Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology is the study of social life, change, and the causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists understand that the struggles and successes of individuals are actually social problems and accomplishments. You will explore the intricate and complex relationships between individuals and social structures through the context of real-life concerns such as:

  • Race
  • Class
  • Gender identity
  • Poverty
  • Communication
  • Community well-being

How are crime and justice, illness and health, and oppression and equity socially constructed? How do people engage in collective action to change inequitable life outcomes and what are effective theories, strategies, and tactics of these social movements?

Opportunities are available to apply quantitative and qualitative methods and theoretical perspectives to community concerns through research and internships.

Anthropology is the multidisciplinary study of humans present and past. Anthropologists take a grounded approach to understanding how culture, language, society, and power shape the meanings and experience of everyday life by emphasizing close listening to people's voices and stories. Anthropologists are especially concerned with the application of knowledge to the solution of human problems.

In anthropology programs and courses, you will get guidance in ethnographic fieldwork such as:

  • Approaches to collaborating
  • Listening
  • Observing
  • Documenting
  • Reflecting
Faculty Associated With This Field
Title Expertise
Bridges, George
Dean, Mary Psychology
Hardy, Tara
Krotscheck, Ulrike Classics, archaeology
Lal, Prita Food justice, social movements, race/gender/class inequality, Black studies
McMillin, Paul historical sociology, information studies
Prouty, Carolyn Health science, public health, bioethics
Salazar, Hailey (Hailey Maria)
Shirk, Allison
Stein, Eric Cultural anthropology
Williams, Sarah Feminist Theory, Cultural Studies
Selected Programs 2022-23
Title Class Standing Credits
A People's Epistemology: Shit You Should Know
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4, 8, 12, 16
About the Law and the Politics of Criminal Justice: Why Progressive Reforms Fail
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Achieving the Ideal? A Sociological Study of How Criminal Justice Works ... and Doesn't
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Adventures in Archaeology
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
8
Anti-Fascism Through Information Literacy?: Post-Pandemic Hands-On Learning
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
2
Asylums: Institutions of Social Control in American History
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
8
Black Agrarian Traditions
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Business Leadership: Interpersonal Dynamics
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Business Management and Organization Behavior
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
8
Cascadia: The Environment and History of the Pacific Northwest
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Selected Programs 2023-24
Title Class Standing Credits
Building a Culture that Grows with the Business: Management Foundations
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4, 8, 12
Environmental Justice: History and Sociology
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Environmental Justice: Social Movements
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Foundations in Society, Law, and Justice
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
8
Foundations of Healing-Centered Practice
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4
Gateways for Incarcerated Youth
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
16
Introduction to Environmental Studies: Waste
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
16
Playtime, Lifetime: The Anthropology and Psychology of the Lifespan
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
16
PLE Document Writing
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
2
Prior Learning from Experience Preparatory
  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
4