Malta has moved from being a site of anthropological fieldwork to a location from where anthropological teaching and research is vigorously conducted. In the late 1950’s, the island’s political and religious culture was studied intensively by Jeremy Boissevain who proceeded to give occasional courses in anthropology in the late 1970’s. In 1992, under the aegis of the Mediterranean Institute, the University instituted a full Honours Programme in the subject, expanded to post-graduate study facilities up to the Ph.D.

The anthropologists at the University form a cohesive, research-active, group and also teach in Sociology, Law, Tourism Studies and the Institute of Health Care. The demanding Honours course is popular with those attracted by intellectual challenges, as well as visiting and overseas students. Most graduates have gone on to pursue interesting careers in Planning, Cultural Project management, Museology, Diplomacy, as well as post-graduate anthropological research both in the Division or overseas. Both undergraduate and post-graduate students can take advantage of ERASMUS exchanges to spend a semester or a year at various European and US universities. There is also a vigorous and active Anthropology Society, and students are encouraged to attend the advanced Work in Progress Seminars where visiting academics present their latest research. Two International journals are edited by local staff: The Journal of Mediterranean Studies (publ. Mediterranean Institute), and History and Anthropology (Taylor and Francis). Staff are actively engaged in various international research collaborations.  

 

24 May 2012
http://www.um.edu.mt/medinst/anthropology/home