Sociology and Anthropology Department
The faculty in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology has a combined interest in culture and society. Because the world in which we live is so diverse and interconnected, our mission is to empower students to examine their own lives and values in the context of many different societies, including our own, to develop understandings of cultural variation.
In teaching about what it means to be human, we offer a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies through which students learn about social interaction and cultural practices. Our students acquire advanced skills of critical thinking, precise writing, and well-informed interaction with diverse communities. These abilities are extraordinarily helpful in a variety of career choices, including business, law, the health professions, and graduate school.
Student Outcomes
Danika Brockman '21
"My SOAN classes taught me about the process of statistical research, the theory surrounding it and the practice of such research."
Kara Lough '20
"I am able to excel with client relations and marketing because I can understand relationships and societal influences."
Julia Hernandez '20
"I truly believe that the SOAN major provides students with such a unique interdisciplinary education that can be translated across many different professions and jobs. Not to mention, the SOAN Department and professors are incredibly supportive and helpful!"
Bo Garfinkel '21
"I am a better law student because of the unique perspective that I have in being able to analyze the intersection of law, society and culture.
Ward has found his ‘home’ on campus with the Shepherd Program.
Marsh will work with Nature Camp in Vesuvius, Virginia, and Jones will collaborate with the Legal Aid Justice Center for the 25th Judicial District.
Change Agents: DeLaney Center Interns Help Drive Social Progress
Eleven W&L students participated in the first full year of programming spread across multiple states.
The Lenfest Center Presents ‘Table Talks at Kamen Gallery: Art, Insight & Lunch’
The interactive experience will be in Kamen Gallery at noon on Oct. 14 and is a part of the Lenfest Center’s Outreach & Engagement Series.
Patrick Fleming ’04 is the Next Speaker in Campus Kitchen’s Just Food Series
Fleming’s Nov. 12 lecture is titled “Farming as a Liberal Art: Growing Food with Freedom and Intention.”
The Lenfest Center Presents ‘Native Art & Ancestral Inspiration: Drawing Endurance’
The pop-up exhibit will be on view in Kamen Gallery beginning Sept. 4 and is part of the Lenfest Center’s Outreach & Engagement Series.
Krzysztof Jasiewicz Receives the Susanne M. Lotarski Distinguished Achievement Award
The William P. Ames Jr. Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Emeritus was presented the award by the Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences of America.
Marcos Perez Cited for his Book ‘¿Qué tienen los piqueteros en la cabeza?’
The associate professor of sociology received an honorable mention citation for the Premio Iberoamericano Book Award.
Leandro Laperne ’28 Participates in the American Enterprise Institute Summer Honors Program
The rising sophomore completed a week-long program held in Washington, D.C.
Sascha Goluboff Participates in the Sancho Panza Literary Society Summer Workshop
The professor of cultural anthropology and director of the Community-Based Learning Program experienced a 10-day residency at Trinity College in Dublin.
These faculty have been recognized for their outstanding teaching, scholarship and service to the university.
Two innovative sociology research projects conducted in collaboration with professor of sociology Jonathan Eastwood give “networking” a whole new meaning.