Department of Anthropology, Criminology and Sociology

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.

This course looks at issues in human interaction with environment and resources from a cross-cultural perspective. Anthropological approaches to environment will be considered mainly in the context of significant topical issues, and by integrating theory with ethnographic cases. Assignments will encourage students to apply this knowledge both to their own immediate community and to environmental concerns in other parts of the world. There are no prerequisites.

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/ANT majors.

Local religions, introduces indigenous religious traditions from several regions of the world and encourages students to consider the ecological a cultural contexts in which peoples and religions make their homes. The religions studied in this course are closely identified with the cultures of which they are part. Those traditions we refer to as "world religions" have accommodated themselves to a variety of cultural contexts and have become, at least potentially, universal faiths. Indigenous religions are, however, more imbedded in local contexts and they usually do not seek to convert others to their practice. In this course we shall explore the ways in which religions transmit worldviews and values and the ways in which they facilitate and/or resist change.

This course explores globalization ethnohistorically, ethnographically, and theoretically; illuminates the processes and consequences of globalization for peoples in various circumstances around the world. By investigating the rapid flow of capital, people, goods, images, and ideologies across cultures, societies, and nations, we will pay careful attention to ideas about culture, modernity, tradition, colonialism/post-colonialism, identity change, nationalism/transnationalism, Diaspora, the creation of a "global culture" and contemporary global social issues.

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 dean of arts and sciences. It will be kept on file in dean of arts and sciences' 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 give 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.

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of crime, its causes and notions of justice. The concepts of crime and justice will be explored drawing on writings from the humanities (English literature, philosophy, religious studies, history) and research from the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, economics, political science and psychology). *Required for CJS major.  Elective for all SOC concentrations.

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

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.

This course analyzes and scientifically examines the physical, emotional and financial impact of crime on its victims. Specific types of victims and crime will be studied, including homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, child maltreatment, elder abuse and assault. This in-depth course requires the student to analyze restitution issues, the treatment of victims by the criminal justice system, victims' rights legislation and contemporary trends in the treatment of victims

*Prerequisites or corequisites: SOC 101, CJS 101, PSY 101, or GWS 101

This course critically examines major theories, research findings, policies, and controversies concerning race, gender, and crime in the context of social justice.  In terms of disciplinary affirmation, the focus is on criminology theory, but with a predisposition towards ways in which questions of social justice can be viewed from a sociological perspective. The first objective of the course is to debunk the myth that there is a cast iron boundary between questions of criminal justices and social justice. Along with this objective is the need to provide students who are interested in pursuing a criminal justice career an awareness of key discourses in criminology in conjunction with a keen sense of empathy required for the maintenance of social order in an increasingly diversified universe. The second objective of the course is to explore how theoretical insights can provide the tools for making sense of the vast amount of data and information on crime and the criminal justice system especially as it relates to debates and contestation on questions of race, ethnicity, and gender.  Student will get the opportunity to explore the main sources used for research in. This will enable us to achieve our third objective; in what ways can our findings inform social policy in the desire to provide equal justice for all.  We shall conclude our exploration by returning to our starting place: Can race, ethnicity, and gender be useful analytic categories?

The concept of social justice is defined, in large measure, by how the legal system treats the poorest, least educated or most frail citizens, and addresses (or fails to address) their needs.  Achieving a measure of social justice through the law can have a profound effect on the poor and upon society at large; some efforts at social justice can have an immediate and personal affect; other social justice efforts may not bear fruit for years or generations. This class will explore the concept of social justice, with a special emphasis on the root causes and persistence of poverty, and how the legal system confronts, changes or contains those problems.

This course is designed to introduce you to forensic science, the application of science and law. The American Association of Forensic Sciences state that they are dedicated to the improvement, the administration and the achievement of justice through the application of science to the process of law. The primary goal of the course is to provide a basic working knowledge for the interpretation of medical facts and the circumstances surrounding unexplained or violent deaths. In addition, the role of related forensic science disciplines will be presented. Forensic Pathology plays an important role in Crime Investigation because it provides important pieces of information. The material presented in this class will be beneficial to prospective criminal investigators and others who have interest in Forensic Medicine.

Participation in a field learning experience closely related to one of the areas of criminology or 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 place 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 registration.

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 is an interdisciplinary introduction to the field of urban studies. Cities are studied cross-culturally and historically using the theoretical and research knowledge bases of the social sciences, humanities, ecology and environmental studies, urban architecture and design and public policy and planning. The course prepares students for more specialized coursework in urban studies as well as applied experiences such as internship and career/graduate school exploration.

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

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.

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.

A social scientific study of contemporary and historical forms of marriage and family life in America. We will compare 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.

This course will introduce students to the field of conflict resolution. It will include an overview of the history and theories of the field and some of the major critiques of present theories and practices. The course also will provide students with an understanding of the spectrum of role professionals in conflict resolution undertake. Students will gain selected conflict resolution skills and come to understand conflict experientially by participating in three role plays demonstrating issues associated with inter-personal, inter-group and organizational conflict.

Can be used in the “1 of” menu for SOC/EDU concentration and the “3 of” menu for the SOC/HS concentration.  SOC elective for all other concentrations.

This course analyzes and scientifically examines the physical, emotional and financial impact of crime on its victims. Specific types of victims and crime will be studied, including homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, child maltreatment, elder abuse and assault. This in-depth course requires the student to analyze restitution issues, the treatment of victims by the criminal justice system, victims' rights legislation and contemporary trends in the treatment of victims.

*Prerequisites or corequisites: SOC 101, CJS 101, PSY 101, or GWS 101

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/ANT majors.

This course will help develop an understanding to articulate issues related to the role of work in society and the importance of work to individual and social identity. Students will be able to articulate and explain different sides of debates and controversies related to work issues.

Can be used in the SOC/Human Services "3 of" menu, in the SOC/CCJ "2 of" menu, in the SOC/EDU "3 of" menu, obviously as a SOC/ANT elective in any program.

This course examines the processes and institutions through which gender is constructed and operates in society. It analyzes how gender serves to organize everyday life as well as how such institutions as work, education and marriage take their form according to historically variable contexts of gender relations. Gender will be considered in a cross-cultural context, as well as in interaction with race/ethnicity and class. Students will employ a variety of theoretical perspectives to examine these relationships.

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

This course critically examines major theories, research findings, policies, and controversies concerning race, gender, and crime in the context of social justice.  In terms of disciplinary affirmation, the focus is on criminology theory, but with a predisposition towards ways in which questions of social justice can be viewed from a sociological perspective. The first objective of the course is to debunk the myth that there is a cast iron boundary between questions of criminal justices and social justice. Along with this objective is the need to provide students who are interested in pursuing a criminal justice career an awareness of key discourses in criminology in conjunction with a keen sense of empathy required for the maintenance of social order in an increasingly diversified universe. The second objective of the course is to explore how theoretical insights can provide the tools for making sense of the vast amount of data and information on crime and the criminal justice system especially as it relates to debates and contestation on questions of race, ethnicity, and gender.  Student will get the opportunity to explore the main sources used for research in. This will enable us to achieve our third objective; in what ways can our findings inform social policy in the desire to provide equal justice for all.  We shall conclude our exploration by returning to our starting place: Can race, ethnicity, and gender be useful analytic categories?

Can be used in the SOC/Human Services "3 of" menu, in the SOC/CCJ "2 of" menu, in the SOC/EDU "3 of" menu, obviously as a SOC/ANT elective in any program.

The concept of social justice is defined, in large measure, by how the legal system treats the poorest, least educated or most frail citizens, and addresses (or fails to address) their needs.  Achieving a measure of social justice through the law can have a profound effect on the poor and upon society at large; some efforts at social justice can have an immediate and personal affect; other social justice efforts may not bear fruit for years or generations. This class will explore the concept of social justice, with a special emphasis on the root causes and persistence of poverty, and how the legal system confronts, changes or contains those problems.

Can be used in the SOC/Human Services "3 of" menu, in the SOC/CCJ "2 of" menu, in the SOC/EDU "3 of" menu, obviously as a SOC/ANT elective in any program

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 project, 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 science's office.

The goal of this course is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the use of behavioral science research methods and theories for program and intervention evaluations. Topics given special emphasis include: measurement strategies and problems, needs assessment, experimental and quasi-experimental field designs, qualitative methods, benefit-cost analysis, statistical approaches to modeling bias and the use of evaluation results in the policy process.

*Prerequisites: SOC 201 or PSY 201 or PSC 202 or IRL 441 or IRL 442 or ECO 325 or STA 201 or MTH 111 or MTH 112 or MTH 145 or permission of instructor.

This is an advanced, interdisciplinary seminar and research practicum that employs the theoretical frameworks and methodologies of religious studies and social science to study recent changes and the current conditions of the American Catholic community in light of historical trends.  Students conduct an original research project using data from Contemporary Catholic Trends, a semiannual, longitudinal, national survey of American Catholics.  Prerequisites or corequisites: REL 200 and one other 300-level course in religious studies, and MTH 111 or STA 201 and completion of the one-course social science core requirement, or permission of the instructors.  The course may be taken to satisfy the PHL/REL 400 seminar core requirement.

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 coursework. 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

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 for prior to registration.

An upper-class student who wishes to undertake a 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.