91��������

1. Integration of anthropology and sociology
2. “Hands‐on” applied learning
3. Global competency
4. Value of service
5. Original research
6. Critical engagement, requiring thoughtful and questioning participation in learning

Our majors, minors, and core concentrators find themselves in a wide range of career fields. However, many draw on the same skills they studied and learned in their Anthropology + Sociology courses. They believe their courses made them more culturally sensitive, and this translated into the work they do and their interactions with colleagues. Our alumni say these are some of the qualities and skills that the Anthropology + Sociology program provided them:

• By understanding people with diverse values, principles, commitments, and backgrounds, they can effectively work with and for individuals and institutions.
• Instilling attentiveness to and understanding of group dynamics.
• The ability to understand the different lenses through which people engage the world.
• The Anthropology + Sociology program's focus on hands-on projects involving collaboration, data collection, and analysis translates directly into understanding the social interactions of the workplace.

While an internship is not a requirement for the major, students studying Anthropology+Sociology have dozens of opportunities to intern or otherwise acquire real world experience to complement their studies. Course credit can be earned for internships and community-engaged experiences, either through the 91�������� Internships Program or via independent studies with faculty sponsors. Recent internship placements include: East Bay Community Action Program, Save the Bay, and Rhode Island Housing Works.

An officially-sanctioned student group, the 91�������� A+S Club pursues a variety of activities to bring their studies of sociocultural diversity to life. The club has sponsored film series, multicultural cuisine feasts, and a variety of charitable ventures domestically and abroad. 

Jenna Bouchard
Major: Anthropology + Sociology

Jenna Bouchard, of Manchester, New Hampshire, is a double major in Anthropology + Sociology and Cultural Studies.

What drew you to study and major in Anthropology + Sociology?

As a first-year student here at Roger, I came in undeclared with a wide range of interests I wanted to explore. That exploration helped me realize I was more drawn to the humanities as I found myself more engaged in those courses and wanting to dig deeper.

With that in mind, I decided to enroll in Introduction to Anthropology with Professor Skolnikoff and Introduction to Sociology with Professor Rothschild in the fall of my sophomore year. As the semester went on, and I began learning more about both fields and engaging in meaningful conversations with Professors Skolnikoff and Rothschild, something clicked. I realized I wanted to go beyond just scratching the surface. 
So, in the following spring semester, I enrolled in two more ANSOC classes: Reading Ethnographies with Professor Skolnikoff and Sociocultural Reasoning and Practicing with Professor Hydaralli. That’s when everything really came together. I became deeply engaged in the class discussions and found a true sense of community among my peers.

Has there been a particular course, professor, or reading that has shifted your thinking in a lasting way?

In hopes of not sounding too cheesy, it wasn’t just one professor—it was truly the entire community of ANSOC professors here at Roger. Each one challenges students to think in deep and meaningful ways, whether by encouraging us to question everything or by pushing us to expand our thinking, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Before taking ANSOC classes, I was honestly afraid of facing challenges in my coursework. But through these classes—and the unwavering support of my professors—I’ve learned to embrace discomfort as part of the learning process.

That shift in mindset has stayed with me, and I intend to carry it with me into my ANSOC senior seminar this coming spring. Wish me luck!

Have you had the opportunity to pursue independent research or fieldwork in any of your courses to date? If so, tell us what you learned from doing that work.

Yes, quite a few experiences come to mind, but one that stands out is Qualitative Methods with Professor Patch. As a class, we worked on a semester-long research project studying coffee shops across Rhode Island.

I learned so much in this course. It felt like I was discovering something new almost every day—whether it was something about myself or about the material. For instance, through that experience, I realized that I work quite well in group settings and can take on a leadership role when needed.

Academically, I gained a wide range of new skills, but my favorite was learning how to properly produce fieldnotes—whether it was writing “thick descriptions” or capturing ethnographic photographs. 

Beyond the classroom, what communities or organizations on campus have you been a part of, and what role have they played in your college experience?

Here at Roger, I’m a Writing Tutor in the Writing Center, and I truly believe it’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of my college experience. Writing isn’t always every student’s strongest subject, and many come in with the mindset of “I can’t do this.” But after just a few minutes of conversation, they start to articulate their ideas—and I remind them that they can write, they just need to get past that mental block. I always ask students at the end of each session if they feel better than when they came in—and 100% of the time, the answer is “yes.” Shout out to the Tutoring Center!

In addition to tutoring, I’ve recently become a research assistant under the guidance of Professor Skolnikoff. Last semester, I worked on a research project alongside my partner, Fiona O’Donoghue. We had the opportunity to present our findings at the Northeastern Anthropological Association conference to fellow anthropology students and professors from across the region. This experience not only boosted my confidence in presenting but also deepened my skills in research and in drawing meaningful, grounded conclusions. 

Hobbies; interests; creative outlets?

When I’m not reading for coursework, you’ll most likely find me reading psychological thrillers—that’s my favorite genre at the moment. I love the suspense and unexpected plot twists!

Aside from reading, I’ve recently gotten into crafting. For example, this past summer I DIYed pennant flags with my roommates’ names on them, which was a fun and creative way to personalize our space. I also enjoy exercising, whether that’s lifting weights or going on walks. It’s something I find really helpful after a long day of staring at a laptop or phone screen—it gives me a chance to ground my thoughts and reset.

In what ways have your studies shaped your sense of self, collective life, and how you see your place in the world?

In terms of my sense of self, my studies have taught me not to accept everything at face value—and instead, to seek out the deeper meanings behind why things are the way they are. This mindset has allowed me to engage in more thoughtful and reflective conversations, not only with my fellow ANSOC peers and professors, but also with people outside of academia. I find value in sharing different perspectives with friends and family who haven’t had exposure to anthropology or sociology, and I enjoy helping them think about everyday experiences in new ways.

As for how I see my place in the world, my studies have encouraged me to adopt a human-centered approach. I’ve learned to be curious and compassionate—always striving to understand why someone might be acting a certain way before jumping to assumptions or judgments. This has shaped how I interact with others, and it’s something I carry with me in all areas of life.

If you could offer one piece of advice to a first-year student considering Anthropology and Sociology, what would it be?

My advice to a first-year student considering ANSOC would be to approach it with an open mind—leave any preconceived judgments or assumptions at the door, and take every idea or perspective seriously, even if it challenges you. Be willing to sit in the discomfort, and question everything. If that kind of thinking resonates with you, then I truly believe you’ve found your place here at Roger.
 

Congratulations to our 2022 award winners for best new students Alexis Wozdusiewicz, Jeraldyn Ramirez, and Rachel Barrows.

These students represent an exceptional new cohort of Anthropology + Sociology students . They are wonderful in class, high-performing academically, and express the values of the department.

Jenna Bouchard
Major: Anthropology + Sociology

Jenna Bouchard, of Manchester, New Hampshire, is a double major in Anthropology + Sociology and Cultural Studies.

What drew you to study and major in Anthropology + Sociology?

As a first-year student here at Roger, I came in undeclared with a wide range of interests I wanted to explore. That exploration helped me realize I was more drawn to the humanities as I found myself more engaged in those courses and wanting to dig deeper.
With that in mind, I decided to enroll in Introduction to Anthropology with Professor Skolnikoff and Introduction to Sociology with Professor Rothschild in the fall of my sophomore year. As the semester went on, and I began learning more about both fields and engaging in meaningful conversations with Professors Skolnikoff and Rothschild, something clicked. I realized I wanted to go beyond just scratching the surface. 
So, in the following spring semester, I enrolled in two more ANSOC classes: Reading Ethnographies with Professor Skolnikoff and Sociocultural Reasoning and Practicing with Professor Hydaralli. That’s when everything really came together. I became deeply engaged in the class discussions and found a true sense of community among my peers.
 

Has there been a particular course, professor, or reading that has shifted your thinking in a lasting way?

In hopes of not sounding too cheesy, it wasn’t just one professor—it was truly the entire community of ANSOC professors here at Roger. Each one challenges students to think in deep and meaningful ways, whether by encouraging us to question everything or by pushing us to expand our thinking, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Before taking ANSOC classes, I was honestly afraid of facing challenges in my coursework. But through these classes—and the unwavering support of my professors—I’ve learned to embrace discomfort as part of the learning process.
That shift in mindset has stayed with me, and I intend to carry it with me into my ANSOC senior seminar this coming spring. Wish me luck!
 

Have you had the opportunity to pursue independent research or fieldwork in any of your courses to date? If so, tell us what you learned from doing that work.

Yes, quite a few experiences come to mind, but one that stands out is Qualitative Methods with Professor Patch. As a class, we worked on a semester-long research project studying coffee shops across Rhode Island.
I learned so much in this course. It felt like I was discovering something new almost every day—whether it was something about myself or about the material. For instance, through that experience, I realized that I work quite well in group settings and can take on a leadership role when needed.
Academically, I gained a wide range of new skills, but my favorite was learning how to properly produce fieldnotes—whether it was writing “thick descriptions” or capturing ethnographic photographs.