Social Science Department
Our Faculty/Staff
Bottom Row L-R: Dawn Bahn (Administrative Assistant), Nicole Deprez (Social Work), BC Franson (Justice Administration), Benjamin Anderson (Psychology), Corey Butler (Psychology) Second Row L-R: Jim Smalley (Social Work), Amber Kinner-Alahakoon (Social Work), Laura Koenig (Psychology), Christine Olson (Psychology), Michael Hofstetter (History), Titeonna Pickford (Student Worker) Top Row L-R: David Sturrock (Political Science), Cindy Aamlid (Sociology), Amanda Sieling (Justice Administration), Jeff Kolnick (History & Department Chair), Scott Peterson (Psychology), Anthony Amato (Geography)
Not pictured: Tom Williford (History), Vicky Brockman (Sociology), Darren Renville (Indigenous Nations & Dakota Studies), Thomas Murphy (Anthropology), Erin Kline (Sociology), Laura Mueller-Anderson (Social Work), Kenny Dodson (Social Work), Sara Fier (Psychology), Linda Pesch (Psychology)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Social Science is to educate students at the undergraduate level in the programs of Anthropology, History, Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies, Justice Administration, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology. Being a diverse group of disciplines, we believe that it is important to promote both theoretical and practical knowledge in our various fields. Our common focus is the study of people in terms of their individual lives, their history and culture, and the social-structures in which they live. As sciences, we believe that critical thinking and a high regard for evidence are essential for achieving progress in our fields. Finally, we believe that all of our disciplines are grounded in the liberal arts, and that the core skills of reading, thinking, speaking, and writing are the best way of developing knowledgeable and enlightened citizens for our future.
Come visit us!
The Department of Social Science is located in the Social Science Building (SS), which is the northernmost building on campus. Our main office is on the first floor in SS 103. Within the Social Science Building are classrooms, faculty offices, conference rooms, laboratories, student lounge areas, club and activity rooms, a dance studio, and the Museum of Indigenous Americans.
Please contact the Social Science Department with any questions you may have at 507-537-6224 or by email at SocialScience@smsu.edu.
Last Modified: 12/15/22 11:53 AM | Website Feedback