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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology
Broaden your understanding of humanity in all its social and cultural diversity with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology degree at University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Sociology and AnthropologySchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a sociology and anthropology degree?
In the Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN) program, you will learn to explore the relationship between individual experience and broader cultural and historical contexts, while coming to understand the diversity of humanity. The SOAN degree is a strong fit for students interested in understanding the social and cultural world, human behavior, their own position in the world, and who seek to advance social justice in their communities. The disciplines in this program are regarded as liberatory enterprises, helping to reveal social structures, power relationships, and prejudices that prevent people from piloting their own lives. You will learn to assess the merits of some of the key theories and methods in sociology and anthropology and apply them productively in intellectual and practical promblem solving.
Why should you major in sociology and anthropology at Redlands?
As a student in the SOAN program at University of Redlands, you will learn to critically analyze the complex interplay between individuals, their cultures, and the broader social structures in which they live to reach a nuanced understanding of sociocultural processes and inequalities. The critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills gained in the process are highly valuable in today's information-centered employment marketplace. SOAN graduates are employed in a range of fields like social work, healthcare, and education, or go on to graduate studies in programs like sociology, anthropology, archaeology, and law at some of the most rigorous and prestigious universities in the nation. The SOAN department maintains the Helen and Vernon Farquhar Laboratory of Anthropology, giving you access to space and resources for student research in the cultures and history of the American Southwest. Additionally, SOAN's community-based learning experiences endowed fund gives you the opportunity to design your own internships with community organizations where you will participate in immersive learning experiences and grow through academic reflection.
Classes you'll take
Nine courses (a minimum of 34 credits) are required to complete the major. No more than three of the major courses may be taken at other schools. To transfer courses from other schools or study abroad programs, permission must be obtained from an academic advisor.
To view specific program requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Sociocultural inquiries
One course that provides the intellectual foundation for the SOAN major and minor:
- SOAN 200 Principles of Sociology
- SOAN 201 Sociocultural Analysis
- SOAN 202 Principles of Cultural Anthropology
- SOAN 204 Principles of Archaeology
Spirit of inquiry
One course in Theory and one course in Methods. Together, these classes assess and apply key theories and methods in Sociology and Anthropology.
The following is the current list of courses that satisfy the methods requirement:
- SOAN 300 Research Methods & Design
- SOAN 301 Fieldwork & Ethnographic Methods
- SOAN 303 World Ethnographies
- SOAN 305 Mapping People, Mapping Place
- SOAN 306 Research Methods: Interviewing
The following is the current list of courses that satisfy the theory requirement:
- SOAN 391 Contemporary Social Theory
- SOAN 392 Anthropological Theories
Border crossing
One course that explores the experience of being an 'other' in a social setting.The following is the current list of courses that satisfy this requirement:
- SOAN 205 Social Issues
- SOAN 233 Jewish Culture: Cook & Community
- SOAN 256 Japan: Society and Culture in Transition
- SOAN 259 The Middle East
- SOAN 281 Middle Eastern Women Speak
- SOAN 314 Dancing Around the World
- SOAN 329 Anthropology of Mothering
- SOAN 342 Gender and Sexuality
- SOAN 345 American Gun Culture
- SOAN 352 Who Owns the Past
- SOAN 405 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Electives
Students must take at least four elective courses in addition to the requirements listed above. One elective must be at the 200-level, which will also fulfill the WR requirement. The remaining three electives must be at the 300 or 400 level. Students may substitute up to 4 credits of internship for one 300- or 400-level elective.
Courses taken with departmental faculty through interdisciplinary programs such as the Johnston Center may be counted toward these requirements with the permission of that faculty member or the department chair. Classes cross-listed with SOAN are also applied toward these requirements.
Senior Capstone
In their senior year, students will complete a culminating experience by taking any 400-level senior seminar, pursuing departmental honors, or completing a supervised community based project.
Senior Seminar Option (One course, SOAN 400-465)
Students must have attained senior standing for a 400-level seminar to count as their Senior Capstone. Juniors may take these courses if they choose to but will need to take an additional 400-level course their senior year as a capstone. Prerequisites for 400-level seminars are two principles courses AND three 300-level courses, one of which must be either a theory or methods course, OR by instructor permission.
Why should you minor in sociology and anthropology at Redlands?
The sociology and anthropology minor offers you an understanding of the subject throughout five required courses.
Five courses are required for a minor in sociology and anthropology: SOAN 200, SOAN 201, or SOAN 202 or SOAN 204 and four electives, only one of which may be taken at the 100-level.
No more than two of these courses may be taken at other schools. Courses taken with departmental faculty through the Johnston Center may be counted toward these requirements with the permission of that faculty member or the department chair.
View the current university catalog to learn more about course requirements.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
SOAN students will assess the merits of some of the key theories and methods in Sociology and Anthropology, and apply them productively in intellectual and practical puzzle solving.
SOAN students will critically analyze the complex interplay between individual, culture and social structure to reach a nuanced understanding of sociocultural processes and inequalities.
SOAN students will describe and reflect on the experience of being an 'other' in a social setting. They will demonstrate an understanding that worldviews and the actions that worldviews produce are multiple and constructed.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers as
Examining social behaviors and structures to understand and address societal issues and trends.
Studying human cultures, societies, and their development to gain insights into human diversity and evolution.
Protecting and managing cultural and historical sites and artifacts, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Mobilizing and empowering communities to address social issues and advocate for change.
Graduates pursue careers as
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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