Courses in Sociology [100s] [200s] [300s] [400s]

Courses in Anthropology [100s] [200s] [300s] [400s]

Sociology and Anthropology Department Homepage

COURSES IN SOCIOLOGY

SOC 100. Contemporary Society (1 course)

An introduction to sociology: its questions, concepts and ways of analyzing social life. The focus is on how human societies organize themselves, how culture, socialization, norms, power relations, social institutions and group interaction affect the individual and how, in turn, societies are transformed by human action. Of particular concern are problems facing contemporary societies. Not open to seniors or for Pass-Fail credit.

SOC 197S. First-Year Seminar (1 course)

This course, designed especially for first-year students, explores an innovative or timely issue in sociology. Sociological perspectives and ways of knowing are used to study a particular topic in depth. Ethical, historical, and sometimes comparative dimensions to the issue will be examined. Topics may include: Culture Wars in American Society, Dilemmas in Health Care, and Justice and Society. Seminars are small and emphasize writing and class time discussion. Prerequisite: first-year students only.

SOC 201. Sociological Perspectives (1/2-1 course)

An exploration of a timely topic in sociology, sometimes interdisciplinary in nature, that is not offered in the formal sociology curriculum. Topics may include: Race and Ethnicity in the American South, The Social Construction of Sexuality and The Sociology of Money. The course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 210. Gender and Society (1 course)

This course examines the role of gender systems in human societies. How do societies vary in the positions assigned to men and women? In the power and privileges accorded each sex? How do we acquire a gender identity? What are the consequences of sex-typing and sex-stratified societies? The role of religion, intellectual traditions, language, families and schools, economic organization, labor markets and the state is explored. The focus is on contemporary U.S. society and recent changes in gender relations. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 212. Sociology of Family (1 course)

This course examines issues associated with family life, such as gender role socialization, sexuality, mate selection, the internal dynamics of relationships, domestic violence and marital dissolution. The course also considers the social implications of current trends in family life and the expanding definitions of family that include non-traditional relationships that have until recently lacked institutional legitimacy. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 215. Criminology (1 course)

This course provides an understanding of criminal behavior and social control. Major theoretical interpretations of crime and delinquency are considered. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 219. Sociology of Madness (1 course)

An examination of the history and social construction of the concept of mental illness. Explores the social, political, economic, legal and personal implications of the medicalization of madness. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 222. Social Deviance (1 course)

This course is an examination of the changing definitions and explanations of deviance. Conceptions of deviance are looked at within historical, political and cultural contexts. Implications for policies of social control are explored. Prerequisites: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 225. Sexuality, Culture and Power (1 course)

This course explores the diverse ways in which human sexualities have been conceptualized, molded, policed and transformed over time and across cultures. It investigates how the seemingly personal and natural world of sexual desire and sexual behavior is shaped by larger societal institutions, cultural ideologies and social hierarchies. The course considers how sexual selves and sexual behavior, like other human identities and actions, are constructed and enacted in particular historical times, social context, moral climates and political terrains. It examines how social categories that have primacy in a culture--for example, gender, race, class and age--are expressed in sexual ideas, sexual behavior and sexual politics.

SOC 237. Racial and Ethnic Relations (1 course)

This course explores the origins, changes and possible futures of racial and ethnic relations. It is concerned with both the development of sociological explanations of ethnic and racial conflict, competition and cooperation as well as with practical approaches to improving inter-group relations. The course surveys global and historical patterns of inter-group relations but focuses on late 20th-century America. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing.

SOC 246. Field Work (1 course)

Qualitative research methods serve as the basis for guiding student fieldwork and experience. Participant observation, formal and informal interviewing, and life histories form the methods used in this course. Students conduct field studies during the semester. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission of instructor. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

SOC 249. Native Nations of the U.S. (1 course)

An overview of the relations between European settlers and the many peoples indigenous to North America from initial contact to the present, with an emphasis on the United States. Students gain enhanced sensitivity to Native American views through use of Native American materials and develop critical skills in evaluating portrayals of native peoples. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or sophomore standing. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

SOC 301. Topics in Sociology (1/2-1 course)

An exploration of timely, often policy-oriented and/or interdisciplinary issues in sociology. A specific topic will be addressed each time the course is offered. Topics might include technology and society, alienation and social change. May be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: one course in SOC or permission of instructor.

SOC 303. Social Theory (1 course)

This course involves the posing and answering of questions about the nature of social life. It considers the fundamental issue of how social order is maintained and conversely, how social conflict and divisions arise. The central theoretical perspectives in sociology are explored: their development, their major ideas and their implications for contemporary social life. Prerequisite: Sociology or Sociology-Anthropology major or permission of instructor.

SOC 319. The Individual and Society (1 course)

An introduction to social psychology from a sociological perspective. Several major theories in social psychology are discussed in relation to topics such as interpersonal relationships, person perception, motivation, socialization, self and the social construction of reality. Prerequisite: one course in SOC 100, PSY 100, or ANTH 151. Not open to students who have credit in PSY 260.

SOC 320. Social Movements (1 course)

This course explores how protest has shaped 20th-century American society. The focus is on the development of social movements: the forces giving rise to them, their tactics, organization, dilemmas and consequences. Grass-roots organizing is considered as well as large-scale social movements such as American Communism, civil rights, black power, labor, feminist, gay rights, student and anti-war movements. Prerequisite: one course in Sociology or permission of instructor.

SOC 323. Social Change (1 course)

The study of social change begins with the neolithic revolution when humans first took up agriculture and follows changes in social organization, structures, processes, and lifeways through the present. The course emphasizes large-scale, long-term processes, including social evolution. Students learn to think about current social processes in a long-term perspective and develop skills for understanding and influencing possible future changes. Prerequisites: SOC 100 and at least one 200 level sociology course, or equivalent in other social sciences. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

SOC 337. Ethnic Conflict (1 course)

This course addresses the differences, origins, life-cycle, and factors promoting and/or attenuating ethnic conflict. After surveying general theories of ethnic conflict, each student will identify, select, study, and report in oral and written form on one instance of ethnic conflict in depth. Since ethnic conflicts have occurred since the dawn of civilization, or for some 5,000 years, cases may be drawn from current or historical conflicts. The class as a whole will compare all the cases to discern the varieties, commonalities and specificities of ethnic conflict. Prerequisite: at least one course on race and ethnicity and one additional course in the social sciences. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

SOC 346. Alienation and Society (1 course)

A course that examines social, psychological, historical and cultural factors in modern human alienation. Correlates of alienation such as powerlessness, self-estrangement, indifference and anxiety are analyzed in social context. Classical readings in alienation theory drawn from social science and literature serve as the basis of the course. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission of instructor.

SOC 401. Methods of Social Research (1 course)

A seminar dealing with elements of the scientific method as they apply to research in sociology and other social sciences. Covers strategies of research design, scaling and measurement, questionnaires and interviews, projection and other indirect methods. Processing, analysis, interpretation of data and testing of hypotheses. Prerequisite: junior Sociology major or permission of instructor. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

SOC 410. Senior Seminar in Sociology (1 course)

A seminar of senior Sociology majors focused around a major substantive or methodological area of sociology. The course involves a core of common reading, discussion, and the writing and presenting of a senior thesis related to the general focus of the seminar. Topics might include: violence in human societies, social change, 20th century revolutions or cultural conflict in American society. Prerequisite: senior Sociology major.

SOC 413-414. Readings and Projects In Sociology 1/2-1 course

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

COURSES IN ANTHROPOLOGY

ANTH 151. Introduction to Anthropology: Human Cultures (1 course)

An introduction to the perspectives, methods and ideas of cultural anthropology. Analysis of human diversity and similarities among people throughout the world, both Western and non-Western, through cross-cultural comparison. Topics include: culture and society; ethnographic research; ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism; how societies adapt to their environment; different forms of marriage and social relationships; male, female, and other forms of gender; the social functions of religion; and processes of socio-cultural change. May not be taken Pass-Fail.

ANTH 153. Introduction to Anthropology: Human Origins (1 course)

An introduction to physical anthropology and archaeology showing how biology and culture enable humankind to survive in many different environments. Topics discussed include primate behavior, fossil humans, tools and society and the relationships between biology and human behavior. May not be taken Pass-Fail.

ANTH 197A. First-Year Seminar (1 course)

This course, designed especially for first-year students, explores an innovative or timely issue in anthropology. Anthropological perspectives and ways of knowing are used to study a particular topic in depth. Ethical and comparative dimensions to the issue will be examined. Topics might include: Culture and Morality, Human Rights and Cultural Survival, and Culture and Violence. Seminars are small and emphasize writing and class time discussion. Prerequisite: first-year students only.

ANTH 253. Environmental Anthropology (1 course)

A study of the relationships between humans and their environment, with special emphasis on how human lifestyles may be understood as responses to environmental challenges. Prerequisite: ANTH 151 or 153 or sophomore standing.

ANTH 254. Anthropology of Religion (1 course)

The study of religious beliefs and rituals from different cultures around the world, mainly in small-scale and agricultural societies, e.g. Africa, Indonesia, Pacific Islands, South America. Instead of a theological perspective, the course studies religion in its socio-cultural context. Emphasis is on general theories that explain the functions of religion as well as case-studies that examine the particular meanings of religions. Topics may include: totemism; death, ghosts and the soul; magic versus science; myth; sorcery and witchcraft; male and female initiation ceremonies; purity and pollution beliefs; religion and social change. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 255. Anthropology of Women and Gender (1 course)

This class explores anthropological theories of gender differences and inequality cross-culturally. It also discusses women's lives in different societies. Are there non-male non-female genders? Is inequality universal? How does gender relate to production, politics, ritual and birth? These and other topics are investigated. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 258. Race and Ethnicity in American Culture (1 course)

In this course students examine how race, ethnicity and racism are used in the social sciences, politics and everyday life. Through lectures, discussions, videos and a variety of readings, students also explore the historical and contemporary experiences of the major racial/ethnic groups in American society. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 259. African Diaspora Cultures (1 course)

In this course students move back and forth among anthropology and its neighboring disciplines in a cross-cultural examination of African-descended societies and communities in the Americas, e.g., U.S., Canada, Brazil, Nicaragua. Course readings, videos, lectures and discussions will focus on three main areas: 1) social and cultural linkages between Africa and the Diaspora and among Diasporan communities: 2) racial, ethnic and cultural identities in the African Diaspora; and 3) power relations in the African Diaspora, particularly those related to nation, race and gender. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 266. Anthropology and the Arts (1 course)

The study of artistic expression (primarily visual arts but also music and dance) in different, mainly small-scale and agricultural cultures around the world. Emphasis is on the interpretation of art as an expression of cultural values and the organization of society. The course will investigates two general questions: why do all societies have forms of art, and how can we make sense of art in other cultures? Topics may include: what is art, or how can we recognize art; the origins of art; art, the mind, and cognition; socio-cultural change, tourism and art; museums; art and theories of culture; Africa, native North America, South America and the Pacific Islands will be studied. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 271. African Cultures (1 course)

In this course students examine the cultural, political, economic, psychological and social aspects of life in Africa. Through lectures, discussions, films and a variety of readings students will explore a number of issues including ancient Egypt, slavery, colonialism, religion, music, art, African cinema and Pan-Africanism. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 272. Caribbean Cultures (1 course)

In this course students examine the cultural, political, economic, psychological and social aspects of life in the Caribbean. Through lectures, discussions, films and a variety of readings, students explore a number of issues including indigenous Caribbean and Taino cultures, colonialism, slavery, race and ethnicity, religion, music, tourism and migration. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 273. Indians: South and Central America (1 course)

Indians of South and Central America range from hidden peoples of the Amazon to the builders of the Inca, Aztec and Maya civilizations. This course explores the ways of life of some of the world's least-known, yet most intriguing peoples. Prerequisite: ANTH 151 or sophomore standing.

ANTH 275. Pacific Island Cultures (1 course)

This course examines the customs, social practices and histories of the indigenous cultures of the Pacific Islands (Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Aboriginal Australia). It focuses on traditional institutions, e.g. religion, marriage, initiation and social changes due to such processes as alcohol use, colonialism, tourism and economic development. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 290. Anthropological Perspectives (1/2-1 course)

This course studies innovative, timely and often interdisciplinary topics that are not a formal part of the sociology and anthropology curriculum. Often these courses apply anthropological perspectives and insights to issues that we either take for granted or study in other disciplines. Topics may include Anthropology of Time and Space; Anthropology of the Body; Anthropology of America; Business and Development Anthropology; Myth; Symbolism. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. The course may be repeated for credit with different topics.

ANTH 351. Human Nature and Anthropology (1 course)

Human diversity has always been the central subject matter of anthropology. Cultural diversity is so great that most introductory cultural anthropology courses seem to lead to the conclusion that there is simply no such thing as human nature. However, biological anthropology shows that all humans are members of a single species and have more commonalities than differences. This course explores how biological as well as cultural evidence may give us new insights into what makes us all human.

ANTH 352. Urban Anthropology (1 course)

This course will draw on anthropology and related disciplines to explore the principal factors shaping the nature of urban life. Through lectures, discussions, films, readings and field trips students examine such themes as urban poverty, gentrification, Third World urbanism, migration and migrant communities, deindustrialization, networks and voluntary associations, and urban leisure. Prerequisite: ANTH 151 or permission of instructor.

ANTH 353. Anthropology of Wealth and Power (1 course)

A study of cross-cultural similarities and differences in political and economic behavior. Explores the rise and fall of ancient political and economic systems as well as the great diversity among the world's peoples today. The major emphasis is on understanding the non-Western world in order to discover more of the crucial interconnections between the Third World and the developed industrialized societies. Prerequisite: one course in the department or permission of instructor.

ANTH 354. Archaeology (1 course)

Archaeology is much more than digging into the ancient past. It is also a form of detective work that allows us to understand ancient as well as modern societies by uncovering the clues of their material remains. In this course we see how archaeologists show how and why civilizations rise and collapse. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, ANTH 153 or permission of instructor.

ANTH 360. Mind, Self and Emotion in Culture (1 course)

This course explores anthropological approaches to emotions, personal identity, dreams, cognition, early childhood and mental illness in different societies around the world. The objective is to investigate the relationship between culture and the nature of the individual in such places as New Guinea, India, Japan, Africa and the Arctic. Prerequisite: ANTH 151, sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 383. History of Anthropology (1 course)

A survey history of the central theoretical perspectives, questions and data of socio-cultural anthropology. Focusing on significant scholars and case studies, the course explores the development of different ways that anthropologists have formulated and understood fundamental questions concerning human society, culture, change and universals. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior; Anthropology or Sociology-Anthropology major or permission from instructor. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

ANTH 390. Topics in Anthropology (1/2-1 course)

An exploration of selected topics in anthropology, culture and society (see, for example, topics listed under ANTH 290.) Prerequisite: sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

ANTH 441-442. Readings and Projects in Anthropology (1/2-1 course)

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

ANTH 452. Senior Seminar in Anthropology (1 course)

A seminar of senior Anthropology majors focused on contemporary theories and issues of culture, change, development, universals and diversity. The actual topic alters each year. Students discuss a common core of readings while researching-writing a senior thesis. Prerequisite: senior Anthropology or Sociology/Anthropology major. This course may not be taken Pass-Fail.

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