What students, faculty, and recent graduates say about Sociology and Anthropology at Principia.

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A multi-faceted major for a diverse world

The many applications of the sociology/ anthropology major are reflected in the reasons Principia students select it. A senior says, "It deals with so many different subjects that we need to be aware of in our society, in the world—like poverty, social class, indigenous cultures. My major let me combine my interest in child welfare, family studies, and community studies." Another student, interested in social service, finds that "it's really relevant in my life. It's definitely taught me a lot about our society and how it relates to me." A graduating senior with a double major in sociology and world perspectives looks back on her program and says, "Right now my focus is working with adolescents; but even if I decide to do something different from that, I think it gives a good background of learning about different cultures."

Energetic classroom dynamics

"The professors had a lot of different ideas, not only lecturing but also allowing students to form their own ideas and concepts—to be thinkers." This is what a recent graduate remembers about her major. A senior appreciates the diversity among the professors: "Each of them has a different focus. I really appreciated the women's studies aspect." Another graduate values the methodology of her Principia sociology classes—"writing, much discussion, a lot of group work, group projects."

Practical fieldwork interactions

All sociology majors have considerable hands-on experience, since numerous field opportunities are a part of the requirement for the major. Some majors serve as volunteers at correctional facilities and shelters for battered women and children. Others teach classes and sports or counsel delinquent boys at a nearby facility. A senior with a minor in women's studies had an internship at a domestic violence crisis center. She says, "I did a lot of clerical things, but I also worked on their hot line, and I did some interviews with women, placing them in safe houses." A recent graduate speaks of her internships as a student at Principia: an assignment to the juvenile division of a department of corrections and another at a school for emotionally disturbed children in a large city. She says, "I feel I got all kinds of experience in terms of different types of social work I might want to try." She now supervises a regional daycare home for children and does counseling work with their parents.

Self-discovery, gaining perspective

Sociology/anthropology majors consistently remark that although they chose the major because they wanted to help people, a big part of their studies is learning about themselves. "It really makes you look at your own thoughts and beliefs on how you view the world, how you view your neighbor," says a present junior, "it really challenges you to face the prejudices you have that you're not aware of, how you've been raised, how society has influenced what you think." Another junior had a similar experience. "I think the most demanding part is that the topics we cover are challenging what we accept. If we have grown up not really questioning racism, we sit down in the classroom and we really think it through—racism, gender issues, and social class." A senior with another major in world perspectives discovered that her sociology/ anthropology major gives her "the foundation to think more clearly and with a wider perspective."

Focusing on solutions

"Sociology is a kind of lens to look through where we can examine our lives and see them in the context of minorities, social classes, gender," says a junior sociology/ anthropology major. A professor remarks that "for Christian Scientists to go to school for the purpose of bettering humanity, the field of sociology opens the door wide to the human condition and gives them a theoretical as well as a human and compassionate perspective on societies, cultures, and peoples. Students are prepared to go out and serve mankind." A senior adds, "Another thing I really like about the Sociology and Anthropology Department is that although professors never teach Christian Science in the classroom, they make sure that you don't get bogged down by the problems of the world, that you get more inspired to help solve them and heal them. That's something you can take to any job, whether you're looking at world problems or a problem you face in your work. Instead of getting overwhelmed by problems you try to look for a solution, how to heal it. It's a lifelong skill." Another senior points out that "the professors teach you a bunch of facts and help you take action."

Putting the practice to work

"Whether you're looking in the United States or in foreign cultures, Principia allows for a broad sense and a liberal understanding of different cultures," recalls an alumnus who has been accepted by two graduate schools. His interest is anthropology and archaeology, focusing on Native Americans. Another graduate is pursuing a master's degree in social work while working at a local social services agency. She says her sociology major at Principia taught her "to write effectively, intuitively, and powerfully when dealing with challenging issues and perspectives. This grounding is vital for success in my chosen profession of social work." A senior sees the broad applications of her major: "It's not just academic. You learn facts and how to work in a work place, but it goes beyond that and helps you with all your interactions with people. It's a reality major."