Approaching the study of culture and society from a critical perspective, students are encouraged to examine the multifaceted relations between anthropology and its subjects. Many courses concentrate on the radical impact of global transformations in the past and in the contemporary world.

By addressing the most pressing social and political problems of the 21st century, the Department of Anthropology stands at the forefront of The New School’s commitment to a critical social science. Since its inception in 1971, the department has fostered cutting-edge empirical, historical, and critical scholarship. Long committed to the interdisciplinary breadth necessary for innovative ethnographic and theoretical work, the department builds on the close-knit faculty of The New School for Social Research. Emerging as one of the leading anthropology departments for graduate studies in the United States, we emphasize critical reflection at all levels of inquiry. A small, lively group of active scholars and students, we thrive in a dynamic intellectual environment that fosters inventive, engaged scholarship supported by rigorous theoretical and empirical work, innovative research methodologies, and a sustained and serious commitment to history.

Students are encouraged to explore analytic and social issues through ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, and theoretical reflection. They participate in courses and projects developed by our faculty both individually and in collaboration with a range of programs at The New School, in particular with the graduate program in International Affairs, Parsons The New School for Design, the India-China Institute, and the Committee on Historical Studies. They also often take advantage of our close ties to the Janey Program in Latin American Studies and the Transregional Center for Democratic Studies. In addition, students take courses across the citywide Inter-University Consortium.

All Anthropology students at The New School enter the MA program. After completing 30 credits and successfully passing the MA exam, they may petition for admission into the doctoral program.

212.229.5757
Admissions Liaison: anthliaison@newschool.edu