Social & Behavioral Sciences

Home of Sociology/Anthropology, History, Asian Studies, Psychology, & Women's Studies

Sociology/Anthropology
The Sociology/Anthropology program, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree, provides a broad background in the understanding and analysis of the role of culture and social interaction and institutions in human behavior and experience. Students in the major are exposed to bio-cultural as well cross-cultural perspectives on human-environment interaction. They acquire research skills in both sociology and anthropology. In addition, the program provides students the opportunity for practical experience in institutional settings or human service organizations. Graduates of the program will have a solid foundation to pursue graduate studies in anthropology and sociology or careers in social work, law, public administration, and other human service professions.

History
Founded in 1834, Green Mountain College has been built on an intricate history involving the Welsh heritage of the Slate Valley, the town of Poultney, and the natural environment surrounding the college. All these details play a part in the complex understanding of history, both of the local community, the world and their natural and social historical struggles, which the History program at Green Mountain College is designed to help grow in its students.

Students are encouraged both to take part in the college's Welsh Heritage Program, an ongoing social program which seeks to elevate awareness of the unique history of the region, and to learn about the historical patterns which have led us to the host of environmental and social problems we face today. Complementing this with extensive study in world and American history, and in upper division work in applied, primary-source research in a topic of the student's choosing, the History program prepares students to continue practicing historical interpretation, research and teaching in the academic and professional fields.

Psychology
Students who graduate with a degree in psychology will have discovered the interdisciplinary character of the field. Understanding human behavior requires curiosity, the capacity for self-reflection, and a basic grasp of the tools of quantitative and qualitative research. It also requires an appreciation of biology and evolutionary theory, as well as an analysis of the complex environmental factors facing humans in modern society.

The perspectives of other social science disciplines (e.g. anthropology, economics, history, and sociology) are also important to any understanding of individuals in society. The program is structured to provide a strong grounding in contemporary psychological theory and practice, while at the same time, permitting ample exploration of these other important contributing disciplines.