The Department of Anthropology is recognized as one of the leading centers for urban anthropology in the South and serves as a significant cultural resource for New Orleans and the surrounding region. An anthropology degree at UNO is organized around applied urban anthropology and emphasizes the importance of understanding global and local perspectives on culture and society. Sociology — the study of social life — investigates topics ranging from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from crime to religion, from racial divisions to shared beliefs. A Sociology major at UNO acquires a firm grounding in sociological theories and research methods that will help navigate these complex issues.