Dr. Nicholas Harkness

Professor

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Biography

Nicholas Harkness is the Modern Korean Economy Society Professor of Anthropology at Harvard University, specializing in the ethnographic study of communication and sociocultural semiosis (sign processes). His research primarily focuses on South Korea and has led to numerous publications exploring themes such as voice, language, music, religion, ritual, kinship, and urban environments, particularly the city of Seoul. Notable works include 'Songs of Seoul: Ethnography of Voice in Christian South Korea' (University of California Press, 2014), which received the Edward Sapir Book Prize from the Society for Linguistic Anthropology. Harkness's recent book, 'The Glossolalia Problem: Language' (University of Chicago Press, 2021), further examines contemporary semiotics through an anthropological lens. His academic endeavors also involve developing innovative approaches to qualia and ethnographic theorization relevant to sensuous social life.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2014-07-01 — Present

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

Director of the Social Anthropology Program, focusing on research and teaching in anthropological studies of communication and sociocultural semiotics.

Requirements for Harvard University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a technical or quantitative field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).