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Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work

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The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work supports four academic disciplines, with four majors and three minors (in addition to a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies), while contributing to several inter-disciplinary programs.

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Antiracism Statement
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work fully supports and advocates for an anti-racist department and campus. We commit to creating an anti-racist and inclusive space where our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students, faculty, and staff can study and work without fear of racial discrimination or violence of any kind. We commit to actively engaging in sustained efforts to create a more equitable department and campus community.

Anti-Racism Committee: Faculty and students in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work are engaged in a variety of equity-minded practices and are dedicated to creating and fostering an anti-racist climate in our department for BIPOC students, faculty, and staff.
We believe black lives matter; no human is illegal; love is love; women's rights are human rights; science is real; water is life; injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

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Department Chair
Theresa Severance, PhD
Webb Hall, Room 432
(860) 465-4656
severancet@easternct.edu
Department Secretary
Marsha Cwikla
Webb Hall, Room 421
(860) 465-4550
cwiklam@easternct.edu
Sociology
Nicolas Simon, PhD
Eastern Hall, Room 7
(860) 465-0489
simonn@easternct.edu
Social Work
Eunice Matthews, PhD
Webb Hall, Room 430
(860) 465-0102
matthewse@easternct.edu
Anthropology
Sarah Baires, PhD
Webb Hall, Room 440
(860) 465-0491
bairess@easternct.edu
Criminology
Nicholas Parsons, PhD
Webb Hall, Room 439
(860) 465-4497
parsonsn@easternct.edu
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students at a sociology conference
presentation to a classroom on LGBT issues
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In the News

Nightingale

Sarah Nightingale receives Institutional Courage Research Grant

August 12, 2024

Sarah Nightingale, assistant professor of social work, was awarded a research grant this July from the Center for Institutional Courage, which aims to combat institutional injustices in cases of abuse on college campuses.

Cahokia

Eastern student goes on archeological dig in ancient Native American city

July 25, 2024

An anthropology major with an archaeology concentration and a history minor, Eric Hohenthal ’25 has long known of his interest in his chosen field. Ever since he was a child, Eric has been “obsessed with the ancient world. I was naturally drawn to archaeology.”

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Eastern inducts hundreds into honor societies in spring 2024

May 16, 2024

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.

Programs of Study

  • Practicum and internship courses complement classroom instruction in the Sociology major and give students an opportunity to gain experience in one or more field placement settings. Sociology majors graduate ready for employment in community, business and organizational settings or for graduate level study in sociology, social work, law and other career fields. A Sociology minor is also available to other majors.

    View Major Details

    View Minor Details

  • The Anthropology major offers two concentrations — Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology. It also can be used as a second major for students majoring in Sociology, Criminology, History, Psychological Science, Political Science, World Languages and Cultures, Health Sciences, Environmental Earth Science, Business Administration, New Media Studies, Art History, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Our faculty includes experts in Latin American, Caribbean, Canadian, and Native American studies. Applied learning opportunities are embedded in the programs’ required field courses, which can include internships at museums, archaeological field work at sites in New England and the Midwest, and study trips to other countries.

    View Major Details

    View Minor Details

  • The Criminology major examines the nature of criminal law, the causes of criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime and offenders. The program approaches the study of crime and crime problems primarily from a sociological perspective, with an emphasis on social inequality and diversity. Students who earn the degree enter the field with greater understanding of social and cultural differences, and how these impact experiences and attitudes about crime, offenders and the criminal justice system. The Criminology minor is also available to other majors.

    View Major Details

    View Minor Details

  • Eastern's Social Work program is an accredited BSW program identified as one of the "Best BSW Programs in Connecticut" and one of the 101 "Most Affordable BSW Programs" in the nation. Under the program's "cohort" format, students progress through the major as a group, developing supportive relationships with their peers and faculty. Students also develop knowledge and skills through hands-on interventions designed to impact social policies and the lives of individuals and groups. Our faculty are practicing social work professionals who integrate their experiences into the classroom.

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  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies is an interdisciplinary minor specializing in the histories, cultures and social structures of these regions.

    View Minor Details