The SOAN department does not impart a set of professional skills so much as educate its students to see the world through the eyes of a social scientist. In training students to view human events from a number of perspectives, SOAN develops the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for any career.

The department sponsors occasional functions for majors, faculty, and other interested parties. If you are already a major, come to as many of these as you can, as they are good opportunities to get to know your fellow majors and the faculty on an informal level. Such occasions include colloquia, potables-and-cheese type parties, taking a faculty member to lunch (there is such a thing as a free lunch!), and the SOAN picnic in the spring, usually at Professor Fisher's house just off campus.

IN THE DEPARTMENTAL LOUNGE

The departmental lounge is another locus for informal faculty and student contact, as well as a resource center. The department subscribes to several journals, which you may check out:

Anthropology Today
Anthropology News: newsletter of the American Anthropological Association
Cultural Survival Quarterly
Footnotes: newsletter of the American Sociological Association
Grassroots Development

Informational brochures from graduate/professional schools and off-campus programs are available in several folders located on the current periodicals shelf in the lounge. Also, watch the bulletin board for announcements of speakers, student competitions, and other events taking place in the region.

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