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Welcome to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social structures and cultural dynamics.

Upcoming Events

Sociology & Anthropology Featured Videos

Aug

27 August

Seminar: No More Karamat?: Sacred Beings and Multispecies Haunting(opens in new tab)
11AM - 12.30PM
AS7 06-42

Graduate Research Programme Teaching Workshop and Welcome Tea(opens in new tab)
1.30PM - 5PM
AS1 02-12

Sept

3 September
Seminar: Hierarchy and the Fate of the Performing Arts in Southeast Asia(opens in new tab)
3PM - 4.30PM
AS1 02-12

12 September
Graduate Trivia Night(opens in new tab)
5.30PM - 8.30PM
LT9

30 September
Seminar: Amphibious City: Desiccation and the Climate of Infrastructure in Mumbai(opens in new tab)
3PM - 4.30PM
AS8 06-46

Oct

29 October
Seminar: Enactments of Belonging at the End of Life(opens in new tab)
3PM - 4.30PM
AS1 02-12

Nov

13 November
Seminar: Digital Pop Culture, Video Games, and Indian Cultural Heritage(opens in new tab)
2PM - 3.30PM
AS1 02-12

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Watch our introductory videos on Sociology & Anthropology and hear from our Anthropology graduate, Jia Jia, now a Research Assistant at the Asian Civilisations Museum, as she shares her journey and passion for archaeology.

Latest News and Highlights

donor-15augphoto
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Class'69 donors, award recipients, representatives from the Student Society and Alumni Network, and also colleagues who joined us for the Appreciation Brunch on 15 August 2026. It was a wonderful morning of warm conversations, shared memories and meaningful reconnections.
 
Our deepest appreciation goes to the Class'69 for their continued support and generosity towards our students. We look forward to future gatherings where we can continue celebrating our growing community and nurturing these connections.
Appreciation Brunch on 15 August 2026
GSA

🎉 We are delighted to welcome the inaugural cohort of the Master of Arts in Global Sociology and Anthropology.

On 6 August, our new graduate coursework students gathered for a welcome tea, marking the beginning of their academic journey with us. The session provided an opportunity for students to meet our faculty members, connect with their peers, and learn more about the vibrant community they will be joining.

Through the MA programme, students will engage with advanced sociological and anthropological theories and methods while developing the analytical and research skills to address complex global and societal challenges.

We warmly welcome our pioneering MA students to the NUS community and wish them every success as they embark on this exciting and enriching journey.

Welcome MA in Global Sociology and Anthropology Pioneer Cohort
haseena congrats

👏 Congratulations to Ms Haseena Hashim for winning the FASS Service Award!

The FASS Service Award recognises our administrative staff members who have demonstrated exemplary performance in delivering consistently high-quality services to our students, colleagues and other stakeholders, including members of the public. This award also aims to cultivate an excellent service attitude among our administrative staff.

Read more: FASS Service Award 2026(opens in new tab)

Congratulations to Ms Haseena Hashim for winning the FASS Service Award!
dr-noeleen-banner

📢 We are delighted to welcome our distinguished Sociology alumna, Dr Noeleen Heyzer, as NUS Pro-Chancellor, with effect from 1 August 2026.

Click here(opens in new tab) to read more on Dr Noeleen Heyzer.

Welcome Dr Noeleen Heyzer as NUS Pro-Chancellor from 1 August 2026
anthronewss2026

NUS celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Anthropology majors, alongside its Sociology majors, at the Commencement ceremony on 22 July 2026, marking a significant milestone for our Department. More than 60 years after anthropology was first taught at NUS and four years after the launch of its standalone undergraduate major, the pioneer cohort leaves behind not only a new academic programme, but also a vibrant student community and a legacy of curiosity, empathy and critical inquiry. Equipped to "make the familiar strange and the strange familiar", these graduates enter an increasingly AI-driven world with the skills to better understand people, cultures and the complexities of human experience. Click here(opens in new tab) to read the NUS News article.

Class of 2026: First Batch of Anthropology Majors
farid congrats

👏 As Prof Syed Farid Alatas retires on 30 June 2026, we are delighted to share that he will be appointed as Emeritus Professor from 1 July 2026. This well-deserved honour recognises his decades of service and contributions to the Department and the University. Congratulations and best wishes to Prof Farid!

Happy Retirement and Congratulations to Prof Syed Farid Alatas!
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Articles

16/08/2026

The Coloniality of Knowledge and the Autonomous Knowledge Tradition

24/07/2026

NUS Names Former UN Under-Secretary-General Dr Noeleen Heyzer as Pro-Chancellor

NUS Anthropology graduates 2026
24/07/2026

NUS Celebrates First Anthropology Graduates at Commencement 2026

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