Social Inquiry Department
UW-Superior’s Department of Social Inquiry includes academic programs in Anthropology, History/Social Studies Education, Gender Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Gender Studies and Public Leadership and Changemaking. These programs form the basis of a sound university education, prepare students for careers, and help students better understand themselves, their society and their world.
Faculty are well connected and regularly bring in guest lecturers, alumni and community leaders to share real-world experiences and diverse perspectives. Instructors champion their students’ success and offer opportunities often only found at larger universities.
Public Leadership and Changemaking
Unique to the region, the Public Leadership and Changemaking (PLC) Program is the Social Inquiry Department’s newest addition. PLC is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to engage diverse constituencies to develop solutions to current and anticipated complex issues within local, regional, national, and global communities. Graduates of the program are highly sought by nonprofits, planning agencies, civic and public agencies, tribal government entities and many more.
The history program at UWS has offered me incredible opportunities and provided me with the resources to become a confident student and historian. The professors in my department are wonderful people who offer nothing but support and genuine concern for the outcome of my education and my future. I truly appreciate this and feel as if I”m in a program and a school where I belong and thrive.
I had reservations about going back to school after several years, about fitting in, but my experience at UWS has been wonderful. I’ve had nothing but support from my instructors and have really felt challenged by the work. The small class sizes give me opportunity to interact with my fellow students and not to feel so much like an outsider.
The philosophy program is great! I have learned so much not only from the classes but the professors. It is easy to see the professors are passionate about what they teach and are always available if you need help understanding material or just want to talk more in-depth about the concepts that were taught. I know I will be able to take what I have learned and apply it to my life outside of college.
As a Public Leadership and Changemaking major at UWS, I have moved from being a lost non-traditional student trying to find their place in the world to someone with a focus on how they can be of service to it. I’ve gained a partner, lifelong friendships and a path forward in life.
Being part of UW-Superior’s Anthropology program has been an amazing experience. Through personal observations and fieldwork partnered with research into global cultural diversity, I have been able to learn so much more about people locally and globally. It has been a great supplement to my history major and is an ideal minor for anybody interested in human experience, behavior, or diversity.
The Social Inquiry Department’s history and philosophy programs have absolutely changed my life! I’ve been given so many wonderful and unique opportunities to grow my academic and professional skills. Through that and the encouragement of everyone in the department, I’ve gained so much more confidence in myself, in and out of the classroom.
The Political Science program at UWS has been a wonderful opportunity. My professors are engaging, and I have had the chance to apply my knowledge in multiple Academic Service-Learning projects. The small class sizes allowed me to get to know my professors well and to get a more thorough understanding of the material, and I feel comfortable and supported in sharing my thoughts and questions.
The Social Inquiry Department helped me find a voice I didn’t know I had prior to becoming a student at UWS. The professors and their coursework have taught me how to make sound cases, in both written and verbal formats. The faculty in this department have helped me to feel prepared to become a teacher of social studies at the secondary level.
Scholarships
Involvement Opportunities
Social Inquiry programs challenge and inspire students to explore new perspectives, experiences and opportunities through research, discussion, Academic Service-Learning, experiential learning activities and internships. Examples include an interactive refugee exhibit in which students teach community and university members. Students also have opportunities to be involved in student clubs, voter engagement initiatives, the Summer Undergraduate Research Program and many other educational enrichment activities.
Facilities
The Social Inquiry Department is located in Swenson Hall, which is one of the newest and most updated buildings on campus. Classrooms and labs feature the latest technology. The building also includes study spaces with beautiful views of campus, a computer lab, and offices for Student Support Services that provide a wide array of resources and support.
