Guilford College

Thomas Guthrie, Associate Professor, Chair
Maria Luisa Amado, Associate Professor
Edwins Gwako, Associate Professor
Julie Winterich, Associate Professor
Naadiya Hasan, Assistant Professor

Sociology and anthropology are two social sciences that seek to understand the relationship between individuals and the social worlds they create and inhabit. Sociologists and anthropologists investigate how societies are organized, how cultures are reproduced, and how these processes shape individual identities.

At Guilford, our courses cover a wide variety of social groups in the United States and around the world, and we study just about every aspect of social life, including science, religion, medicine, politics, family, gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity, economic systems, and the arts. Integrating scientific and humanistic approaches, we attempt to look at past stereotypes and understand people from their own points of view. In a world characterized by rapid social and technological change, globalization, deepening inequalities, ethnic clashes, poverty, environmental degradation, and changing social norms, anthropology and sociology are more relevant than ever. Our department prepares students to critically analyze social systems and to come up with creative solutions to social problems on various scales.

Students and faculty develop close working relationships both inside and outside the classroom, and our department offers a close-knit learning environment. Our courses promote student discussions and experiential learning, and many also count toward interdisciplinary programs. Our work really gets fun once we engage with the world around us first-hand. Sociology and anthropology students at Guilford have the opportunity to develop and pursue their own interests through independent studies and research, community service, internship opportunities, and study abroad. Students greatly benefit from integrating their academic training and their experiences beyond Guilford, exploring career options, and expanding their horizons. Sociology and anthropology are part of a strong liberal arts education that prepares you for work and life — anything that involves interacting with people in a diverse world.

Degrees Offered

The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in Sociology and Anthropology.

Major Requirements

The Sociology and Anthropology major requires a minimum of 32 credit hours (eight courses).

• SOAN 100 Introduction to Sociology – 4 credits
• SOAN 103 Cultural Anthropology – 4 credits
• One elective at the 200 level – 4 credits
• One elective at the 300 level – 4 credits
• One elective at any level – 4 credits
• SOAN 337 Social Research Methods – 4 credits
• SOAN 342 Social Theory – 4 credits
• One elective at the 400 level taken either in the senior year, or after all other requirements have been fulfilled – 4 credits

Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in Sociology and Anthropology – 32 credits

Notes: A student may substitute one internship or independent study at the 200 or 300 level for one elective at the same level. Students may not receive credit at the 400 level for an independent study.

Under special circumstances, with the approval of the department chair, a student may substitute a second 300 level elective for the required 200 level elective.

Students considering graduate school in sociology or social work are strongly encouraged to take an elementary statistics course at Guilford or elsewhere.

Credit for courses taken at other institutions or while studying abroad: Before attending other institutions, students should obtain a “Request to Take Coursework at Another Institution” form from the Registrar’s Office and have their courses approved in writing by the SOAN department chair. Departmental approval to take a course off campus is contingent upon the content and evaluation requirements of the course (which should meet SOAN departmental standards), whether the course is regularly offered by the SOAN Department, the student’s academic standing and level, and the extent to which the course is consistent with the student’s educational goals. SOAN 337 Social Research Methods, SOAN 342 Social Theory and the 400 level elective will not be accepted as transfer credit and may not be taken at a consortium school.