THE SOCIOLOGY ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENT is concerned with societies and human behavior. Within that general framework, the department offers a variety of majors to meet different student interests. Note the variety of careers of some of the recent graduates below. Ouwer majors provide the student with an analytical perspective for understanding human social and cultural existence, and provide students with the appropriate skills and methods which prepare them for either graduate education or entry level professional careers.

OVERVIEW
The department offers majors in sociology, anthropology-sociology, and supervises an interdisciplinary major in social work. Minors are also offered in sociology and anthropology.

In all the majors, the students will meet requirements of the major and select electives that will provide the student with a well-rounded liberal arts education. Students will have the opportunity to increase their skills in reading, writing, oral expression, and research skills appropriate to the major.

The core of either the sociology major or the anthropology-sociology major consists of courses in research, theory, and an independent senior project. In addition, students choose from a variety of courses to meet their individual needs. The senior papers are presented on campus and many have been presented at regional conferences.

The interdisciplinary major of social work consists of courses from sociology and from psychology. The major is intended to give the student skills for either an entry-level social services career or for entry into graduate school.

Students are encouraged to connect their academic education with off-campus experiences. The department offers field experiences (3-4 hours a week) to all students. Juniors and seniors who demonstrate mastery of appropriate skills may elect to take a full-time internship (40 hours a week for an entire semester).

FACULTY
VERNON BATES
Professor of Sociology
M.A., Ph.D., Sociology,
University of California Davis
 
A microsociologist (face to face interaction) with research interests in social movements, particularly religious social movements. He also teaches such courses as social problems, race relations, and family. Professor Bates is a recipient of the S.S. Johnson Award

ANDREA DOERFLER
Professor of Social Work
M.S., Columbia University
School of Social Work
 
Professor Doerfler is a clinical social worker who specializes in the mental health of children, child witnesses of domestic violence, family therapy, children with autistic disorders and federal policy with respect to children's mental health. She teaches courses in social work, clinical psychology and all related fieldwork internships.

CHELEEN MAHAR
Professor of Anthropology
M.A., University of Illinois
Ph.D., Social Anthropology,
Massey University
 
A cultural anthropologist, Professor Mahar (with funding from the National Science Foundation) is currently involved in researching a group of rural/urban migrant families in Oaxaca, Mexico. She teaches courses such as: Mesoamerican Cultures, Gender in Cross Cultural Perspective, Symbolism, and Myth and Ritual. SARAH PHILLIPS
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Ph.D., Sociology, University of Minnesota
 
Professor Phillips has research interests in gender, sexuality, adolescence, and health policy. She also teaches such courses as: Juvenile Delinquency, Sociology of the City, and Social Research. Professor Phillips is a recipient of Pacific University's Junior Faculty Award and several grants for research.

 BYRON STEIGER
Professor of Sociology
M.S., Ph.D. Sociology, University of Oregon
A macrosociologist (culture and structure) with research interests in social change and social stratification. He also teaches courses such as: criminology, sociology of medicine, and social theory. Professor Steiger is also a recipient of the S.S. Johnson Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

CHRISTOPHER WILKES
Professor of Sociology
M.A., Canterbury University
M.A., Ph.D., Stanford University
 
Professor Wilkes has authored several books and articles on social theory, class and political economy. He is currently writing a book on Fredric Jameson.