Mission Statement
A central goal of the Sociology-Anthropology Department is to develop our major’s capacities as social scientists to think critically and globally about human experience. The department offers students the richness of a multi-disciplinary study of the ways in which culture and society influence human behavior. We provide students a foundation in the concepts, theories, and methods of sociology and/or anthropology. Students also have the opportunity to take courses related to social work. Our majors may tailor their course of study around one of three major tracks: General Sociology, Human Services and Cross-cultural.
Along with a strong academic background in sociology and anthropology, we want our students’ interests in these disciplines to be grounded within the Christian faith. We place emphasis upon not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also the ability to use them to serve others and to further the building of Christ’s Kingdom.
Below we have outlined the specific student learning goals that direct our curriculum:
1. Students would have a working knowledge of the foundational concepts of both sociology and anthropology and be able to apply them accurately to the analysis of social behavior.
2. Students would understand and be conversant in the main theoretical perspectives in one of the two disciplines, particularly current theoretical models and paradigms. They should also be able to recognize and discuss the possibilities and the limits of various theories to reflect or inform a Biblical perspective of humanity, society, and culture.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to bring dimensions of diversity, especially gender, social class, and ethnicity and culture to the discussion and analysis of issues within sociology, anthropology, and social work.
4. Students are able to develop a research problem and select appropriate methods and data analysis techniques. They understand and can use the major research methods of both disciplines. Students would also be able to manage and document appropriately any data they have collected using those methods. They will understand and can use data analysis techniques such as basic statistics and content analysis.
5. Students can write effectively in sociological or anthropological style.
6. Students will be aware of major controversies, debates, or issues within one or the other discipline.
7. Students will have applied their knowledge within an experiential learning context such as a practicum, field experience, or approved off-campus program.
8. Students will gain increased cross-cultural communication and adaptation skills through coursework or experiential learning.
9. Students will be able to frame, analyze, and approach issues and problems through the multi-disciplinary lens of sociology, social work, and anthropology.
10. Students can converse specifically about how the contributions of sociological or anthropological concepts, theories, and methods can contribute to alleviation of human needs and problems, further building the Kingdom of God. They should also be able to implement such knowledge.
11. Students would understand the Biblical concepts of community and justice and demonstrate an ability to use anthropological and sociological knowledge and methods to pursue greater social justice. Likewise, students should be aware of the limits of both disciplines to produce or result in Biblical justice.
12. Students will be exposed to materials and experiences which will strengthen their compassion for all peoples, especially the poor, the oppressed, or the weak and develop their capacity for Christian servanthood.