Sociology & Anthropology

Students interested in exploring the complexities of human behavior find this interdisciplinary major valuable. Courses focus on the ways in which societies influence individual and group behavior. Students are introduced to cultures other than their own, developing a cross-cultural perspective and study abroad is highly encouraged.

At Elmira College, students pursue an interdisciplinary major in sociology and anthropology, which is based on four foundational courses; students then concentrate on one or the other discipline before doing an original research project on a topic of interest. 

The department offers Term III travel classes to Brazil, South Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

Sociology is the study of groups of people living in a society. Sociology courses look at human interaction as shaped by social institutions such as the family, the education system, marriage and relationships, economic structures, religion, and the media. Also offered at Elmira College are courses on social processes like deviance, globalization, social institutions, and inequality, medicine and health, community, theory, and methodology.

Anthropology is the broad and inclusive study of human beings. The major question anthropology asks is, “Why do people do the things they do, and what do those things mean to them?” At Elmira College, we focus especially on cultural anthropology, with offerings also in biological anthropology, archaeology and linguistics.

The major prepares students for a wide range of careers, and is especially helpful for careers dealing with people, cultures, and communities.  Our students go on to careers in areas such as emergency management, law and law enforcement, social justice work, immigration and border patrol, social services, political organizing, international development, management and administration, research, community development, museum and archival work, and food security. 

Visit the College Bulletin for a full listing of sociology & anthropology courses and descriptions.