David Davies

David Davies is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Hamline University, specializing in East Asia with a focus on China's economic and cultural transformations over the past 30 years. His research spans topics like social memory, corporate culture, and celebrity entrepreneurship, often involving collaborative student projects.

He teaches courses on globalization, digital anthropology, and museum studies, frequently connecting students to China's societal dynamics. His innovative pedagogy includes using Minecraft as a virtual classroom during the pandemic, creating immersive environments for discussions and projects. He has led study abroad seminars to China and emphasizes practical, data-driven learning through documentaries, museum exhibits, and global dialogues.

Key publications include analyses of Wal-Mart's localization in China, nostalgia in Chinese visual culture, and Olympic fandom. His work has been featured in Brill, Cornell University Press, and journals like The China Journal and The International Journal of the History of Sport. Collaborations with students have produced documentaries, digital projects, and co-authored chapters.