Courses

SOCI 101. Introduction to Sociology 1.0 course credit

A review of basic concepts, theories, and principles used in analyzing human behavior in social contexts. An introductory survey of selected contemporary social problems using some of the major concepts of sociology.

ANTH 103. Introduction to Anthropology 1.0 course credit

A broad introduction to the anthropological study of human diversity. It will familiarize students with central concepts of cultural anthropology. The course also introduces examples of different cultures.

ANTH 208. Global Cultures 1.0 course credit

A trip around the world to examine the impact of globalizing processes in different cities, countries, and spaces and explore how concrete globalizing economic, political, social, cultural, and religious dynamics affect the lives of
ordinary people in diverse locations. The course includes analysis of how global processes are received, negotiated, and articulated, and how they transform the everyday lives and experiences of people in various locations across
the globe.

ANTH 220. Anthropology of Food 1.0 course credit

An examination of food and food practices in their larger material and cultural contexts. The course takes a broad cultural, social and economic perspective on what people eat, including engagement with such basic questions of
who eats what and why, and how specific food and food consumption patterns define different cultures. It includes a practical component.

SOCI 230. Marriage and the Family 1.0 course credit

An examination of the institutions of marriage and the family, with primary focus on the American family. Topics include mate selection, interpersonal communication, changing gender roles, family pluralism, family violence, and
divorce in the contemporary American family. Questions under discussion include what a family is in general, why it takes certain forms in particular societies, and how sociological forces have shaped the American family.

SOCI 247. Race and Ethnicity 1.0 course credit

A study of racial and ethnic identity and how their interaction with gender, class, and other identities creates oppressions and social structures of inequality, both historically and currently.

SOCI/ANTH 250. Special Studies in Sociology/Anthropology 1.0 course credit

An examination of selected problems and issues from a sociological or anthropological perspective. May be repeated for credit.

SOCI 251. Criminology 1.0 course credit

An analysis of the social bases of law, the application of law, types of crime, theories of crime, and societal responses to crime.

ANTH 260. Cultures of the Middle East 1.0 course credit

This course examines cultures and societies in the Middle East. The course introduces Islam as a religion and discusses a broad range of every day cultural contexts in the region.

SOCI 280. Introduction to Human Services in the United States 1.0 course credit

An introduction to the basic concepts and principles, and the history and future of human services in the United States. An overview of the major social issues in the United States, the impact they have on the individual and the community, and policy responses.

ANTH 264. Anthropology of Waste and Garbage (1/2 semester) 1.0 course credit

An examination of the “hidden” existence of waste and garbage in contemporary globalized consumer societies and cultures, exploring such diverse questions as the history of garbage, the organization of waste removal, the use and
meaning of garbage across different contemporary societies, ideas about reducing, re-using, and recycling waste, waste and environmental justice, and contemporary plans and projects that aim to resolve aspects of the current
waste crisis

ANTH 271. Cultures of Latin America 1.0 course credit

Provides an anthropological framework for understanding contemporary Latin America through analysis of the region’s historical and cultural contexts and exploration of current trends such as urbanization, globalization, and social movements.

SOAN 290. Academic Travel Course 0.5 course credit

An academic travel course in which sociological and anthropological topics are studied in the local context. The course includes both on-campus meetings prior to departure and on-site lectures at our destination.

SOAN 301. Theories of Culture and Society 1.0 course credit

An overview of contemporary and classical theories of society and culture. The review of theoretical orientations of the past will help to set up a theoretical framework for analyzing contemporary social and cultural dynamics and
events. Reading both theoretical texts and case studies, students will be introduced to the abstract realm of theorizing and the concrete application of diverse theories.

SOAN 302. Methods of Social Research 1.0 course credit

An overview of the methods sociologists and anthropologists use to empirically study social phenomena. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are considered. Includes laboratory time to accommodate hands-on research. Prerequisites: STAT 100 or STAT 201 (for Soc-Anth and Human Services majors) or permission of the instructor.

SOAN 310. Internship in Sociology/Anthropology 1.0 course credit

An experience designed to allow students in Sociology/Anthropology to apply the concepts and ideas developed during study in the disciplines to a particular workplace or setting. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit with departmental approval.

SOCI/ANTH 320. Independent Study 1.0 course credit

Independent study in an area of sociology or anthropology directed by a member of the department. May be repeated for credit.

SOCI 344. Sociology of Work 1.0 course credit

An overview of the nature and structure of work and the workplace: how work was accomplished in the past, the social organization of work today, and changes anticipated in the workplace of the twenty-first century. Thematic emphases include: class, gender, race and ethnicity, technology, and the global economy.

SOCI 345. Social Inequality 1.0 course credit

An examination of social stratification, which concerns the unequal distribution of wealth, income, status, and power. Considers how life chances of individuals vary by social class, gender, race and ethnicity. Explores the relationship between globalization, global disparities in wealth, and inequality within the United States.

SOCI 346. Immigration and Immigrant Communities 1.0 course credit

A study of the history, including patterns and trends, of migration to the United States, including an examination, through theory and data, of the factors that “push” people out of their home countries and “pull” them to the United States. Topics include migrant groups’ settlement, conflict, and integration, and case studies of the experiences of selected immigrant groups.

SOCI 355. Social Movements 1.0 course credit

An analysis of relatively non-institutionalized forms of group behavior with primary emphasis on social protest. Substantive focus typically includes the U.S. civil rights movement and the feminist movement.

ANTH 362. Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective 1.0 course credit

An exploration of themes and questions of gender as defined and experienced in different cultural contexts. Central to the course is the analysis of the cultural construction of gender.

ANTH 364. Cities in Cross-Cultural Perspective 1.0 course credit

A new analytical experience of spaces that might seem familiar, illustrating how cities, streets and other urban spaces are made and remade within larger national and global political, economic, and cultural contexts.

ANTH 368. Anthropology of Childhood 1.0 course credit

An exploration of the lives of children in different cultural contexts: how children are socialized in different cultures, how they learn specific cultural and social forms and practices, and how social factors and dynamics such a gender, class, race and religions shape childhood experiences.

ANTH 370. Medical Anthropology 1.0 course credit

An introductory analysis of the social and cultural factors that impact health, health behaviors, and medical systems. As a professional and academic field, medical anthropology provides conceptual and analytical tools for a comprehensive understanding of health, illness, and healing.

SOCI 388. Culture and Consumption 1.0 course credit

An examination of the contemporary issues and contradictions in consumption and consumer culture. Race, gender, nationalism, and globalization will be incorporated to help students critically understand the way in which consumption produces and reproduces differences and distinctions.

SOAN 410. Senior Research Preparation 0.5 course credit

Preparation for the senior research project in Sociology/Anthropology. Includes broad and targeted reading in relevant scholarship and generation of a focused topic for senior research, under the guidance of the project supervisor.

SOAN 420. Research Seminar 1.0 course credit

A seminar in which each participant conducts a research project involving a review of the literature, research design, data collection and analysis, and written and oral presentations of the findings. The project is the culminating experience of the major program in Sociology/ Anthropology. Prerequisite: SOAN 410.