What are Sociology and Anthropology?
How many of you think that sociologists are cold people obsessed with unreliable numbers, while anthropologists only see the meaning of their life in measuring bones and skulls? Do others view sociologists and anthropologists as deeply ideological personalities constantly subverting the rules of objective research? Professors at the School of Advanced Studies warmly invite you to challenge these misperceptions. In fact, sociology and anthropology are the broadest disciplines within social sciences. Together these disciplines study social, political, economic, cultural and psychological developments in the evolution of humanity. Far from being narrow-minded ivory-tower theoreticians or opinionated pundits, sociologists and anthropologists investigate social life at every level: from the rise and fall of civilizations to two-person interactions such as those between two romantic partners, neighbors or even two strangers on the street. Sociology and anthropology are well-armed with reliable research techniques and follow rigorous steps to forge trustworthy knowledge. The two disciplines complement each other. While sociology is more concerned with scientific, law-based explanation of social processes, anthropology focuses on individual experiences and the meaning of human action. Notably, SAS is one of few institutions in former Soviet Union countries and Eastern Europe/Russia which offers joint major in sociology and anthropology and firmly believes in cross-fertilization of the two disciplines.
What are Sociology and Anthropology at SAS?The modern study of sociology and anthropology requires not only learning sociological and anthropological theories and practical research skills, but also a deep understanding of human life in light of the opportunities afforded us by modern technology. SAS major allows students to master key contemporary concepts of human, society, and culture. However, it also offers an intellectual immersion in affiliated disciplines that deal with the most pressing developments in the contemporary world such as market expansion, environmental degradation, digitalization, and intercultural communication. In first two years of the SAS program, before the selection of their major, students acquire broad knowledge in diverse disciplines including ancient philosophy and quantitative methods. The purpose of this approach to education is to boost student motivation, goal-orientation, and readiness for challenging methodological training – the qualities required for successful passage through the whole spectrum of complex disciplinary courses associated with the SAS major. SAS is a small and cohesive institution of leadership education with international faculty, whose PhD credentials come from leading world-class universities, a low students per professors ratio, and the seminar-based format of learning, which foster the development of individual potential for every single student. The SAS environment offers direct and close interaction with experts from different countries and develops a wide range of communication skills: intercultural dialogue, public presentation, teamwork, networking, and diversity management. Thus, the uniqueness of SAS allows students to acquire an internationally recognized university education and, thus, participate in a global discussion on contemporary issues. In the upper years SAS students will be able to apply knowledge derived from the program in their field work and internships in renown public institutions and corporations partnered with the School.