About the Department
Welcome to the Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Crime and Justice Studies. As an interdisciplinary department, we offer students a unique opportunity to explore the social world through distinct but related branches of knowledge in the social sciences.
The programs in Sociology, Anthropology, and Crime and Justice Studies all share the broader goal of understanding society and culture through a comparative and historical perspective. Specifically the curriculum is designed to foster students’ understanding of the social construction of difference; entrenched systems of inequality and oppression; and the dynamics of local and global distributions of power.
Our wide range of courses explore the complex interconnections between race, class, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexuality and focus on understanding contemporary social issues, both in the U.S. and around the world. Majors learn how to apply theoretical debates in sociology, anthropology, and crime and justice studies (as appropriate to a student’s selected concentration) to the investigation of social life, and develop critical insights into possibilities for social change.
The Department’s curriculum features multiple opportunities for connecting classroom learning, community engagement, and individual exploration. Students are encouraged to pursue issues of interest to them through community-based research, internships, seminars, as well as independent study and thesis options. A central aim of the Department's curriculum is to help students develop the essential skills of thinking critically, and expressing themselves clearly and persuasively.
Students may pursue a degree in any of the following areas:
- BA in Sociology
- BA in Sociology with an option in Anthropology
- BA in Crime & Justice Studies
- Minor in Sociology
- Minor in Anthropology
Learn more about Admission into the Department.
Learn more about Department's Student Learning Goals.
Learn about Department's Advising Support.
Learn about the Department Policy on Racism
