The ANSO Boom, plus ANSO students abroad & independent projects at Williams

 


Prof. Antonia Foias (left) and Meg Davis '00, a sociology major.

 The number of incoming juniors who declared majors in anthropology or sociology grew dramatically this year: the Class of 1999 graduated 8 majors, compared to the 21 (Anthropology 9, Sociology 12) who will graduate in the Class of 2001.
Tee Leathers '00, an Anthropology major studying in England during the Spring semester, reports that she has been conducting research on the current state of race relations in the UK. When she returns home this summer, she expects to continue her study of female African-American ministers.

Phil Groth '00 sent the department a postcard from Bali, where he's enrolled in the School for International Training's study-abroad program. Phil's independent research concerned "the flow of information between pemangkus (lay priests) and the individual farmers in the subak organization." He reports that he "learned more than I ever thought possible and having a good time as well." We're sure that his upbeat report has nothing whatsoever to do with his having missed the interminable Berkshire winter.
Joan Walling '99, a Sociology major, completed a thesis entitled "First Generation College Students: The Process of Social Adjustment Amidst Class Mobility" under the direction of Prof. Jean Bacon. Walling's research focused on college students from working-class families and explored issues of identity change and social adjustment. Her work confirmed that these students experience a shift toward a dual identity--oscillating between "middle class" and "working class"--as they progress through their college careers. Next year Joan will enter Princeton University's doctoral program in Sociology.

In recognition of Walling's thesis work and her overall performance in sociology courses over the past four years, the department was pleased to award her the Robert W. Friedrichs Prize in Sociology for 1999. The Friedrichs prize, which includes a $100 cash award, was endowed by Williams parents who wish to remain anonymous. The award recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated distinction in his or her study of sociology at Williams.