unique resources Washington has to offer. We are proud of the breadth and depth of our course offerings and of our 120-year-long relationship with the Smithsonian Institution.
The Discipline of Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of the forms and functions of human diversity in the present and the past.
Through intensive fieldwork and laboratory analysis, anthropologists:
- compile detailed knowledge of particular social groups and populations
- develop theoretical generalizations
- test theoretical claims against empirical evidence
In its broad focus on humanity, anthropology is an integrative discipline, bringing together scholarly work in:
- the humanities
- the natural sciences
- the social sciences.
"Like mathematics or music, anthropology is one of the few genuine vocations. One can discover it in oneself even when one is taught nothing about it." — Claude Lévi-Strauss
For more information on anthropology's relationship to other academic disciplines, read "Anthropology and the Disciplines."
Anthropology and the Professions
To learn about anthropology's relevance to various professions, see "Anthropology and the Professions."
The George Washington University and the Smithsonian Institution are doing a study in Washington, DC to understand the differences in how people use mobile phones (aka cell phones or hand-phones). We would highly appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to take a short questionnaire -- only the parts that you feel comfortable answering. All information will be kept private and only used for research. Thank you for your cooperation.
GW Anthropology Society
Members of the GW Anthropology Society are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge within their field. Through the diffusion of ideas, camaraderie, and interdependence between the four subfields of anthropology, members strive to promote a holistic approach to the study of the human condition, its history and biology.
The Anthropology Society sponsors our annual Halloween pumpkin-carving contest and holds other social and educational functions, such as the Darwin's Day Potlatch.
Go to the Anthropology Society webpage.
Go to the GW Student Organizations entry for the Anthropology Society.