Department of Sociology and Anthropology

This course introduces students to the basic concepts, theories and methodologies in anthropology by focusing on the classic four fields of the discipline: physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistics and cultural anthropology. This course focuses on the evolution of the human species and theories of early culture, the reconstruction of the past through archaeological analysis, the structure and usage of language as part of culture, and the description and analysis of societies and cultures utilizing comparative theories and methodologies in cultural anthropology.

 *Can be used in the “3 of” menu for SOC/HS and SOC/CCJ concentrations and the “2 of” menu for SOC/EDU concentration.  ANT elective for all other concentrations.

ANT 200/PGS 200-01

This course explores sociological and anthropological theory by studying a number of the classical thinkers in the disciplines. We study the origins of and interrelationships among these theories in their particular social and historical milieus, as well as their relevance to sociology and anthropology today. The student is expected to gain both a competence in the historical development of social scientific theory and an ability to theorize about social phenomena.

 *Required of all SOC majors.

A study of selected Native American traditions from historical and comparative perspectives. Particular attention will be given to the Iroquois and will include discussion of Iroquois-Christian interaction. Prerequisite: REL 200.

Independent Study in Anthropology

A student who wishes to pursue an independent study project in anthropology for academic credit must submit, prior to registration, a proposed plan of study that includes the topic to be studied and goal to be achieved, the methodology to be followed, schedule of supervision, end product, evaluation procedure and number of credits sought. The proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member, the department chair and the academic dean. It will be kept on file in the academic dean's office.

The nature of the project is determined by the mentor and the student. The due dates for each draft as well as the number of credit hours the student is to receive is contracted prior to registration.

An upper-level student who wishes to undertake an anthropological research project for academic credit during a given semester must submit a research proposal prior to registration and a research report at the end of the semester. The proposal must be approved by the research director, the department chair and the assistant academic vice president and dean. The proposal will be kept on file in the assistant academic vice president's office.

Criminology is the sociological analysis of crime in American society. Different types of crime are examined: street crime, white-collar crime, victimless crime, corporate crime and political crime. By critically examining theories of crime causation, the student gains an understanding of the social forces which contribute to the commission of crime.

 *Required for the SOC/CCJ concentration and the CJS major.  SOC elective for all other concentrations.

CJS/SOC 121-50

This course is a thematic introduction to sociology; it presents basic concepts and principles of sociological and criminal analysis. Different types of deviant behaviors are examined and explained using both individualistic and social structural theories. Students will acquire the tools needed to conduct a critical analysis of any social behaviors, including deviance.

This course focuses on: (1) the discipline and profession of sociology/criminology; (2) career exploration and career development skills for undergraduate sociology/ criminology majors; (3) professional writing skills; (4) graduate and professional school exploration and advising; (5) applied sociology and action anthropology; (6) professional socialization; (7) computer literacy in research and presentation of self both in person and on the Internet; and (8) professional ethics.

*Required of all sociology/criminology majors.

CJS 201/SOC 201
PSC 202-50

This course is an introduction to the research methodologies employed by social scientists. Major analytic issues covered in the course include measurement validity and reliability, the grounds for making causal inferences, sampling and research ethics. Major techniques to be studied include participant observation, survey research, experimentation, intensive interviewing and evaluation research.

 *Required of all sociology/criminology majors. Prerequisites: SOC 101, CJS 101 or PSC 101 and MTH 111 or in progress.

Courses in this series offer an in-depth exploration of specific issues and topics within the various subspecialties of sociology in which the department’s faculty specialize as well as topics of current interest to instructors or students.  These courses are intended for students who wish to pursue their studies in a particular field beyond the basic courses offered in the regular curriculum.

*Prerequisite SOC 101

An introduction to sociology’s contributions toward an understanding of men and women and their social world. The course examines social interaction as the basis of social behavior and the foundation of social groups. Sociological concepts and methodology are used to provide meaning and understanding of such phenomena as gender roles, the development of the self, the family, social class and stratification, deviant behavior, behavior in organizations and bureaucracy, urban life, power and politics and social change.

*Required of all sociology majors and a pre-requisite for many advanced SOC courses.

This course focuses on: (1) the discipline and profession of sociology/criminology; (2) career exploration and career development skills for undergraduate sociology/ criminology majors; (3) professional writing skills; (4) graduate and professional school exploration and advising; (5) applied sociology and action anthropology; (6) professional socialization; (7) computer literacy in research and presentation of self both in person and on the Internet; and (8) professional ethics.

*Required of all sociology/criminology majors.

This course is an introduction to the research methodologies employed by social scientists. Major analytic issues covered in the course include measurement validity and reliability, the grounds for making causal inferences, sampling and research ethics. Major techniques to be studied include participant observation, survey research, experimentation, intensive interviewing and evaluation research.

 *Required of all sociology/criminology majors. Prerequisites: SOC 101, CJS 101 or PSC 101 and MTH 111 or in progress.

Different types of American families with family structures in other parts of the world and other historical periods. We will study interactions between family systems and work, education, health care and legal systems and focus on their public policy implications.

 *Can be used in the “2 of” menu for the SOC/CCJ concentration and “3 of” menu for the SOC/HS and SOC/EDU concentrations.  SOC elective for all other concentrations.

Using sociological perspectives, this course will examine family violence including the abuse of partners, children and elders. It will focus on understanding the origins and the larger forces leading to and reinforcing family violence, and as well as on the micro dynamics of violence within families. It will also examine how family violence varies across differences such as race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability.

*Can be used in the “2 of” menu for SOC/CCJ and SOC/EDU concentrations and “3 of” menu for the SOC/HS concentration.  SOC elective for all other concentrations.

A consideration of both the dynamic character and the organizational structural aspects of the city. Social change as it is manifest in urbanization, with particular emphasis on problems of the inner city.

This course will provide an historical overview of social welfare policy, both public and private, as it has evolved from medieval alms-giving to modern welfare statism. Welfare’s costs and benefits, structure and relationship to other parts of society will be examined. Relevant sociological theories will be reviewed, with particular attention to the way they have been applied to problems of social welfare. The social work progression will be examined sociologically.

Race and ethnicity are a significant aspect of American society, especially as one of the main modes of social stratification.  This class will introduce students to the major sociological perspectives on race and ethnicity and will further develop their sociological understanding of and critical thinking about race in the United States.  This class will also encourage students to examine race in the U.S., with an emphasis on class, gender and urban life. At the end of this class, students should be familiar with the social importance that race and ethnicity play in everyday life.  

 *Can be used in the “3 of” menu for SOC/HS, SOC/CCJ and SOC/EDU concentrations.  SOC elective for all other concentrations.

Courses in this series offer an in-depth exploration of specific issues and topics within the various subspecialties of sociology in which the department’s faculty specialize as well as topics of current interest to instructors or students.  These courses are intended for students who wish to pursue their studies in a particular field beyond the basic courses offered in the regular curriculum.

*Prerequisite SOC 101

The relationship between religion and society is complex, dynamic and ever-changing. It has been at the root of sociology itself since the discipline began and was central to the work of many of its founders. In this course, you will use a sociological perspective to examine this relationship between religion and society. Much of the class will deal with American forms of religion, but we will also consider examples of religion outside of the U.S. context.

*Prerequisite: REL 200.

A student who wishes to pursue an independent study project in sociology for academic credit must submit, prior to registration, a proposed plan of study that includes the topic to be studied and goal to be achieved, the methodology to be followed, schedule of supervision, end product, evaluation procedure and number of credits sought. The proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member, the department chair and the dean of arts and sciences. It will be kept on file in the dean of arts and sciences' office.

Participation in a field learning experience closely related to one of the areas of sociology. The student intern will meet regularly with his or her supervisor in the agency and/or will report as required to the faculty member assigned to supervise the field experience. Students are expected to apply what they have learned in the academic program to the field experience. An evaluation of the field experience will also be required. The internship and placement must be approved by the instructor. Three hours of field work per week are required to generate one credit hour. The number of credit hours to be awarded must be contracted for prior to registration.

*Prerequisite: SOC 200 Students must complete an application, available from the chair

A team of senior students designs and carries out an empirical research project. The actual experience of planning and doing research provides students with an opportunity to review and integrate major sectors of what they have learned in their course work. Responsibility for planning and carrying out the project rests with the students. The instructor serves as a resource person, available to offer advice or teach what is needed to solve technical problems. It is the instructor's responsibility to see that the project can be completed with the available resources and within the time constraints of a semester. The instructor also evaluates the work of students. While a student's work load in this kind of project varies from week to week, he or she is required to budget an average of nine hours per week for independent/group/class work on the project.

The nature of this project is determined by the mentor and the student. The due dates for each draft as well as the number of credit hours the student is to receive is contracted for prior registration.

An upper-class student who wishes to undertake an sociological research project for academic credit during a given semester must submit a research proposal prior to registration and a research report at the end of the semester. The proposal must be approved by the research director, the department chair and the dean of arts and sciences. The proposal will be kept on file in the dean of arts and sciences' office.