The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn or UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of nine colonial colleges chartered prior to the U.S. Declaration of Independence when Benjamin Franklin, the university's founder and first president, advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service. Penn identifies as the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, though this representation is challenged by other universities. Benjamin Franklin and other Philadelphians established the university in 1749, which would make it the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
The University of Pennsylvania's Department of Anthropology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a leading center for exploring the vast complexities of human societies and cultures across time and around the globe. As a dynamic academic unit, it provides a comprehensive approach grounded in the four core subfields of anthropology. The department is home to a diverse faculty whose expertise spans a wide range of research areas, fostering a vibrant environment for intellectual inquiry and discovery. Students at all levels engage with foundational knowledge and gain practical experience through research and fieldwork opportunities worldwide, developing a deep understanding of human diversity and the intricate nature of social life.
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