Department Mission
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Indiana University South Bend is dedicated to fostering a critical understanding of the social and cultural diversity and dynamics of the human condition through education and discovery. As a faculty we are committed to excellence in teaching and concern for the welfare of our students, scholarly and professional creativity, and campus and community service. Within the context of a liberal arts education, we cultivate in our students a sociological and anthropological imagination intended to prepare them to be active contributors to their communities and to live fruitful lives as informed citizens of a global society. Through their education and training in theoretical analysis and the development of research skills, our students gain a solid practical basis for pursuing careers in law, social work, business, public administration, and many other human services professions. They also are well equipped to pursue graduate study in sociology and anthropology in order to go on to careers in teaching, administration, and research.
Our Goal
To place ourselves among the top twenty undergraduate sociology/anthropology programs in the country.
Strategies
1. Encourage and Maintain Academic Excellence
a. Continue participation in ASA/IU Preparing Future Faculty Program
b. Continue to work with FACET, encouraging nominations and active participation
c. Continue to hire and mentor excellent teacher/scholars
d. Hold departmental teaching colloquia on an annual or semi-annual basis
e. Hold an annual departmental planning retreat
2. Foster Student Learning, Access, and Success
a. Continue to offer students research and presentation opportunities such as the Midwest Student Sociology Conference; host the conference on an occasional basis
b. Regularly nominate best students for the ASA Honors Program
c. Continue to improve advising through the use of Insite as well as careful examination of new general education guidelines
d. Expand our assessment process through more complete student portfolios, regular external review, community assessment of our interns, and alumni surveys
e. Strengthen the student clubs in both Anthropology and Sociology, encouraging active student and faculty involvement
f. Continue and refine use of student mentors and teaching assistants
g. Increase the number of our students who publish their research in undergraduate journals
3. Strengthen Partnerships with the Community
a. Encourage faculty and students to offer service to community organizations and agencies; highlight current involvement
b. Develop partnerships with area agencies to expand internship options, faculty involvement and special activities
c. Continue development of the internship program and service learning opportunities
4. Enhance Diversity in the Curriculum and the Classroom
a. Hire new faculty in Anthropology, including adding a fulltime position in physical anthropology and archeology
b. Increase diversity of course offerings in both Sociology and Anthropology
c. Work cooperatively with IUN, including exploring the establishment of a joint Anthropology major
d. Expand recruiting of Gerontology minors and continue development of this program
e. Expand recruiting and advising for the Diversity Certificate
f. Continue and expand joint offerings with Women’s Studies, Informatics and other programs
g. Coordinate course offerings with African American Studies and Latin American/Latino Studies
5. Reflect and Expand a Global Perspective
a. Continue involvement with the Summer in Mexico Program, expanding participation by Sociology and Anthropology faculty and students
b. Continue to use programs such as exchanges and Fulbright grants to bring international faculty to the department
c. Increase involvement with overseas study and international exchange programs
d. Continue to globalize our curriculum, making use of IU grants for international materials and experiences
6. Heighten Excellence in Scholarship and Professional Service Beyond the Campus
a. Continue to foster successful record of research and publication
b. Increase grant activity, including sharing of information on grant sources
c. Encourage and support participation in professional organizations and associations, including election or appointment to positions of responsibility
d. Continue contributions to Teaching Sociology, including editorial board and a proposal for an editorship in the department by 2006
e. Continue and expand involvement with ASA sections and Teaching Resources Center
f. Explore possibilities for collaborative scholarship in the department and LAS.
