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Who are we?

The Department of Social and Cultural Analysis offers programs of study in anthropology, archaeology, geography, gerontology, and sociology. The department curriculum is designed to produce graduates who can reason, gather information, communicate,
solve problems, and adapt easily to change. Such individuals will be well-equipped for success in graduate or professional programs, as well as the world of work.

Liberal arts education

The department’s faculty is committed to the importance of a liberal arts education. We believe that the college learning experience should be intellectually challenging and transforming. Students exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking see the world not as a set of obligations but rather as a world of possibilities and opportunity.

Department Priorities

Students graduating from one of the department’s programs will have unique experiences tailored to their interests and career plans, additionally they will also have a common educational experience based on a set of priorities that the department feels should be part of all areas of study in the department.

Core knowledge – students will have a wide range of knowledge about their discipline. This knowledge will include familiarity with key concepts, terms, and theories. Students will have read and be able to discuss a list of readings appropriate for their program of study.

Field based learning – students will have an opportunity
to learn in a real world setting either by enrolling in a service learning course, by taking an internship, by taking a field school, by conducting community research, or by participating in a study abroad trip.

Skill acquisition – students will leave our program with the concrete, real world skills necessary to be successful in their careers. These skills include computer based technologies, and the ability to write the professional documents and reports required in their respective fields.

Career orientation – students will leave the program with a plan for acquiring a career and for future career development. Students will also complete a resume and portfolio.

Lifelong learning – students will leave our program with a plan for learning throughout the rest of their lives with emphasis upon adapting to the changing modern world.

Civic engagement – students will understand the importance of civic engagement and will complete a civic engagement plan for their lives after graduation. For example, students will be able to contribute to local, national, and international conversations about sustainability by applying the knowledge and skills from their respective disciplines.