Professor: Wilk (Chairperson)

Associate Professor: Ross

Assistant Professors: McCall

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 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 210, 220, 228, 300, 310, 334, and 335; however, students may not take both SOC 210 and 310 from this list. Students are also required to choose two units from the following courses: PSY 110, BUS 244, COMM 211, ECON 224, PHIL 219, PSCI 211, and PSCI 332. Recommended courses: ACCT 110, 226; SPAN 111, 112; HIST 126; and PHIL 334.

Majors in both tracks are encouraged to enroll in the practicum. Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 103.

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 229 and 331.

Minor

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.

110

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.

114

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.

210

220

SOCIOLOGY OF FAMILY

This course examines American families from a sociological perspective with particular emphasis on the interplay of family as it relates to other social institutions such as the economic, political, educational, religious, and legal institutions. We will look at the multiple forms of family and examine racial, ethnic, and social class variations. Additionally, family as a gendered institution and its implications for men’s and women’s lives will be addressed.

222

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.

228

AGING AND SOCIETY

Analysis of cross-cultural characteristics of the aged as individuals and as members of groups. Emphasis is placed upon media portrayals as well as such variables as health, housing, socio-economic status, personal adjustment, retirement, and social participation. Sociological, social psychological, and anthropological frames of reference are utilized in analysis and description of aging and its relationship to the individual and society. Prerequisite: SOC 110.

229

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.

300

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.

310

330

RESEARCH METHODS I

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. Prerequisites: SOC 110 and MATH 123.

331

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.

334

RACIAL AND CULTURAL MINORITIES

This course is the study of ethnic groups within the framework of American cultural values. An analysis includes historical, cultural, and social factors underlying ethnic conflict. The course will provide an analysis of the social construction of race and the social implications of those constructions. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

335

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.

336

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, witchcraft, 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.

337

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF AMERICAN INDIANS

An ethnographic survey of native North American Indian and Eskimo cultures, such as the Iroquois, Plains Indians, Pueblo, Kwakiutl, and Netsilik. Changes in native lifeways due to European contacts and United States expansion will be considered. Recent cultural developments among American Indians will be placed in an anthropological perspective.

430

RESEARCH METHODS II

Building on the research skills acquired in SOC 330, students will complete an original quantitative or qualitative research project utilizing one of the many data collection strategies available to sociologists and anthropologists such as field work, content analysis, surveys, qualitative interviews, experimental design, secondary data analysis, or program evaluation. Topic selection is of individual student’s choice. Prerequisite: SOC 330.

443

HUMAN SERVICES IN HELPING INSTITUTIONS

The course examines the organizational and conceptual context within which human services are delivered in contemporary society. Subjects to be covered include ethnographic study of nursing homes, prisons, therapeutic communities, mental hospitals, and other human service institutions. The methodology of fieldwork will be explored so as to sensitize the student to the socio-cultural dimensions of helping environments and relationships. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or 229, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

444

SOCIAL THEORY

The history of the development of sociological thought from its earliest philosophical beginnings is treated through discussions and reports. Emphasis is placed upon sociological thought since the time of Comte. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or consent of instructor.

448

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply a socio-cultural perspective to any of a number of organizational settings in the Williamsport area. As the basis for the course, students arrange an internship in the local community. At the same time the student is contributing time and talent to the organization in question, he/she will also be observing, from a socio-cultural perspective, the events, activities, structure, and dynamics of the organization. These experiences will be supplemented by academic readings, a regularly scheduled seminar, and the keeping of a detailed field journal. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

470-479

INTERNSHIP (See index)

Interns in sociology-anthropology typically work off campus with social service agencies under the supervision of administrators. However, other internship experiences, such as with the Lycoming County Historical Museum, are available.

N80-N89

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

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.

490-491

INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index)