Catalog 2023-2024

Sociology/Anthropology

Teaching Faculty

Professors Goldberg (chair), Hill, and Schwartzkopf   
Assistant Professors Axxe and El Amoor

Description

The Sociology/Anthropology department reflects the shared intellectual foundations and common areas of inquiry in sociology and anthropology, as well as their distinct disciplinary differences. While the main focus of sociology has been on the range of social relationships in complex societies, anthropology has concentrated on the transformation of traditional societies and cross-cultural comparisons. Today the fields of sociology and anthropology use similar ethnographic and quantitative methods in the investigation of the human condition through space and time in the global context. A joint major aims to recognize those shared disciplinary goals, and the specific emphases honor the uniqueness of each discipline.

Students may take a major in Sociology/Anthropology with an emphasis in either Sociology or Anthropology. Twelve course are required for Anthropology, six core courses and six electives to be selected from departmental offerings. Eleven courses are required for Sociology, five core courses and six electives, two of which may come from other departments by petition.  At least two of the six electives within the department must be from the discipline that is not the major emphasis. Majors in Sociology/Anthropology may not take a minor in Sociology or Anthropology and may not double major in Sociology and Anthropology.

Major in Sociology/Anthropology with emphasis in Sociology

11 courses distributed as follows:

  • SOCI 110  Introduction to Sociology 
  • SOCI 335  Sociological Research Methods 
  • ANTH/SOCI 365 Social Theory 
  • SOCI 480  Advanced Research Practicum  
              or 
    SOCI 497  Advanced Research and Writing
  • One course from the following
              BUSI 250 Principles of Statistics
              MATH 215 Introductory Statistics
              PSYC 290 Statistics
              SOCI 210 Social Statistics
  • 4 additional sociology courses
  • 2 anthropology courses

Note:

Two of the six electives in the last two categories may come from other departments. Approval of these courses must be given by the Sociology/Anthropology department chair.

Major in Sociology/Anthropology with emphasis in Anthropology

12 courses distributed as follows:

  • ANTH 100  Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 
  • ANTH 102  Introduction to Archaeology and Physical Anthropology
  • 1 course from the following: 
              ANTH 300 Ethnographic Methods 
              ANTH 302 Archaeological Methods
              ANTH 335 Geographic Information Science 
  • ANTH/SOCI 365  Social Theory
  • ANTH 480  Advanced Research Practicum  
              or 
    ANTH 497  Advanced Research and Writing 
  • 1 course from the following
              BUSI 250 Principles of Statistics
              MATH 215 Introductory Statistics
              PSYC 290 Statistics
              SOCI 210 Social Statistics
  • 4 additional anthropology courses 
  • 2 additional sociology courses

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience for the sociology/anthropology major includes the completion of a senior thesis either in SOCI/ANTH 480 Advanced Research Practicum or SOCI/ANTH 497 Advanced Research and Writing. The thesis will be presented and defended orally. Students may also present their research at a professional conference or other forum. The grade for the Senior Capstone Experience is an average of the grade for the written senior thesis and the grade for the senior thesis oral presentation.

Minor in Sociology

6 courses in sociology including:

  • SOCI 335 Sociological Research Methods
              or
    SOCI 365 Picturing Society:  Readings in Social Thought
  • At least one additional sociology course numbered 300 or above

Minor in Anthropology

6 courses in anthropology including:

  • 1 course from the following: 
              ANTH 300  Ethnographic Methods 
              ANTH 335  Geographic Information Science  
              ANTH 365  Anthropological Theory 
  • At least one additional anthropology course numbered 300 or above

Minor in Social Justice

Program Course Listings

The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

Sociology Courses

SOCI 110

Introduction to Sociology

The methods, concepts, and applications of sociological knowledge emphasizing culture, interaction, groups, institutions, order, and change.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 201

Introduction to Social Work

This course introduces the field of social work, with a focus on how the profession addresses the needs of clients and ethical issues surrounding the field. Students become familiar with how social work addresses issues such as homelessness, and the relation of the field to practice, policy, and social justice.

SOCI 205

Gender and Sexuality

An examination of gender and sexuality as socially constructed categories of identity and social position. The course explores the ways in which gender and sexuality are structurally rooted in the institutions of society and groups. Issues of gender and sexuality are examined as they intersect with race, social class, and other markers of self and societal status. Micro and macro level relations of power are emphasized around themes of liberation and oppression.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 210

Social Statistics

An introduction to statistical techniques and analyses commonly used in sociology and the social sciences, with an emphasis on using and interpreting basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics of inquiry include tabular and graphical presentation of data, measures of central tendency probability theory, confidence intervals, chi-square, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The course involves hands-on computer experience using statistical software and analysis of existing datasets.

Quantitative Studies QS
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 250

Sociology of the Family

An examination of the institution of the family with a focus on modern American families. The course focuses on variation and inequality between families and the role of gender in shaping family roles, family policy, and cultural expectations. We use recent sociological research and data to understand the characteristics of American families, the social forces affecting families, and current debates regarding marriage, divorce, child-rearing, and work/family policies. Although the primary emphasis is on the U.S., a comparative context is cultivated.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 255

Gender in Film & Television

Gender is portrayed in and produced through film and television. The course examines key concepts of gender by examining how masculinities and femininities are portrayed in film and television and shaped by categories of race/ethnicity, class, and sexuality. Students are introduced to content analysis and use it to produce research about contemporary media trends.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
SOCI 270

Race and Ethnicity

A consideration of the evolving patterns of conflict and cooperation among racial and ethnic groups. Major attention is given to the socially constructed nature of group identities based on ethnicity and race; racist ideologies, prejudices, stereotypes and various forms of discrimination; as well as the ongoing struggles for social justice.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 300

The Urban Community

Emphasis on a sociological understanding of urban and community processes. Topics of special interest include the political economy of cities, growth, housing, urban revitalization, architecture and use of space, design for sustainability, and cross-cultural comparisons.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 317

Society, Culture, and History

How do anthropologists and sociologists use history to understand human thought and behavior? How do historians draw on the social sciences to understand the past? This course considers the interaction between the social sciences and history in interdisciplinary fields such as cultural history, historical sociology, oral history, historical archaeology, and ethnohistory. Students learn to critically evaluate sources to understand the past and human thought and behavior. Students develop a research project that integrates different sources of information to understand the social life and culture of a particular people, place, and time. Cross-listed as ANTH 317

Historical Perspectives HP
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 325

Race and Mixed Race

An examination of Mixed Race Studies. Since 1970, rates in interracial unions and the number of their multiracial children have been on the rise in the U.S. Demographers estimate that as many as 1 in 5 people could be multiracial by 2050. How the increasing presence of multiracial Americans is affecting discussions of race and our understanding of racial and ethnic identity are considered. Special attention is given to defining who is multiracial, the similarities and differences in the racial identity experiences of different multiracial groups and the ways multiracial Americans are shaping the future U.S. color line.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 335

Sociological Research Methods

An overview of the major research methods used in sociology, including ethnographic fieldwork, social experiments, content analysis, and survey research. The focus is on applied projects as well as on a theoretical understanding of debates over the role of science in social investigation. Prerequisites: SOCI 110, ANTH 100, or permission of the instructor Recommended: SOCI 210

SOCI 110, ANTH 100, or permission of the instructor
SOCI 210
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
SOCI 342

Food, Culture and Nature

An examination of food in the context of cultural beliefs and social practices, from small-scale face-to-face interactions to the role of food in global systems. Some topics of interest include the relationship of food to community, understandings about nature, social justice and inequality, definitions of health, concepts of the body, celebration, and new technologies.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 355

Sociology of Immigration

Immigration continues to be one of the most significant social forces in the U.S., shaping its cultural, economic, and political institutions. Contemporary migration patterns form Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions of the world are also contributing to changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of U.S. society and the definition of what it means to be "American". Special attention is given to the economic and cultural integration of immigrants, the plight of second and later generation Americans, and the impact of race and immigration policy on the immigrant experience in the U.S.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 360

Social Change/Social Movements

An approach to understanding social change through the sociological study of organized social movements that promote (or resist) social change. Selected past and present movements are represented, from the local to the global. Some examples include civil rights, economic justice, ecological sustainability, agrarian issues, animal rights, identity movements, and transnational activism for human rights and social justice.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 365

Social Theory

A survey of historical and contemporary theories in sociology and anthropology. The theories relate to a variety of key issues including community, power, identity, race/ethnicity, gender, globalization, knowledge production, and the social construction of space, time, and meaning. Reading of primary texts as well as those influenced by particular thinkers or schools of thought.Cross-listed as ANTH 365. Prerequisites: ANTH 100, SOCI 110, or consent of instructor

ANTH 100, SOCI 110, or consent of instructor
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Writing Level 2 W2
SOCI 375

Environmental Sociology

A sociological approach to human-nature relationships, with a focus on social constructions of nature, major social groups that have a stake in defining environmental issues, environmental policy (local and global), the role of technology and of the scientific community in shaping environmental outcomes, the environmental movement and counter-movement, the evolving concept of “environmental justice,” and designs for sustainability.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 380

Medicine & Culture

Health outcomes are not determined exclusively by biological and genetic predictors, they are also socially determined. In this class, we collaboratively explore the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of health. Over the semester, students develop an understanding of the social causes of unequal health outcomes among marginalized communities in the United States and globally. Drawing on interdisciplinary sources, this course sheds light on how power, privilege, and oppression shape health and mortality. Students acquire the tools necessary to critically analyze health outcomes and the social statuses and systems that inform their existence

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 385

Topics in Sociology

This course focuses on a specific area of activism for social justice. Students are introduced to theories, research, and ways of studying social movements. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. A recently offered topic is Travel and Tourism. Consult the online course schedule for information about topics currently scheduled to be taught.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 390

Social Inequality & Identity

How and why power, wealth and prestige are unequally distributed in terms of gender, race, and social class. Ideological justifications, the consequences for individuals and societies, and the personal and public strategies employed to address the problems associated with structural inequality are considered. Cross-listed course that alternates between SOCI 390 and ANTH 390.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
SOCI 480

Advanced Research Practicum

An experiential learning course designed to involve students in an ongoing research program. Students participate in the research program of an instructor and thus learn by doing. Instructor and content rotate. Each student completes a thesis at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and one of the following courses: SOCI 365, ANTH 365; and consent of instructor

one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and one of the following courses: SOCI 365, ANTH 365; and consent of instructor
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
Writing Level 2 W2
SOCI 497

Advanced Research & Writing

In addition to reading about and discussing current issues in sociological and anthropological research and practice, each student completes a thesis based on a prior research topic in order to apply and demonstrate the student's level of knowledge in the major. Prerequisites: one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and one of the following courses: SOCI 365, ANTH 365; and consent of instructor if not a senior sociology/anthropology major

one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and one of the following courses: SOCI 365, ANTH 365; and consent of instructor if not a senior sociology/anthropology major
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
Writing Level 2 W2
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Anthropology Courses

ANTH 100

Intro to Cultural Anthropology

An examination of the total range of human cultural diversity. The goal is to understand the enormous diversity of human culture, and to understand why and how different ways of life have arisen. This course introduces the basic principles of social-cultural anthropology, designed to provide insight into the cultural aspects of human ways of life. Examples from cultures around the world are used to illustrate concepts introduced in class.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 102

Intro Archaeology & Physical Anth

Companion course to ANTH 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, covering two sub-disciplines of anthropology. An examination of the evolution of humans from earliest known ancestors in Africa to the rise of complex societies. The focus is on biological and cultural change and its consequences as deduced from methods analyzing fossil and material culture evidence.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 200

Buried Cities and Lost Tribes

A global survey of the great archaeological discoveries and their implications for contemporary anthropological studies of human cultural evolution and variation. The course covers five continents and time periods ranging from human origins to the rise and collapse of recent empires.

Historical Perspectives HP
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 230

Cultures of US-Mexico Borderlands

An exploration of ethnographic representations of the U.S.-Mexico border and the theoretical orientations of border scholars. Both practical and theoretical problems of the region are examined using materials concerning the U.S.-Mexico border and the various cultural groups that inhabit this contested space. Through the study of the historical and contemporary sociocultural patterns of borderlands, implications for social science in general are discussed.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 235

Peoples & Cultures of Latin America

An overview of culture and social life in Latin America with some historical context. Topics examined include the legacy of European colonialism, indigenous cultures, and the influence of the contemporary global economy and transnational migration. Both ethnographic representations and hands-on research are used to learn about this diverse and fascinating region.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 240

Applying Anthropology

An examination of the ways anthropology is used outside of a pure academic context. Students study how anthropological theory and methods are used in a variety of contexts and how they benefit society. This course also emphasizes the impact of applied anthropology on the development of American anthropology as a whole, and how it has advanced our theoretical knowledge of culture and human behavior.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 245

Maya: GlobalCitizens/AncientCulture

This course provides an ethnographic overview of Maya peoples, an indigenous population of southern Mexico and northern Central America with a rich history and a vibrant culture. Key topics to be considered are the historical legacy of colonialism; Maya patterns of social organization, community, and spiritual life; and recent changes connected to state violence, migration, and political organization among Maya populations. Through a consideration of texts written by anthropologists and other non-Maya scholars and those created by Maya peoples themselves, students achieve a more thorough understanding of this important Latin American indigenous group.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 250

Visual Anthropology

In an increasingly visually-oriented world, this course focuses on the use of photographs and film to represent people from various cultures, as well as the use of film by indigenous groups to represent themselves. We learn about cultures through visual and narrative means, and critically analyze the filmmaking process, as well as other forms of visual media.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 280

Anthropology of Gender

This course traces the development of the study of gender in Anthropology. Key issues covered include the impact of the Feminist Movement on the discipline, women and work, and gender roles and sexualities across cultures.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 300

Ethnographic Methods

Examines historical development of ethnographic writing through reading of classic and contemporary ethnographies, as well as critical texts on changing ethnographic methods. Field projects using a variety of ethnographic methods.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
ANTH 301

Exploring the Museum

For centuries musums existed in Euro-American culture as passive and uncritically accepted "Curiosity Cabinets." With the recent turn in social sciences toward greater self-awareness and examination of underlying assumption of objectivity, the museum has attracted attention as a domain of expression about identity, heritage, and otherness. This course aims to review, contemporary thought on the museum through recent literature that examines concepts of inclusion/exclusion, repatriation, globalization, and interactive technologies that reveal museums as dynamic and contested institutions.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 310

Anthropology and Education

An examination of the history of anthropology and education as a discipline, with coverage of educational ethnographies and discussions of the theory used and produced in educational research around the globe. Special attention is paid to the relevance of social categories or identities in the differential educational success of students.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 311

Indigenous Politics in the Americas

This course provides an overview of indigenous politics and social movements through a comparative examination of indigenous politics and movements in several countries in highland and lowland South America, Central America, the United States, and Canada. Major topics include the historical legacy of colonialism and nation building, indigenous land claims, language and cultural revitalization, citizenship, ethnicity, and globalization. Students develop their knowledge and skills in order to advance their own definitions and analyses of indigenous politics through a critical examination of the rapidly growing literature on this current and important issue. Cross-listed as POLI 311.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 317

Society, Culture, and History

How do anthropologists and sociologists use history to understand human thought and behavior? How do historians draw on the social sciences to understand the past? This course considers the interaction between the social sciences and history in interdisciplinary fields such as cultural history, historical sociology, oral history, historical archaeology, and ethnohistory. Students learn to critically evaluate sources to understand the past and human thought and behavior. Students develop a research project that integrates different sources of information to understand the social life and culture of a particular people, place, and time. Cross-listed as SOCI 317.

Historical Perspectives HP
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 330

Human Impact on Ancient Environment

This course examines the ways in which humans have interacted with their natural environment through time, with a primary focus on recurring patterns of human impact on the environment and consequent human responses to degraded environments that have shaped human history and cultural evolution. Discussion is centered on important implications for contemporary societies around the world.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Writing Level 2 W2
ANTH 335

Geographic Information Science

This course is designed to broaden the student’s awareness of spatial problems and strategies to address them using cartographic concepts. Students are introduced to geographic information system (GIS) software. They learn the basics of data input and analysis as well as techniques for importing GIS data from outside sources. Finally, they learn process modeling techniques in the analysis of social and ecological problems using GIS.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 340

Substance & Seduction

What is the relationship between peoples’ cultural lives and the material substances they make, buy and use? How do such substances become seductive and necessary for individual and groups? This course investigates material culture through the lens of anthropological political economy. By focusing on the cultural use of substances such as sugar, chocolate, coffee, cheese, soap, bottled water, and alcohol, this course explores their relationship to processes such as globalization, commodification, community development, nationalism, identity information, and movements for social justice. Students develop their own research project making connections among particular substances, social trends, and cultural practices.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 342

Food, Culture and Nature

An examination of food in the context of cultural beliefs and social practices, from small-scale face-to-face interactions to the role of food in global systems. Some topics of interest include the relationship of food to community, understandings about nature, social justice and inequality, definitions of health, concepts of the body, celebration, and new technologies.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 360

Globalization and Transnationalism

An exploration of the theoretical and ethnographic representations of globalization and transnationalism. Key topics covered include processes of migration, trade, the flow of information, and the concept of place.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
ANTH 365

Social Theory

A survey of historical and contemporary theories in sociology and anthropology. The theories relate to a variety of key issues including community, power, identity, race/ethnicity, gender, globalization, knowledge production, and the social construction of space, time, and meaning. Reading of primary texts as well as those influenced by particular thinkers or schools of thought. Cross-listed as SOCI 365. Prerequisites: ANTH 100, SOCI 110, or consent of instructor

ANTH 100, SOCI 110, or consent of instructor
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Writing Level 2 W2
ANTH 385

Anthropology Special Topics

A topics course in anthropology. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 390

Social Inequality & Identity

How and why power, wealth and prestige are unequally distributed in terms of gender, race, and social class. Ideological justifications, the consequences for individuals and societies, and the personal and public strategies employed to address the problems associated with structural inequality are considered. Crosslisted course that alternates between SOCI 390 and ANTH 390

Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
ANTH 480

Advanced Research Practicum

An experiential learning course designed to involve students in an ongoing research program. Students participate in the research program of an instructor and thus learn by doing. Instructor and content will rotate. Each student completes a research paper at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and one of the following courses: SOCI 365, ANTH 365; and consent of instructor

one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and one of the following courses: SOCI 365, ANTH 365; and consent of instructor
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
Writing Level 2 W2
ANTH 497

Advanced Research & Writing

In addition to reading about and discussing current issues in sociological and anthropological research and practice, each student completes a thesis based on a prior research topic in order to apply and demonstrate the student's level of knowledge in the major. Prerequisites: one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and SOCI 365 or ANTH 365; and consent of instructor if not a senior sociology/anthropology major

one of the following courses: SOCI 335, ANTH 300, ANTH 302; and SOCI 365 or ANTH 365; and consent of instructor if not a senior sociology/anthropology major
Social and Behavioral Analysis SB
Undergraduate Research UR
Writing Level 2 W2
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