Since the news landed that the School of Anthropology and Conservation (SAC) has been ranked as one of the top ten places to study Anthropology in the UK, the community has been very excited. As the student society for Anthropology at the University of Kent, suffice it to say we are pretty happy about the news as well. It has come as no surprise to us that our professors and lecturers are working on some very interesting and exciting stuff in all fields of Anthropology. As the committee for AnthSoc, we would like to make the case that joining the society is worthwhile as well.
We are Anthropology Society or AnthSoc. We are an academic society run by students for students. Whether you are studying within SAC or simply interested in Anthropology, why not get involved in the society?
AnthSoc acts as an informal and enjoyable companion to your studies. We are a meeting place for like-minded students interested in all areas of anthropology: biological, social and everything in-between.
Our mission revolves around providing a mixture of informal social activities centred on anthropological themes and opportunities to explore your interests with academic talks. Our society also aims to foster graduate skills and employability.
Student members of the society can expect a variety of activities this academic year. While the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of coming to an end soon, the committee has seen this as an opportunity to connect with more people virtually than ever before. Anthsoc is planning online, informal Q & A-type talks with academics the world over, and hosting debates and quizzes for members to attend even if you are studying from far away. We will also collaborate with other student societies such as the Conservation Society and ECS (Environment, Conservation, Sustainability) to run valuable joint events. We have already worked with UN women UK Kent to produce an article for our blog concerning the ongoing BLM protests.
As anthropology students, we understand the importance of maintaining social ties and engaging in social interaction, so we are still going to run in-person activities for student members whilst following Kent Union’s guidelines for social distancing and general safety. So keep an eye out on our social media for these upcoming events.
Upcoming, at the time of writing this, is a trip to Warden Point, Isle of Sheppey, to search for up to 50 million-year-old fossils. If shark teeth aren’t your thing, then we have treasure hunts and quizzes coming your way. On top of this, we have already hosted our first guest Q & A with Dr Matthew Tocheri from Lakehead University in Ontario, Canada, to discuss the discovery of Homo Floresiensis.
Please check out the blog on our website, Anthroview, and let us know if you have any ideas for articles you would like to write by contacting us through email at anthropology@kentunion.co.uk. Visit our Instagram and Facebook pages as well.