About Us
Welcome from the Chair
Fostering community, learning and discovery
Welcome to the official website of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Delaware! Our premier undergraduate programs educate students about the diversity of human experience and the importance of apprehending social issues in critical and sensitive ways.
Our department takes pride in its innovative approach to teaching, blending holistic and experiential learning experiences to provide students with a comprehensive education in anthropology. "It’s fun for me to have this amazing opportunity to open up a new world to students," said Kedron Thomas, an associate professor of anthropology who was featured in UD's How I Teach series. At the heart of our program is a strong sense of community between undergraduate students and faculty, fostering an environment where learning and discovery thrive.
We are committed to offering our students unique opportunities for collaborative research, working closely with faculty who are world-renowned scholars in their fields. Our department boasts expertise across archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education from leaders in the field.
Explore our undergraduate programs, which include majors, minors, and honors degrees designed to cater to a wide range of interests and career goals. Whether you are passionate about uncovering ancient civilizations, studying human evolution, or exploring diverse cultural practices, the Department of Anthropology at the University of Delaware offers a dynamic and supportive environment for your academic journey.
We invite you to navigate through our website to learn more about our faculty, research opportunities, and the vibrant community that awaits you. Join us in exploring the richness of human experience through the lens of anthropology at the University of Delaware.
— Peter Benson, Ph.D., Chair and Professor, Department of Anthropology
About Anthropology at UD
The field of anthropology seeks to understand and address the challenges and opportunities of our time. The Department of Anthropology at the University of Delaware features a premier undergraduate program that educates students about the diversity of human experience and the importance of apprehending social issues in critical and sensitive ways. The field of anthropology is made up of multiple subfields (archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology) and the department at the University of Delaware has world renowned scholars in each of these areas, contributing to the study of human societies, both past and present. Anthropology integrates the sciences and humanities to explore cross-cultural and global perspectives on what it means to be human in different times and places.
We furnish students with opportunities for experiential learning through original laboratory, ethnographic and archaeological research. Interactive classes and innovative learning contexts provide significant opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary research with personalized supervision that culminates in professional products, including conference presentations and faculty-student publications. These experiences foster the strong sense of community between students and faculty that is a hallmark of our department and enhance the humanism and scientific approaches that define the field of anthropology. The department also emphasizes key skills in writing, critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation. These skills, and anthropology's education in culture, society, and biology, are essential for engaging the complexities of today's world and seeking professional employment and graduate study.
Visitor Information
The University of Delaware campus is located in Newark, Delaware, which is about 20 minutes away from Wilmington, an hour from either Philadelphia or Baltimore, two hours from Washington D.C., and two and a half hours from New York City.
Dedication of Munroe Hall
Built in the early 20th-century for faculty housing, three historic homes were renovated and unified by a two-story building to form John Munroe Hall. Home to the Departments of Anthropology and History, the building was named in honor of the late John Munroe, H. Rodney Sharp Professor Emeritus of History, and was dedicated on November 2, 1997.
Located at 46 West Delaware Avenue, Munroe Hall is a model of what President Roselle styled "adaptive reuse" of three older brick houses fronting the north side of the street. These houses which were originally built in 1912, were renovated for office and lab space while preserving the historic appearance of their facades,and then were joined in the back to a new two-story building that mimics their old Newark architecture.
The College’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are significant parts of the University of Delaware's College of Arts and Sciences's values and goals. The college's commitment to these values is not just evident in its student body but also its faculty, staff, and curriculum, ensuring a fully inclusive experience. Through this steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the college continues to enrich its educational offering, allowing each student to benefit from a wide array of viewpoints and experiences.
