Department of Anthropology & Sociology

Anthropology and Sociology is the study of humans – past and present. We are both sensitive to cultural and religious variations among people, and we appreciate the long evolutionary history of our species. True understanding of human cultural and biological variability is predicated on the study and teaching of evolution as one of the cornerstones of the field. The faculty of Anthropology  and Sociology at The University of Tulsa affirm and support the statement of the American Association of Anthropology (AAA) (2000) and the statement of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on the teaching of evolution.

History is plagued by misconceptions of the concept of race. As scientists in a field that is focused on the analyses of human variation through myriad of lens, we assert that modern and past can be understood as the expression of genetic diversity within human populations and that race, as a biological concept, does not exist in humans. The faculty of the TU Department of Anthropology and Sociology endorse the statement of the The faculty of the TU Department of Anthropology and Sociology endorse the statement of the American Association of Biological Anthropology (AABA) and the statement of the American Association of Anthropology (AAA) (1998) on the concept of race.

Hands on experience is a vital part of your undergraduate education and a unique aspect of TU. In the Department of Anthropology & Sociology, we offer many opportunities for you to begin research in any one of our labs as early as your first semester.

The department prides itself on wide-range laboratories, collections and facilities, and collaborations with other labs and facilities across campus. All anthropology faculty and sociology faculty welcome inquiries from current and potential TU students.

The department offers endless possibilities for students to step outside their world and research the unknown. From examining the lives of undocumented immigrants and delving into other misconceptions, our students ask the tough questions to discover meaningful truths about their subjects and themselves.

You can volunteer, participate in an independent study or apply to be part of Arts and Sciences Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC) which provides funding for summer research and includes grantsmanship, presentation abilities and community service. Additional funding for research is available through the Odell Foundation.

Opportunities for additional hands on experiences are available through Lambda Alpha (anthropology honors society) activities.

Anthropology is a global discipline. You can join a field school in any of the disciplines of Anthropology (Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, and Biological Anthropology), run by TU faculty or by other institutions. Students have joined our faculty in countries such as Armenia, Israel, Jordan, Guatemala and Mexico. If you wish to spend more time abroad, we recommend you consider a semester or years overseas which is coordinated by the Center for Global Engagement.

For anthropology summer field school, please contact the undergraduate advisor Miriam Belmaker.

Lambda Alpha National Honor Society

The department sponsors the Alpha of Oklahoma chapter of Lambda Alpha (known also as the TU Student Anthropology Society). Lambda Alpha is the national collegiate honor society and student group for Anthropology. The purpose of the society is to encourage scholarship and research in anthropology by recognizing and honoring superior achievement in the discipline among students engaged in the study of anthropology. Throughout the year Lambda Alpha organizes academic lectures, professionalization events and social activities for undergraduate and graduate anthropology students.

All anthropology students, both undergraduate and graduate students, are encouraged to join the Alpha of Oklahoma chapter of Lambda Alpha and participate in events organized through the society. Membership to the national Lambda Alpha society can be purchased through the local chapter but is not a requirement to join the local society or participate in events.

The national Lambda Alpha organization provides funding for student research in the form of two competitive awards. Graduating senior majors in anthropology can apply for the national scholarship of $5,000, recognizing outstanding achievement. The graduate research grant is awarded to graduate students for overseas dissertation research (from $2,000 to $6,000). Applicants must be members of the national Lambda Alpha society and from chartered departments qualify to compete for these awards.

Lambda Alpha Faculty Advisor

Miriam Belmaker
Harwell Hall, Room 118
918-631-3759

University of Tulsa chapter of Lambda Alpha