The Department of Social Sciences
Meaningful and Career-Ready Majors for the 21st Century!
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Dr. Hegel-Cantarella, Ethnographic Field Methods class (ANT 298) in Barbados, students visiting UNDP in the capital
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Dr. Howell Williams, Senator Julie Kushner’s campus visit and PS 102: American Government class visit
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Western Research Day, Dr. Lumbantobing with Joseph Waite and Lauren Bradshaw
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Second Annual Alumni Panel 2020, Autumn Rain Towne (PS 2005), Leah Juliett (PS 2018), Kaylah (Leonard) Davis (SS 2018), and Drew Shuptar-Rayvis (ANT/SOC 2015)
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Fall 2017 SS 400: Senior Research Thesis class with Dr. Bandhauer
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Dr. Misra teaching ANT/SOC Food and the Environment class at the Jane Goodall Permaculture Garden, Fall 2019
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Graduation 2017, Drs. Weinstein, Morrison, Hegel-Cantarella, Bandhauer, Lumbantobing, and Pan
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Social Justice Institute 2021
Disciplinary Minors:
Geography
Sociology |
Interdisciplinary Minors:
Conflict Resolution
Cultural Resource Management (archaeology & care for cultural artifacts)
International Studies
Multicultural Studies
African-American Studies
Urban Studies
Women’s Studies
|
Department Mission and Objectives:
The four social sciences degree programs at Western provide students with a holistic understanding and critical appreciation of the cultural, political, social and economic elements of society. The department curriculum presents a broad-based foundation in the social sciences while offering a rich and diverse range of degree programs and options.
- Emphasize social research methodology and analytical skills.
- Provide a personalized learning environment for students through faculty mentored undergraduate research opportunities and cooperative education research.
- Prepare students for graduate education in the social sciences and allied fields.
- Assist students in discerning appropriate careers through advising.
- Foster the growth and development of faculty through research, attendance at professional meetings, developing and directing public forums and discipline-related training workshops, and publication and presentation of scholarly work.
- A strong commitment to public service by collaborating with agencies and organizations, such as WCSU Jane Goodall Center, Housatonic Valley Association, ARZA-CIRI Internship Program, Connecticut State Archaeology Office, Connecticut Legislative Internship Program, and Institute for American Indian Studies, and with regional elementary, junior and senior high school educators to promote social sciences education.