Anthropology and Sociology

Department of Anthropology and Sociology
College of Liberal Arts

Anthropology:
Kettler Hall G11 ~ 260-481-6272 

Hal Odden, Chair
Doug Kline, Lead Advisor
Amy Carter, Administrative Assistant

Anthropology - the study of humanity - examines how people from different cultures and times behave, think, and interact using biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives, theories, and methods.  Anthropology degrees prepare students for careers in which an understanding of people and cultures is an asset.  Our majors work in many fields including business, public service, consulting, education, medicine, and health care.

Courses in Anthropology provide an understanding of the nature of cultures and help you assess various explanations of human behavior.  They also assist in the development of your analytical and critical abilities.  The curriculum is structured to include studies in the history and theory of anthropology in four anthropological fields:  cultural anthropology, archaeology, bioanthropology, linguistics; in at least two different world ethnographic areas; and in topical specializations.  

Although pursuing a double-major, minor, or semester abroad are not required to earn the Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, these additional programs are all available at Purdue Fort Wayne, and are strongly recommended.

Sociology:
Liberal Arts Building 241 ~ 260-481-6842

Hal Odden, Chair
Curt Hosier, Lead Advisor
Amy Carter, Administrative Assistant

Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  Sociologists study patterns of human behavior and the structure of groups, organizations, and societies.  They seek to learn how social forces create and influence human behavior.  Sociologists study various topics including the family, crime, politics, medicine, education, law, race and ethnicity, gender, and social class.

Sociology prepares its majors for employment in criminal justice, social research and planning, social services and counseling, human resources, health and medicine, government services, and social advocacy.  Sociology can help students prepare for new opportunities that may not yet exist.

Although a minor is not required for the Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, study in an outside area is highly recommended.  Anthropology, computer science, economics, history, human services, political science, psychology, organizational leadership, and women’s studies courses support the major. 

For further details on programs and minors, see Program Descriptions in this catalog.