The Department of Sociology and Anthropology enables students to immerse themselves in the study of society and culture. They learn about human thoughts and behaviors through time, from the prehistoric past through the current day. Students use social theory to investigate race, gender, class, history, religion, philosophy, politics, ethics, economies, landscapes and more. Students also practice collecting ethnographic and survey data and engage with social justice and biocultural diversity.
Dr. Alysa Handelsman, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, conducts research in Guayaquil, Ecuador, focused especially on children and youth growing up in the city’s shantytown neighborhoods. Her publications, research and teaching methods demonstrate her decolonial approach to doing ethnography. In particular, her community sustainability seminar positions Wofford students to take on collaborative, community-based learning projects across Spartanburg; students’ work through these projects represents the fusion of activism and anthropology.
Jalen Carter majored in psychology and sociology and anthropology. He received the James E. Seegars Jr. Award for psychology. He was a past president of Wofford Men of Color, a member of the Black Student Alliance, Orientation staff, a National Coalition Building Institute facilitator and a student advocate within the judicial system. He is attending law school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Arizona State University
College of Charleston
Emory Rollins School of Public Health
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New School for Social Research
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