Offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Major
Sociology is the study of the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of human groups and how people act within social contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of Sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious movements; from the divisions of race, class, and gender to the shared beliefs of a common culture; from work lives to digital selves.
Anthropology’s diverse subject matter of human beings in all times and places reflects the discipline’s interest in human culture dating from the Paleolithic past to contemporary times; from distant societies to the myriad subcultures of the Western world; from the biological bases of human behavior to our most elaborate cultural creations; and in the interaction of diverse peoples from colonial to modern contexts.
Students develop the conceptual and analytic skills for understanding identity, behavior, culture, power, and social change. Coursework and curriculum in the Sociology and Anthropology program emphasize practical application of skills to a variety of social questions. Our students develop a critical, historical, and comparative perspective on social worlds and an appreciation for cultural diversity. The program’s close and supportive relationship with local groups and organizations provides a basis for meaningful student involvement in problem-solving. Practical experiences culminate in a senior capstone designed and carried out under faculty supervision.
All majors are required to complete SOAN foundation courses: One course from SOAN 204 or 205; one course from SOAN 211, 213, or 214; and one additional from the previously listed courses. In addition, SOAN students are required to take MTH 243, as a prerequisite to the major’s research methods sequence.
Our curriculum emphasizes an appreciation of cultural diversity and a critical, historical, and comparative perspective on social worlds. Students develop the conceptual and analytic skills for understanding identity, behavior, culture, power, and social change. All students complete 12 credits in foundation courses and 16 credits in social research methods, preparing them for their capstone sequence. With a variety of courses, students can tailor their major experience to Sociology, Anthropology, Archaeology or a mix of all three!
All majors complete a rigorous 16-credit research methods sequence and a year-long capstone experience that requires students to put their Anthropological and Sociological skills to work through individual projects of their own design. Students engage in learning in and out of the classroom to prepare for a wide range of careers and graduate education.
Contact: Jessica Piekielek – 541.552.6599 – piekielj@sou.edu
Rogue Community College: AA Oregon Transfer in Sociology/Social Work Interest, Human Services Transfer
Klamath Community College: AA Oregon Transfer
Umpqua Community College: AA Oregon Transfer in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Human Service – Environmental Science and Policy – Psychology
Social Justice, Minor – Sociology and Anthropology, Minor – Certificate in Regional Studies and Applied Research
Master in Social Work, PSU – Master of Public Health, OSU – MA in Archaeological Heritage, UW
Credit for Prior Learning – Learn More
SOU Sociology & Anthropology Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6761
– Questions About Sociology and Anthropology? –