Sociology & Anthropology

Taylor 222

541-552-6599

Jessica Piekielek, Chair

Professor	Adjunct Faculty	Emeritus
Kylan de Vries	Barry Baker	Cecile Baril
Jessica Piekielek	Jeff LaLande	Anne Chambers
Vincent Smith	Karen Miller-Loessi	Richard Colvard
Mark Tveskov	Kevin Preister	Iain Couchman
	Chelsea Rose
Associate Professor	Eva Skuratowicz	Echo Fields
Larry Gibbs	Bonnie Yates	Bryce Johnson
Kelly Szott		Jean Maxwell
	Associated Faculty	Mark Shibley
Assistant Professor	Carey Sojka	Victoria Sturtevant
Katherine Fox

The sociology and anthropology degree offers students a major based on the shared intellectual foundations and methods of inquiry of two distinct social science disciplines.

Sociology is the study of the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of human groups and how people act within social contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious movements; from the divisions of race, class and gender to the shared beliefs of a common culture; from work lives to digital selves.

Anthropology’s diverse subject matter of “human beings in all times and places” reflects the discipline’s interest in human culture dating from the Paleolithic past to contemporary times; from exotic, distant societies to the myriad subcultures of the Western world; from the biological bases of human behavior to our most elaborate cultural creations; and in the interaction of diverse peoples from colonial to modern contexts.

Our curriculum emphasizes an appreciation of cultural diversity and a critical, historical, and comparative perspective on social worlds. Students develop the conceptual and analytic skills for understanding identity, behavior, culture, power, and social change. All majors complete a rigorous 16-credit research methods sequence and a year-long capstone experience that requires students to put their anthropological and sociological skills to work through individual projects of their own design. Students engage in learning in and out of the classroom to prepare for a wide range of careers and graduate education.

Coursework and curriculum in the sociology and anthropology program emphasize practical application of skills to a variety of issues. Students are encouraged to seek internships and practica placements that match their specific interests to fully develop their skills and to gain experience that will further their career goals. The program’s close and supportive relationship with local groups and organizations provides a basis for meaningful student involvement in problem solving. Practical experiences culminate in a senior capstone designed and carried out under faculty supervision.

Major, Minors, and Certificates in the Sociology and Anthropology program

Students are encouraged to indicate their interest in a sociology and anthropology major, minor, or certificate at the first possible opportunity. Advisors are assigned to best support students’ individual interests and career goals. Regular meetings with the advisor will ensure that degree requirements are met efficiently and full use is made of program opportunities.

Sociology and Anthropology majors are not eligible for a Sociology and Anthropology minor.

Major and Minor in Sociology and Anthropology

The program offers a Sociology and Anthropology major (BA/BS) and minor.

Social Justice Certificate

The Social Justice certificate helps students understand relationships of vulnerability, power inequity, and institutions of change, and provides tools needed for informed and effective participation at all levels of community.

Human Service Degree

The sociology and anthropology program collaborates with the psychology program to offer an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree focusing on the needs of human service professionals. Curriculum and requirements are listed in the Human Service section of the SOU Catalog.

Programs

Major

Sociology and Anthropology, BA or BS

Certificates

Certificate in Social Justice

Minor

Sociology and Anthropology Minor

Courses

Sociology and Anthropology