Other faculty interests lie in developing research strategies designed to lead to generalizations and theories about sociocultural systems, through both direct observation and comparative analysis, and developing data gathering techniques and analytic methods needed to accomplish such aims. Faculty have engaged in field work in almost every area of the world, but most notably in Africa, South America, and East and Southeast Asia. Faculty have also engaged in ethnographic research among Americans in diverse institutional settings and ethnic identities. The Department considers field work an essential experience for all graduate students and finds field work within our own society as relevant as work in other cultures. Each of these programs has a special curriculum involving both required and elective courses.
Research funding is often available for students participating in the program.