Executing searches with no text in the Search Terms entry field will render no results.
print page

Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology and Anthropology Undergraduate Curricular Requirements

Sociology and Anthropology Academic Minor Requirements

Sociology and Anthropology Undergraduate Academic Certificates Requirements

Sociology and Anthropology Graduate Degree Program

Donald E. Tyler, Dept. Chair (101 Phinney Hall 83844-1110; phone 208/885-6751). Anthropology Faculty: Stacey Camp, Rodney P. Frey, John A. Mihelich, Laura Putsche, R. Lee Sappington, Donald E. Tyler, Mark S. Warner. Sociology Faculty: Patrick Gillham, Leontina Hormel, John A. Mihelich, Melanie-Angela Neuilly, Debbie A. Storrs. Brian Wolf. Adjunct Faculty: Margaret J. Harvey, Gary E. Machlis, Virginia Babcock. Affiliate Faculty: Caroline D. Carley, Alan G. Marshall, Ronald J. Sipe, Deward E. Walker, Priscilla S. Wegars, Larry Young.

The department provides students with two interrelated disciplines in which they can pursue a B.A. or B.S. degree: Sociology, with an emphasis in Inequalities and Globalization, Criminology, or General Sociology, and Anthropology. Students can also pursue a minor in either of these fields, a minor in American Indian studies, an Academic Certificate in Diversity and Stratification, and an Archaeological Technician Certificate. Our department is an ideal home for students interested in developing their understanding of people and society, small and large-scale cultures, culture history, cultural diversity, intercultural and global relations, social justice, and crime and society. Our interrelated programs offer students a unique opportunity to gain a variety of tools and perspectives necessary for understanding themselves and others in relation to social and cultural contexts. This educational experience, coupled with ample opportunity for interactions with faculty, provide a foundation from which students can better think through and appreciate the variety of challenges they will face in their professional and personal lives.

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior, with an emphasis on understanding social interaction, groups, and organizations. It is an ideal major for students who want to make a positive difference in the world and who are curious about themselves and the world they live in. The goal of sociology is to help students develop a "sociological imagination," the ability to understand how their and others' experiences, behavior, and opportunities are tied to the historical moment and social forces beyond their immediate control. The Inequalities and Globalization track focuses on understanding issues related to social, global and environmental justice, which has become increasingly important in our modern, globalized world. Criminology, an important area of sociology, has been described as the study of "making of law, breaking of law, and society's reaction to the breaking of law." The sociology program's strengths include , U.S. and global diversity, globalization, social inequalities and social justice, social movements, criminology, violence and victimology, policing, and applied research. Our program provides students opportunities to gain practical work experience through the form of internships and service learning. The program provides academic training in preparation for careers in social services, human resources, criminal justice, non-profit positions, community organizing, applied research, as well as forming a foundation for graduate education in Sociology, Criminology, and Law.

Anthropology is the comprehensive study of the human condition, from humanity's evolutionary past to its biological diversity, from the prehistoric and historic past to cultural and linguistic diversity today, from rural societies to urban societies. While the program at the University of Idaho considers the breadth of these topics and issues, its primary focus is on Indigenous peoples and international development, contemporary U.S. culture, historical archaeology, archaeological conservation and stabilization, and the archaeology and ethnography of the Indian Tribes of the North American Plateau. Graduates of the program go into many successful careers, as well as into advanced programs of graduate studies.

The minor in American Indian studies is available through the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. In cooperation with regional Indian communities and with other academic departments within the university, the interdisciplinary and experiential curriculum of the American Indian studies minor provides students with a background in the culture, history, and literature of American Indians. It also addresses current American Indian issues.

The department offers the academic certificate in Diversity and Stratification. The purpose of the certificate is to provide students with specific training in intercultural skills. It requires 12 credits of diversity study and applied experience. The certificate recognizes competency in understanding a broad range of diversity issues (race, physical ability, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, social class, etc.) and in applying that understanding in the workplace and social life. The certificate provides students with a focused and work related credential and skill set so they may be more competitive and effective in the job market.

The Archaeological Technician Program is designed to offer students a solid understanding of the basic practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to be qualified for an entry level position with a CRM firm or government agency. Participants must complete the entire training program with emphases in field survey, excavation and laboratory methods. All three areas of the Certificate program include practical experience in the field and lab with academic and/or professional evaluations that include appropriate readings and examinations.

Graduate study in anthropology is offered through the department in areas such as American Indian studies, prehistoric and historical archaeology, sociocultural anthropology, and physical anthropology. An applicant to the program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must have a minimum 3.00 overall GPA. An undergraduate major in anthropology is not required. Students who otherwise meet eligibility requirements but who do not have sufficient background in anthropology will be required to take additional undergraduate courses. The number of classes will vary with the degree of deficiency and the student's demonstrated potential for advanced academic work. Preparation in statistics is required and proficiency in one non-English language is strongly recommended. Students with marginal qualifications may be admitted on a provisional status or may be advised to complete a year of undergraduate study in anthropology before being considered for the graduate program. Students with an overall GPA less than 3.00 but greater than 2.80 will be considered on a provisional status if their grades in upper-division classes average 3.00 or better. Students who do not have the required GPA but who have strong recommendations or acceptable professional experience will be considered for the graduate program after completing 12 credits of post-baccalaureate study in upper-division or graduate anthropology courses with A or B grades. Although the department does not require the Graduate Record Examination, applicants with marginal qualifications should take it and submit their score with their application. Anthropologists in the department also regularly collaborate with the university's history department in support of their Ph.D. degree that has a focus on historical archaeology.

The department contains the Laboratory of Anthropology. The laboratory houses collections and provides a laboratory environment for research, teaching, and hands-on experience for students. The laboratory also holds the Archive of Pacific Northwest Anthropology, Archaeological Survey of Idaho Northern Repository, historical and prehistoric archaeological collections, and the Asian American Comparative Collection. The metal cleaning and preservation facilities are among the largest and most modern in the western states. The laboratory publishes the University of Idaho anthropological reports.

Questions concerning the department and its programs should be addressed to the department chair (208/885-6751).

Courses

See Part 6 for courses in Anthropology (Anth), Justice Studies (JS), and Sociology (Soc).