• <a href="/live/image/gid/83/width/650/86534_SOAN_main_image.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86534"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/83/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86534_SOAN_main_image.rev.1607736302.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/83/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86534_SOAN_main_image.rev.1607736302.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/83/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86534_SOAN_main_image.rev.1607736302.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/83/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86534_SOAN_main_image.rev.1607736302.jpg" alt="Maryann Bylander, associate professor of sociology, hosts students during her office hours. " width="720" height="690" data-max-w="1150" data-max-h="1200" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Maryann Bylander, associate professor of sociology, hosts students during her office hours. </div>

Students majoring in sociology and anthropology (SOAN) are members of an enthusiastic intellectual community dedicated to the study of the social and cultural processes that shape our contemporary world. Our students join in the critical investigation of pressing issues of the day: capitalism, migration, tourism, environmental sustainability, religious commitment, violence and suffering, health care, food systems, social injustice, technological innovation, nationalism, and more. Our classes are attuned to how these processes impact the everyday lives of people in Asia, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. First-hand research is at the core of the SOAN experience, with faculty and students working closely together on projects in the classroom, the Portland community, and abroad. Together, we work on developing the thinking tools, research skills, and social ethics that prepare us to understand the world and act in it.


  • I find that whatever event is happening at L&C, critique and reflection is always welcome and there is always room for new ideas.

    Lani Felicitas BA ’18
    Aiea, Hawai‘i
    More about Lani
  • What I love most about my international affairs and sociology and anthropology double major is that the professors are incredibly passionate about what they teach. They are approachable, friendly, and extremely good resources.

    Rocío Yao BA ’24
    Cuidad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Guangzhou, China; Northglenn, Colorado, United States
    More about Rocío
  • My favorite classes have been Feminist Theory and Decolonizing Anthropology. Feminist Theory was amazing because we were able to have really exciting and thought-provoking discussions. Decolonizing Anthropology was a really great class, and the teachings have stuck with me.

    Eli Bricknell BA ’23
    Seattle, Washington; Kalamazoo, Michigan
    More about Eli

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