Department of Sociology and Anthropology

518 VARNER HALL (248) 370-2420
Fax: (248) 370-4608

Chairperson: Albert J. Meehan

Professors emeriti: William E. Bezdek, James W. Dow, Harry Gold, David R. Maines, Jacqueline R. Scherer, Gary Shepherd

Professors: Peter J. Bertocci, Judith K. Brown, Albert J. Meehan, Terri L. Orbuch, Suzanne M. Spencer-Wood

Associate professors: Joanne E. Reger, Cynthia Schellenbach, Richard B. Stamps

Assistant professors: Amanda Burgess-Proctor, Graham Cassano, Lisa Dalton, Henri Gooren, Raymond V. Liedka, Karen M. Neuman, George Sanders, Scott Smith

Chief advisers: Cynthia Schellenbach (Sociology), Peter J. Bertocci (Anthropology), Karen M. Neuman (Social Work)

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a major in sociology and a major in anthropology leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, and a major in social work leading to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.

Sociology is the scientific study of society and systematically examines the cultural and social factors that shape individual and group behavior. Students learn about the fundamental processes of human interaction, the forces of social inequality and social change, and critically examine society’s social institutions and social problems. The major prepares students for careers where knowledge of human relationships and/or research skills are desirable, and for graduate work in sociology and related social service fields.

Anthropology is the study of humankind in all its aspects, through archaeological, biological, cultural, and linguistic research, and fosters the use of this knowledge in addressing human problems. The major prepares students for graduate work in anthropology and/or archaeology and for careers that utilize anthropological knowledge and training. In sociology and anthropology students are required to study research techniques and acquire skills in theoretical analysis. Both majors are designed to allow flexibility for students to pursue their own intellectual interests.

Social work is a profession that strives to prevent crisis, promote social justice, and enhance the social functioning of individuals, groups, and communities so that they may better cope with the many challenges they encounter. The Bachelor of Social Work degree program trains students in the generalist social work perspective, along with the values and ethical principles consistent with the profession’s historical commitment to social justice and positive change. Students trained in social work are capable of working with individuals, families, and communities of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Students also may select a combined major in sociology and anthropology, and a modified major in sociology or anthropology with a concentration in linguistics. The department offers minors in sociology or anthropology and sociology minor for students in the secondary teaching education program (STEP). The department houses two interdisciplinary concentrations – archaeology and criminal justice, as well as the religious studies program, which offers a concentration in religious studies and three minors in Islamic studies, Judaic studies, and Christianity studies. The department also participates in the American studies and urban studies concentrations.

Departmental honors

To be a candidate for departmental honors in sociology, students must have taken at least 20 of their major credits at the 300-400 level, have taken a minimum of 20 credits of their sociology major course work at Oakland University, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.60 in major course work at Oakland and receive recommendations from two departmental faculty members.

To be a candidate for departmental honors in anthropology, students must have taken at least 16 credits in the major at the 300 level or above, have taken a minimum of 20 credits of their anthropology major course work at Oakland University, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.60 in major course work, and receive recommendations from two departmental faculty members.

Course Offerings

The department offers selected courses from this catalog as warranted by student needs and availability of faculty. Specific offerings for each term may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

Permission to register for a course may be granted by the instructor when previous course work, other than the prerequisite(s) listed below, qualifies the student for enrollment in the course.