About
Chair of the Department of Anthropology
Welcome to the Department of Anthropology
Anthropologists are no longer found only in far off and exotic locations; they now work in government, private industry, law enforcement, and non-profit organizations, to name just a few.
The unique skills and perspectives that an Anthropology degree provides is an understanding about how we are all shaped by the cultural, social, political, and historical contexts in which we live. Employers identify critical thinking, communication, and problem solving as the most important skills they look for in university graduates.
An Anthropology degree emphasizes these important skills, improves your knowledge about cultural differences, and provides a broad understanding of the experience of being human.
Andy Roddick, Chair of the Department of Anthropology
Our Location
Department of Anthropology
Chester New Hall, 524
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Contact Information
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 24423
Undergraduate Studies & General Inquiries
Email: anthdep@mcmaster.ca
Graduate Studies
Email: gradmin@mcmaster.ca
Administrative Contacts
Andy Roddick Learn More
Chair, Associate Professor
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23913
Email: roddick@mcmaster.ca
Cal Biruk Learn More
Graduate Chair, Associate Professor
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24664
Email: birukc@mcmaster.ca
Tristan Carter Learn More
Undergraduate Chair, Associate Professor
Kenneth Taylor Hall, 629
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23910
Email: stringy@mcmaster.ca
Delia Hutchinson
Academic Department Manager
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24523
Email: hutchin@mcmaster.ca
John Silva
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Email: silvaj@mcmaster.ca
Katie Miller
Undergraduate Administrative Assistant
Email: millekm2@mcmaster.ca
Explore the various committees within our department, dedicated to enhancing our academic and professional community.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee advises the Anthropology Department Chair on Career Progress/Merit decisions, faculty hiring, and any major issue that affects the Department. The Executive Committee includes the Chair plus two tenured faculty members, covering each of the three major subfields.
Graduate Committee
The Graduate Committee oversees the Anthropology graduate program in terms of its planning and regular functioning. The Graduate Committee includes the Graduate Chair plus two full-time faculty members, covering each of the three major subfields.
Undergraduate Committee
The Undergraduate Committee oversees the Anthropology undergraduate program in terms of its planning and regular functioning. The Undergraduate Committee includes the Undergraduate Chair plus two full-time faculty members, covering each of the three major subfields.
Speaker Series
The Speaker Series is run by the Speaker Series Coordinator(s) who arrange for speakers both internal and visiting to present their research. These arrangements are made in collaboration with other faculty members, and coordinated with other special lecture and speaking events.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee promotes the Department of Anthropology teaching and research activities and accomplishments via the website, newsletter, social media, and other promotional and recruitment materials. The Communications Committee includes the Communications Chair, one graduate student representative, and department support staff.
Library Representative
The Library Representative forwards purchase requests from the Department to the library while ensuring that the Department’s policy on library acquisitions is accurately represented.
Social Committee
The Social Committee organizes and hosts social events for all departmental members, usually planning 1-2 social events each term. The Social Committee includes a faculty Chair, 2-3 staff members, and two student representatives (usually one undergraduate and one graduate).
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Strategies (EDIIS) Committee
The EDIIS Committee develops and oversees strategies to encourage recruitment, offer meaningful support, and enhance retention of diverse department members, staff, and students. The EDIIS Committee includes three faculty members, one MA student, and one PhD student.
Associated Groups
McMaster Anthropology Society (MAS) Explore the McMaster Anthropology Society
The MAS is a recognized and funded club at McMaster University with the mission to provide anthropology students with opportunities to engage with the anthropological community.
ASK! Mentorship Program Connect with a Graduate Student
Anthropology Skills and Knowledge (ASK!) is a mentorship program run by the department’s graduate students who volunteer to help answer any questions undergraduate students may have about their academic experience.
Graduate students from all fields of anthropology are available to provide information to undergrads on a range of topics from volunteering, to summer jobs, how to get into graduate school, and much more.