Department of Sociology and Anthropology
About the Major
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a diverse curriculum exploring the institutions and processes that maintain and change human societies. Our program places special emphasis on the value of learning how to deal with contemporary social and cultural issues and how to develop problem-solving and research skills. Students choose a major in either sociology or anthropology but all majors are introduced to introductory concepts, methods and theories appropriate to research in both disciplines.
The major in Anthropology introduces students to the four-field approach to the discipline, requiring students to choose from courses in physical anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and cultural anthropology. Students must also complete a course in Anthropological Theory (Junior I.S.), as well and Sociological Perspectives.
Sociology majors are required to complete a course in Classical Social Theory and Contemporary Sociological Theory (Junior I.S.), as well as one course that discusses issues of either race, class, or gender. Students must also take Introduction to Anthropology.
In addition, students interested in either track take at least one course in research methods. In this course, they learn the basics of both qualitative and quantitative methods, including research design, survey techniques, participant observations, and beginning statistics. Students interested in pursuing graduate work are also encourage to enroll in Advanced Ethnographic Methods and Advanced Statistics.