About the Department
The Department of Anthropology and Sociology engages students in educational and research experiences that empower them for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We are dedicated to the scientific study of human cultures, social structures, and the complexities of the human experience. Our work is guided by the university’s enduring values of
Excellence, Inclusiveness, and Social Responsibility. Our faculty are dedicated educators and nationally recognized scholars who create a vibrant and rigorous learning community, thereby enhancing the social vitality of our community, state, and world.
Our Mission
Our departmental mission directly supports the university's 2040 Goals through a commitment to the following areas:
Educational Excellence and Student Empowerment (University Goal 1 & 2)
To provide a premier undergraduate and graduate experience, we equip students with the theoretical foundations and methodological tools of anthropology and sociology. We train our students to:
- Develop cultural competencies and global awareness to prepare them for life in the 21st century.
- Utilize social scientific methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data ethically, culminating in experiences such as a senior thesis or capstone project.
- Complete high-impact learning practices, including undergraduate research and immersive learning projects focused on societal issues.
- Apply their knowledge to address practical social problems, preparing them for a fulfilling career and a meaningful life.
Scholarship and Societal Impact (University Goal 4)
As a department within a public research institution, we support our faculty in producing impactful scholarship that enhances the lives of other people. We are committed to:
- Engaging in the four forms of scholarship: discovery, integration, application, and teaching.
- Publishing peer-reviewed research and securing external resources that advance knowledge in our disciplines.
- Integrating scholarship with teaching to provide innovative educational experiences for our students.
- Connecting our scholarship with the vibrancy of Muncie and East Central Indiana to enrich the community.
Community Engagement and Professional Service (University Goal 3)
As a community-engaged department, we mobilize our expertise to form partnerships that help sustain and revitalize our city and region. We aim to:
- Collaborate with community partners to improve population health and wellbeing in East Central Indiana.
- Provide expertise and leadership in service to the university, the broader community, and our respective disciplines.
- Enhance the learning experiences of our students through partnerships with local organizations.
Our Commitment to Inclusiveness (University Goal 5)
Our department is committed to fostering a climate distinguished by inclusiveness. We respect different cultural experiences and intellectual perspectives in all people and promote civil discussion and debate in all our curricular and co-curricular activities.
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