The programs in Sociology, Anthropology, and Crime and Justice Studies all share the broader goal of understanding society and culture through a comparative and historical perspective. Specifically, the curriculum is designed to foster students’ understanding of the social construction of difference, entrenched systems of inequality and oppression and the dynamics of local and global distributions of power.
Sociology is the study of social behavior and the socio-cultural settings in which it occurs. It involves the study of whole societies and their basic institutions as well as smaller scale groups such as the family, peer group and neighborhood. Sociology has long been a popular major for students planning futures and further training in such professions as social work, law, politics, education, public administration, public health and health care, and urban planning. A major in this department provides a foundation for social action as well as for graduate work in a variety of disciplines including policy studies, sociology, anthropology and women’s studies.
Major in Sociology, Anthropology Option
Anthropology and sociology overlap somewhat, although anthropologists are more likely to study non-western societies or subcultures in the U.S. and to focus on understanding culture and power in a global context. Our program emphasizes the development of a holistic cross-cultural perspective and offers exposure to ways of life in the United States as well as in other societies around the world. Our faculty has expertise in societies in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe as well as the U.S. Students graduating with an anthropology degree may pursue other advanced degrees in a wide range of fields such as women’s studies, anthropology, social work, and education. They will also be prepared for jobs in fields that require an understanding of cultural difference and social inequality such as: teaching and educational policy; social services; museum and historical preservation; government and public service; environmental assessment; urban planning and development; medical and public health; and business.
Major in Crime and Justice Studies
Crime and Justice Studies is an innovative new major, grounded in the liberal arts tradition. In the study of Crime and Justice we encourage broad theoretical inquiries on issues of social and criminal justice. These include both questions of critical inquiry (what is crime, what is law and what is justice) as well as comprehensive analyses of structural, institutional, and State violence. This necessitates the study of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism and classism as they relate to the criminal justice system's policies and practices. This is an interdisciplinary program that draws on a range of resources across the University and provides rigorous intellectual challenges. The program focuses on the social ethical considerations unique to the field of crime and justice, with the goal of giving students new opportunities to combine a university education with enhanced avenues for career advancement and public service.
Minors in Sociology and Anthropology
Either minor compliments a broad array of other majors at UMass Dartmouth.
General Education Requirements
Pre-Law Program and 3+3 (site under development)
Options for Minors and Double Majors:
African-African American Studies
