Anthropology and Sociology - Lafayette College

Anthropology and Sociology from Lafayette College is a Campus Bachelor Sociology degree that prepares you for a Human Services career. Anthropology and sociology students probe beneath the surface of human relations to explore questions such as: Is human society an orderly, integrated cohesive system or is it really a battleground of conflict between classes, races, ethnic groups, even men and women? What common elements are found in all human societies and what makes each distinct? How can the direction of social change be determined? Is it possible to control change? When did the first humans appear? What does it mean to be human? Through this exploration, you may begin to see yourself and your place in society in a whole new way. You also acquire skills of observation, analysis, and understanding that will serve you throughout your life. Studying anthropology and sociology at Lafayette gives you: an overall appreciation of the structure of society and the nature of social interaction; broad understanding of people; awareness and sensitivity to different cultural perspectives that is invaluable in today's global society; observation skills that enable you to analyze groups in action and draw conclusions about how organizations function; the skills for collecting and analyzing data. Course of Study After taking several courses that introduce you to the themes of anthropology and sociology , you move into small, advanced classes that focus on theory and methodology. In addition, because anthropology and sociology are dynamic fields that continually evolve and change, the department offers a number of special topics seminars for advanced students. Recent seminars have explored anthropology through literature, the organization of nuclear weapons, the sociology of revolution, and the sociology of sports. Your course work is completed in three phases: Introduction to the general perspectives of anthropology and sociology usually during the first two years, Middle-level courses such as medical anthropology, political sociology, and European communities; Courses on qualitative and quantitative social science research methods that provide advanced students with the skills to complete independent study projects and honors theses; Independent study projects in which knowledge and skills are organized and fused. Some examples of recent independent studies include the examination of various local organizations such as the YWCA, a Sikh community, Baptist church, senior citizens home, extreme sports competitions, rodeo, and corporations. A specialized computer laboratory in the department includes software for analyzing data and preparing reports. You can also videotape scenes for ethnographic studies and edit them in the department's video laboratory. Lafayette offers both a major and a minor in anthropology and sociology . Since the two subject areas are combined in one department at Lafayette, you can tailor a course sequence to emphasize one or the other or draw from both perspectives. This flexibility is especially desirable for majors planning to go on to graduate study in anthropology or sociology or in professional fields including law, business, social work, and the health professions. View more details on Lafayette College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Sociology courses.