Professor: Wilk (Chairperson)
Associate Professor: S. Alexander
Assistant Professor: Ross

The Sociology-Anthropology Department offers two tracks in the major. Both tracks introduce the students to the fundamental concepts of the discipline, and both tracks prepare the student for graduate school.

Track I emphasizes the theoretical aspects of sociology and anthropology. Track II emphasizes the application of sociology and anthropology to human services.

Track I - Sociology-Anthropology requires the core course sequence SOC 110, 114, 229, 330, 430, 444 and three other courses within the department with the exception of SOC 443. REL 226 may also be counted toward the major.

Track II - Human Services in a Socio-Cultural Perspective requires SOC 110, 222, 229, 330, 430, 443, and 444. In addition, students must select two courses from among the following: SOC 220, 221, 228, 300, 334, and 335. Students are also required to choose two units from the following courses: PSY 110, ECON 224, PSCI 333, and SOC 230. 

Recommended courses: ACCT 110, 226; SPAN 111, 112; HIST 126; and PHIL 334.

Majors in both tracks are encouraged to participate in the internship program. 

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 96.

The following courses satisfy the cultural diversity requirement: SOC 229, 331, 334, 335, 336, and 337. The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: SOC 222, 228, 229, 230, and 331.

A minor in sociology and anthropology consists of SOC 110 and four other SOC courses approved by the department, three of which must be numbered 220 or above.

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

An introduction to the problems, concepts, and methods in sociology today, including analysis of stratification, organization of groups and institutions, social movements, and deviants in social structure.

INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY

An introduction to the subfields of anthropology; its subject matter, methodology, and goals, examination of biological and cultural evolution, the fossil evidence for human evolution, and questions raised in relation to human evolution. Other topics include race, human nature, primate behavior, and prehistoric cultural development.

MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY

The history, structure, and functions of modern American family life, emphasizing dating, courtship, factors in marital adjustment, and the changing status of family members. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the constellation of factors that relate to juvenile delinquency causation, handling the juvenile delinquent in the criminal justice system, treatment strategies, prevention, and community responsibility. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES

This course is for students interested in learning about, or entering, the human services profession. It will review the history, the range, and the goals of human services together with a survey of various strategies and approaches to human problems. A twenty-hour community service component is an optional element of the course. Prerequisite: SOC 110 and/or PSY 110; or consent of instructor.

AGING AND SOCIETY

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

An examination of cultural and social anthropology designed to familiarize the student with the analytical approaches to the diverse cultures of the world. The relevancy of cultural anthropology for an understanding of the human condition will be stressed. Topics to be covered include the nature of primitive societies in contrast to civilizations, the concept of culture and cultural relativism, the individual and culture, the social patterning of behavior and social control, an anthropological perspective on the culture of the United States.

SELF AND SOCIETY

This course is concerned with the behavior of individuals who occupy positions in social structures, organizations and groups. The focus is on the behavior of individuals as it is controlled, influenced, or limited by the social environment; and the manner in which the behavior of individuals reacts upon, shapes and alters social structures and enters into the functioning of groups. This course will also explore symbolic interactionism, a major theoretical perspective in sociology which focuses primary attention on the way in which individuals define and continually redefine reality on the basis of social interaction. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

CRIMINOLOGY

Analysis of the sociology of law; conditions under which criminal laws develop; etiology of crime; epidemiology of crime, including explanation of statistical distribution of criminal behavior in terms of time, space, and social location. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIOLOGY-ANTHROPOLOGY

In studying the research process in sociology-anthropology, attention is given to the process of designing and administering both qualitative and quantitative research. Students complete an original field work project in a public setting. Additionally, students will learn to compile and analyze quantitative data through a micro computer statistical software package. Different methodological skills considered include: field work, questionnaire construction, unobtrusive research, and program evaluation. The course must be taken in the junior year. Prerequisite: SOC 110 and MATH 123.

SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER

Virtually every society known to us is founded upon assumptions of gender differences and the politics of gender inequality. This course focuses on the ways in which gender is socially constructed and institutionalized in societies. Topics to be considered include cultural constructions of masculinity, femininity, heterosexuality, and homosexuality; institutional sites of gender differentiation such as work, family, military, and education; media representations of gender and sexuality; and reproduction politics. Emphasis is placed on various theories that have been advanced to explain gender stratification. Prerequisite: SOC 110. Alternate years.

RACIAL AND CULTURAL MINORITIES

Study of racial, cultural, and national groups within the framework of American cultural values. An analysis will include historical, cultural, and social factors underlying ethnic and racial conflict. Field trips and individual reports are part of the requirements for the course. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

CULTURE AND PERSONALITY

Introduction to psychological anthropology, its theories and methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between individual and culture, national character, cognition and culture, culture and mental disorders, and cross-cultural considerations of the concept of self. Prerequisite: SOC 229 or consent of instructor.

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF PRIMITIVE RELIGIONS

The course will familiarize the student with the wealth of anthropological data on the religions and world views developed by primitive peoples. The functions of primitive religion in regard to the individual, society, and various cultural institutions will be examined. Subjects to be surveyed include myth, witch-craft, vision quests, spirit possession, the cultural use of dreams, and revitalization movements. Particular emphasis will be given to shamanism, transcultural religious experience, and the creation of cultural realities through religions. Both a social scientific and existential perspective will be employed. Pre-requisite: SOC 229 or consent of instructor.

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF AMERICAN INDIANS

Building on the research skills acquired in SOC 330, students will complete an original quantitative research project on a topic of their own choosing. The theoretical emphasis of this course covers the social construction and life course of a social problem. Additionally, several social problems will be analyzed in depth. Prerequisite: SOC 330.

HUMAN SERVICES IN HELPING INSTITUTIONS

An opportunity to pursue specific interests and topics not usually covered in regular courses. Through a program of readings and tutorials, the student will have the opportunity to pursue these interests and topics in greater depth than is usually possible in a regular course.

INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index)