Welcome to the Social Sciences at
IVCC, offering courses in Anthropology and Sociology. The mission of the
Social Science faculty at IVCC is to help students of diverse backgrounds and
goals cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary to act as critical and
informed members of their own communities, while gaining valuable insights into
others. These two disciplines are experiencing an explosion of interest
around the world as employers in a rapidly changing and globalizing world seek
to understand the contours of human cultural and social behavior.
Anthropology and Sociology courses are often cited by students as some of the
most enjoyable and eye-opening they have taken in college.
Anthropology is the science of human
culture. How did we become human? What does it mean to "be
human" in various times and places? Do the Inuit really have 40
words for snow? Why do some cultures forbid certain foods?
Sociology is the science of human
society. How do we organize ourselves and why? What keeps societies
stable, or causes societies to change? Why do we make small talk in
elevators? Why can't we get rid of crime and inequality?
Join us in exploring these questions
and so much more. Feel free to call our Division Office at 815-224-0487
for more information.
Sincerely,
Jared Olesen
Full-time Faculty
Part-time Faculty
Alan Phillips - Anthropology
Chaya Spears - Anthropology