The purpose of SOCY 486 is to provide an understanding of the ways in which anthropological & sociological knowledge, methods, perspectives, and research can be applied -- or put "to work" or into "practice" -- to work with the public to solve contemporary human problems.  While Applied Anthropology/Sociology are the most commonly used terms, today it is also often referred to as Public Anthropology/Sociology.  Applied practitioners work in economic development, community planning, business, tourism, refugee camps, in programs providing health care and educational assistance to communities and groups, in cultural preservation and resource management, as well as in many other areas in which anthropological/sociological knowledge of human behavior and cultures can be put to use.

SOCY 486, Community-Based Research provides an overview to the history, research issues, fieldwork methods, and ethical considerations involved in applied community work.  It especially covers and emphasizes the range of participatory development models for working with the public to solve problems. 

Former coal miner Fred Lawson demonstrates mining equipment for an applied class team.