Courses cover a wide range of timely topics, including poverty, crime, human development, and inequality. Theoretical knowledge is placed in the context of world events, such as the transformation of Third World nations or the political and military struggles of the Vietnam War. Many issues are addressed in small seminars that provide abundant opportunities for student discussion.
Courses challenge students to be curious and use analytical skills to examine cultural assumptions.
The department makes extensive use of materials from history, philosophy, and science to help students expand their intellectual horizons. An important goal of the department is to prepare students for responsible citizenship and to take an active role in building a more humane society. An equally important goal is to increase students' self-understanding. The sociology and psychology majors are designed to develop skills and resources for successful graduate work. For those interested in immediate careers, the department offers extensive internship experiences in real world agencies.