Their common approach is scientific, that is, they study patterns of human behavior by objective, measurable methodologies. Anthropology is the most comprehensive since there is no aspect of human development or behavior that it does not study, although it traditionally has focused on pre-industrial societies. Anthropology includes such diverse subject areas as ethnology, medical and psychological anthropology, archaeology, and human evolution. Field experiences are available in archaeology. An archaeology field school runs during the summer session.
Students participate in the excavation of a site.
Political Science is the most prescribed of the discipline majors offered in the department. It limits its interests to the political aspects of human behavior, both national and international, including the study of power and organizations. Sociology is the systematic study of all features of group life, beginning with the family and ending with global arrangements. Because it is a multi-paradigm science, students are educated to appreciate a wide range of theoretical perspectives and research methods. The Sociology Program offers course work in the structures and processes of social interaction.