The images above are a random selection from our Anthropology Research Map, which shows the fieldwork undertaken by staff and students within the department.
Social Anthropology explores and compares the ways different peoples live. Today anthropologists are as likely to work in Western urban contexts as they are to research in Alaska or on a tributary of the Amazon. Wherever they work, by being sensitive to social and cultural contexts, anthropologists can gain insights into different ways of being.
Social Anthropology's central methodology, ethnography, provides context-sensitive answers to why people think and behave the way they do. The anthropological contribution to understanding society is characteristically one of laying bare what we take for granted: making un-stated assumptions and beliefs visible and analysing their workings and consequences.
The St Andrews department of Social Anthropology is in the first rank of research-led departments in Britain. According to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, its output of 'world leading' research was bettered only by the London School of Economics. Of the Scottish departments, work published by St Andrews Social Anthropology was ranked highest by a significant margin. Its three major research centres, the Centre for Amerindian, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, the Centre for Cosmopolitan Studies and the Centre for Pacific Studies foster innovative regional and theoretical perspectives and programmes. Alongside its regional focii on Africa, the Americas and the Pacific, the department is internationally recognised for its work on kinship, equality and hierarchy, for its child-centred and individual-centred theoretical concerns, for theorisations of cultural diversity and complexity, and for work that integrates historical, philosophical and ethnographic perspectives.
Latest News
We are delighted to announce that UK and EU students applying for PhD study in Social Anthropology at St Andrews are eligible for two ESRC 3 and 4 year quota studentships. DEADLINE: Those wishing to be considered for ESRC awards must have submitted their application for admission to the University of St Andrews for the PhD programme by 12th March at the very latest. ESRC applications for competition awards normally have to be submitted to the Councils 12th April, but successful applicants should aim to complete their sections of the form by 10th April.
FEE WAIVER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PHD ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER 2010
We are offering fee waiver scholarships in Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS TO REACH US: 9th April 2010
Future events
Fri 26th March 2010 10:00 to 12:00
Beate Engelbrecht, University of Gottingen
Department Seminars
Mon 29th March 2010 to Wed 31st March 2010
Mon 12th April 2010
Sunni-Shii Mausoleums and Saint Veneration in Iraq and Neighbouring Countries (Second Workshop)
Fri 16th April 2010 10:00 to 12:00
Signe Howell, University of Oslo
Department Seminars
Fri 23rd April 2010 10:00 to 12:00
“The aurality of art: an acoustic excavation of a Japanese folding screen”.
Rupert Cox, University of Manchester
Department Seminars