The Social Sciences Division now encompasses the Departments of Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology, and also the Committees on Human Development and Social Thought. In addition, the Division supports interdisciplinary committees and centers for research and education. The research interests of faculty and students encompass an enormous range of subjects from economic theory to linguistic anthropology to neuroendocrinology. Out of the variety of disciplines and approaches has come a number of "Chicago Schools" of thought. These Schools do not share any particular content or approach; rather, their common characteristic is the highest level of theoretical innovation and critical debate among competing ideas. The quintessential forums for exchange and debate of ideas are the workshops, attended by faculty and graduate students, on themes as diverse as ancient societies, American politics, and demography.

Since its foundation in 1892, The University of Chicago has been a research institution with large graduate programs. The Social Sciences Division now has about 1,400 students from around the world enrolled in its Ph.D. and M.A. programs. This relatively large community of graduate students makes possible a vibrant intellectual life including hundreds of research seminars, dozens of workshops, and intense individual discussions. Its large doctoral programs have made The University the "teacher of teachers." The growing M.A. programs in the Social Sciences and in International Relations, as well as in Middle Eastern Studies and Latin American Studies, offer students a valuable opportunity to deepen their knowledge through courses taught by world-renowned experts.

Dean John Mark Hansen