Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human, whether in the past, the present or the future.
Anthropologists apply research approaches including ethnography, audio-visual and digital methods, excavations, fieldwork and lab-based work. Faculty in the department have undertaken research around the world.
Study anthropology at UVic
Drawing on insights from the social sciences, the sciences and the humanities, anthropologists study how humans have emerged and organized ourselves. Embracing the full diversity of humanity across time and space, anthropologists at UVic work in fields such as:
- human history and material culture (archaeology)
- human evolution and primatology (biological anthropology)
- human culture and society (socio-cultural anthropology)
At UVic, anthropology undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, including field schools and co-operative education.
From small class sizes to hands-on and international learning, learn why you should study anthropology at UVic.
Announcements
Dr. Brown's new publication
July 26, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Brown, our assistant teaching professor (ANTH/CSRS) on her latest publication “Food and Religious Minorities”. You can access the publication here...
Dr. Thom on CBC News Vancouver
July 21, 2024
Dr. Brian Thom was interviewed by the Times Colonist on the upcoming K’ómoks Final Agreement and the opposition to it by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. Also interviewed by CBC...
PhD student creates safe space
July 15, 2024
PhD student and a Vanier Scholar - Lydia Toorenburgh - creates safe space. As trusted truth tellers, mediators and healers, 2SLGBQIA+ Métis people were once celebrated and respected by...
Conference on Indigenous languages co-organized by Dr. Degai
July 10, 2024
Dr. Tatiana Degai has co-organized a three day virtual conference on Indigenous languages in the time of climate change. You can register and see more details via this link:...
Dr. Nowell on Paleolithic fashion
July 9, 2024
Dr. Nowell comments on Paleolithic fashion in an article titled "A prehistoric innovation marked a major shift in how humans dress, scientists say". Read the full article here.
News & events
UVic's Vanier scholars and Banting Fellowship
The University of Victoria is celebrating four outstanding researchers recently announced as 2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholars and one prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellow.
Anthropology grad's international experience
Graduating this spring, anthropology major/sociology minor undergraduate student, Emma Emile appreciates her time at UVic and especially how anthropology “sparked critical reflection on what it...
Woolly dog DNA
In a first high-resolution DNA study of "Mutton"—the only known woolly dog fleece in the world—an international researcher team from the Smithsonian’s Natural Museum of Natural History and UVic,...
Territory acknowledgement
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.