Our Mission
Sociology and Anthropology investigate basic processes, structures, culture and change in social reality and what it means to be human in that complex reality. This investigation encompasses: (1) method and theory — the logic of inquiry; (2) vocation — the ethically self-conscious examination of actions; and (3) the intended and unintended consequences of social action. While this investigation entails challenge and intellectual risk, it also promotes intellectual and ethical development in the best traditions of liberal education.
Alma’s Sociology and Anthropology graduates successfully pursue graduate education in many fields as well as careers in sociology and social work, business and personnel administration, law, ministry, museum curatorship, corrections, government and many other areas. It is our hope that one can have a life as well as a living; liberal education can lead to both.
Faculty, Graduate and Student Profiles
Faculty
According to Dr. Catherine Fobes, sociology makes the most sense it is done interactively; therefore her lectures encourage student engagement and participation.
Graduates
Cori Drenth’s sociology and communication majors will apply to every job she ever has.
Fulbright scholar Lisette Hoeltzel started out as an education major before one of her sociology classes completely changed her outlook.
Maggie Malone created a limitless world of opportunities when she created her own major through Alma’s Programs of Emphasis (POEs)
Alma College 2002 graduate Cecily Ogden credits Catherine Fobes with getting her involved and interested in sociology. ‘I knew I wanted to go into social work, and after I had sociology 101 with Dr. Fobes, I knew I wanted to take more of her classes,’ she says.
Students
Katie Koechling was drawn to sociology at Alma because of how it interacts with her daily life.
Cathy Millon says she started at Alma as a psychology major, but Catherine Fobes in the Sociology department quickly changed her mind.
Alma junior Lindsey Voss is majoring in sociology because she wants to make a difference in the world.
Click here for a one-page information sheet (PDF).
