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If you like history, people, and hands-on learning, studying anthropology at the University of Iowa is the place for you.

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As a discipline centered on human life, anthropology offers unique tools to analyze, understand, and address pressing issues facing people and the planet.

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News and announcements

University of Iowa student Veronica stands in front of a display of Daruma dolls in Japan.

How studying abroad transformed the college experience for these CLAS students

Thursday, August 13, 2026
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Through internships, coursework, and cultural immersion, these CLAS students discovered new perspectives and meaningful learning experiences that extended far beyond campus.
A student at the University of Iowa in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences writes in a notebook.

UI Writing Enriched Curriculum pilot to begin in CLAS

Friday, July 24, 2026
Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
The University of Iowa launches a new Writing Enriched Curriculum pilot program this fall, beginning with the Department of Anthropology and the Department of History in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Professor instructing students

Anthropology student gets hands dirty in CLAS

Monday, February 9, 2026
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Breaking rocks and building a future through anthropology.
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Upcoming events

Registration Deadline: Junior Faculty and Graduate Student Session with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence promotional image

Registration Deadline: Junior Faculty and Graduate Student Session with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (all day)
111 Church Street

University of Iowa junior faculty and graduate students at all stages are invited to join Walter Biggins—editor-in-chief at the University of Pennsylvania Press—for a light breakfast and a conversation about turning an article, thesis, or dissertation into a book on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 9–10:30 a.m. at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies library. Please bring any questions you have about that process or about scholarly publishing in general.

Register by Wednesday, September 30.

Biggins is...

Registration Deadline: Undergraduate Career Session with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence promotional image

Registration Deadline: Undergraduate Career Session with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (all day)
111 Church Street

Interested in a career in publishing? In this session on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at noon at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, Walter Biggins, editor-in-chief at University of Pennsylvania Press, will discuss his career path and editorial work. This is an opportunity for students to hear directly from a distinguished professional about the realities of the field and to gain insight into how to prepare for a career in publishing. Pizza will be provided!

Please register by Wednesday, September 30.

B...

RSVP Deadline: AMA with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence promotional image

RSVP Deadline: AMA with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (all day)
111 Church Street

UI faculty, students, and staff are invited to attend ask-me-anything group discussions with Walter Biggins—editor-in-chief at University of Pennsylvania Press—at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1 at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies. Questions might address finding an editor, pitching a book, writing a book proposal, how the publishing process works, etc.

There will be two back-to-back discussions; you may attend one or both.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 30.

Free and open to all.

Bi...

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Our teaching, research and public engagement are animated by anthropology’s appreciation for and study of all aspects of human difference.

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