Skip to Main Content

Sociology and Anthropology

Image for Sociology

Sociology

Sociology is the study of group behavior and society. The field provides a distinctive perspective on the world and addresses many challenging issues that are confronting society today.

Image for Anthropology

Anthropology

Anthropology is the holistic and interdisciplinary study of the origins, evolution and diversity of humans as cultural, biological creatures, from our emergence millions of years ago to the present.

Students in classroom

Explore New Courses

"Anthropology of Palestine" examines the culture and social worlds of Palestine, exploring the complex interplay of state, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and class at both local and global levels in constructing what Palestine is and who Palestinians are. "Queer China" explores the emergence and expression of queer identities, cultures and communities in modern and contemporary mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Chinese diaspora.

An instructor speaks to a class while standing in front of a chalkboard.

Meet Our Faculty

Muhlenberg's Sociology and Anthropology faculty are accomplished scholars, dedicated mentors and collaborative researchers. Get to know the experts within our department.

Image of research

Conduct Independent Research

Held in the spring of each academic year, the Senior Research Symposium features presentations by graduating seniors, including talks and posters, on research emerging out of honors thesis projects and capstone seminars in sociology and anthropology.

Richard Ben-Veniste Takes Our Questions

Our alumni

Ben-Veniste ’64, who served as one of the lead prosecutors during the Watergate scandal 50 years ago, reflects on the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society, the challenges our country faces and what needs to happen to preserve our democracy.

In their words

I learned how useful my skills from Research Design in Sociology can be in a history-focused project.

Alison Smith '17 , Sociology Major

Sociology articulates some of the best ideals of a liberal arts mission—to engage in reasoned debate and independent critical thinking.

Janine Kay Gwen Chi Associate Professor of Sociology

Alison Smith '17

Janine Kay Gwen Chi

NEWS AT MUHLENBERG

August 22, 2024

Muhlenberg College's Center for Ethics Explores "The Ethics of Repair"

The Center for Ethics theme for 2024-2025 will examine the ethics, challenges and limits of repair after great harm and how individuals and societies seek justice, healing and pathways to rebuild.
February 19, 2024

Anthropology Research Examines Black Community Central to Underground Railroad

Associate Professor Ben Carter has worked with students and descendants to document portions of Six Penny Creek, a settlement home to about 50 people at its peak around 1870.
February 14, 2024

Muhlenberg Offers Innovative Mock Application Process for Prehealth Students

The process, which now stretches over an entire academic year, challenges each student to create the strongest application they can and produces powerful results.
August 9, 2023

2400 Chew: Karissa Minnich '12

On this episode of 2400 Chew, Karissa Minnich '12, a civic design manager, talks with Muhlenberg Magazine Editor-in-Chief Meghan Kita about how her initial career motivation for helping address income inequality through local government and how she's found meaning in her work.