University of Utah Anthropology Department

Anthropology is the comparative, evolutionary and historical study of humankind. Our department takes a theoretically-driven, empirically-informed approach to this study, and has special expertise in archaeology, genetics, behavioral ecology, demography, hunter-gatherers, and evolutionary approaches to human behavior. Our regional expertise is strongest in Africa, Australia, New Guinea, the Middle East, and western North America. We have a small but influential faculty, three of whom (Harpending, Hawkes, O'Connell) are members of the National Academy of Sciences. Many faculty members do research that crosses disciplinary and sub-disciplinary lines, and we encourage students to do the same.

News

Distinguished Professor of Anthropology Kristen Hawkes was one of three U. Utah faculty to be elected this year to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The American Academy is one of the nation's most prestigious honorary societies and a center for independent policy research.

Congratulations to Anthropology Professor Polly Wiessner, who was awarded the University of Utah's prestigious Distinguished Scholarly and Creative Research Award for 2009. The NY Times interview with Dr. Wiessner tells about "Where Gifts and Stories are Crucial to Survival".

Taming Humanity's Urge to War . Scientific American article reviews the Evolution of Human Aggression conference held here last February. Videos of the conference talks are now online.

Did the Sundance Kid die along with Butch Cassidy in South America or did he live to a ripe old age in Utah? Watch Anthropology Professor John McCullough tell KSL TV news the answer .

The departments of Anthropology and Biology have joined in a new Integrative Human Biology initiative. The initiative includes an undergraduate minor (currently under review), plans for a major, and a series of talks and events.

Career News: "Hiring window is open at the foreign service" NY Times, Dec 20, 2008.

The Major in Anthropology with Health Emphasis is designed for pre-med and other students intending to enter health-related professional schools. For more information, see Sandra McCarthy, undergraduate anthropology advisor (581-6251).