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What will you study in the Social Sciences Department?

We offer a broadly-based international, multicultural, and multidisciplinary perspective on humanity, society, and the environment that uniquely prepares our students for graduate study, or for a career in private industry or public service. Our students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences, and are able to personalize their academic experiences by choosing between our two minors (Anthropology-Geography or Sociology) as well as from a number of specialized concentrations.

Regardless of the specific focus you choose, you will take a wide-range of classes from all of our disciplines, providing you with a solid grasp on the fundamentals of each. (To view our course offerings, follow the link at left, or look at the list of required courses from the most recent catalog.)

Our faculty comes from three academic disciplines – Anthropology, Geography, and Sociology – each of which provides a distinct understanding of human cultures and the natural environment:

Anthropology at Cal Poly focuses on the biological and cultural dimensions of humanity, emphasizing the present and past diversity of our species. Some of our main emphases are human evolution and reproduction, the prehistory of California and the western U.S. (with special emphasis on the human/environment relationship), and the cultural diversity of Meso- and South America. In addition, we provide our students with hands on training in modern archaeological methods.

Geography at Cal Poly emphasizes the relationship between humans and the physical environment. We provide our students with a solid understanding of physical geography as well as the diverse ways in which cultures around the world interact with the natural world and the ways in which modern society is affecting the environment. Our cultural and regional geography courses explore spatial patterns in cultural phenomena such as language, religion, political structures, and economic activities. Finally, our students obtain a range of marketable skills in geo-spatial techniques such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, quantitative analysis, and remote sensing.

Sociology at Cal Poly explores the nature and dynamics of human societies and the relationships between individuals and their social groups. Our students explore the nature of social, economic, and political systems around the world. We provide students with the ability to understand the implications of changing patterns of ethnicity, age, and gender at the national and global level, as well as an understanding of the impacts that technological changes have on social structures. Our courses have a significant global dimension, enabling students to understand the importance and implications of ethnic and gender diversity at home as well as in a wide range of other cultures.

In addition to classroom opportunities, our students benefit from a range of off-campus learning opportunities. For example, Anthropology students live up to Cal Poly's motto of ‘Learn by Doing' by participating in ongoing archaeological projects around the region, such as the exploration of Chumash sites at Montana de Oro or the excavation of Mission-era relics at Fort Hunter-Liggett. In association with Cal Poly's vigorous International Education Program, our students are able to travel with faculty to diverse regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, South America, and Mexico. Also, our students are encouraged to gain valuable professional experience through internships with public agencies and private businesses in the local area.

Social Sciences Home	CLA Home	Cal Poly FindIt	Last Updated: 7/29/07
Social Sciences Department Building 47 Room 13 805-756-2260 socscidept@calpoly.edu

Anthropology at Cal Poly focuses on the biological and cultural dimensions of humanity, emphasizing the present and past diversity of our species. Some of our main emphases are human evolution and reproduction, the prehistory of California and the western U.S. (with special emphasis on the human/environment relationship), and the cultural diversity of Meso- and South America. In addition, we provide our students with hands on training in modern archaeological methods.
	Geography at Cal Poly emphasizes the relationship between humans and the physical environment. We provide our students with a solid understanding of physical geography as well as the diverse ways in which cultures around the world interact with the natural world and the ways in which modern society is affecting the environment. Our cultural and regional geography courses explore spatial patterns in cultural phenomena such as language, religion, political structures, and economic activities. Finally, our students obtain a range of marketable skills in geo-spatial techniques such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, quantitative analysis, and remote sensing.
Sociology at Cal Poly explores the nature and dynamics of human societies and the relationships between individuals and their social groups. Our students explore the nature of social, economic, and political systems around the world. We provide students with the ability to understand the implications of changing patterns of ethnicity, age, and gender at the national and global level, as well as an understanding of the impacts that technological changes have on social structures. Our courses have a significant global dimension, enabling students to understand the importance and implications of ethnic and gender diversity at home as well as in a wide range of other cultures.