Course Catalog 2007-2008
Associate Professor Susan Diduk, Chair
Professors Kent Maynard, Mary Tuominen, Anita M. Waters; Associate Professors Susan Diduk, John Jackson (Black Studies); Assistant Professors Veerendra P. Lele, Kathleen O'Neil; Visiting Instructor/Assistant Professor Ruth Toulson; Visiting Instructor Caitlin E. Didier; Affiliated Scholar Brad Lepper; Academic Secretary Nancy Welu
The major in Sociology/Anthropology is designed to meet the educational needs of three kinds of students: (1) those whose interests focus on a liberal arts education and who wish to use the disciplines to understand sociocultural institutions and change, as well as to gain insight into cross-cultural patterns; (2) those who wish to use sociology/anthropology as a background for certain occupations such as law, social work, business, public service, and human service careers; and (3) those who expect to pursue graduate study in sociology or anthropology, leading to a teaching, administrative, or research career.
A major in Sociology/Anthropology must complete nine courses within the department as well as 4 credits of senior research. Six of those courses comprise a core curriculum including S/A 100, 290, 316, 350, 351 and 420/421 (420/421 is one course). The other three courses are electives that a major may select from among the department offerings. At least two electives must be at the 300 level. Off-campus experiences are also available for students to supplement traditional course offerings.
Completion of a minor in Sociology/Anthropology requires a student to complete S/A 100, 290, either S/A 316, 350 or 351 and three electives for a total of 24 credits. At least one elective course must be at the 300 level. In addition, minors in Sociology/Anthropology must select an advisor from among the department faculty (in addition to the advisor in their major). Sociology/Anthropology advisors assist minors in both advance planning and selection of course work.
People, Culture and Society (SA-100). An examination of fundamental questions concerning the nature and foundations of sociocultural behavior. The course presents a variety of sociocultural approaches for understanding human nature and hominid evolution, cross-cultural similarities and differences, the sources of inequality, and the enormity of recent social change. This course is required of all majors and minors in Sociology/ Anthropology and has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Social Inquiry requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course satisfies the Social Science requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 4
Introductory Topics in Sociology/Anthropology (SA-199). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4
Sex and Gender in Society (SA-210). This course compares and evaluates a variety of theories which attempt to explain the origins, persistence and effects of sexual inequality in American society. In particular, it explores a number of settings: the family, the work place, the political arena, religious activity, violence against women, and face-to-face interactional contexts. Special attention is given to the ways in which race/ethnicity, class and sexual orientation shape gender experiences. Although its primary focus is American society, the course compares problems of sexual inequality in American society with other, quite different, societies in order to gain a comparative understanding of how discrimination, prejudice, and structural inequality, wherever they are found, create special problems for women. Throughout, the focus is on learning to use structural, historical, and theoretical information as guides to understanding social change and the choices facing women and men. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Minority/Women's Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Diduk, O'Neil, Tuominen. 4
Constructing Sexualities (SA-211). This course provides an overview of current theoretical and empirical approaches to the social and cultural study of sexuality. Sexuality is examined at the micro-level, including the sexual practices and sexual identities of individuals. There is also a macro-levvel focus on how sexuality is shaped within institutions and by the historical context. The first section of the course considers how sexuality can be understood as both biological and social. The next section examines the varieties of cultural meanings associated with sexuality through historical and cross-cultural comparisons. This is followed by a discussion of current political controversies related to sexual practices and identities, including sex education, teenage pregnancy, and gay and lesbian marriage. O'Neil. 4
Race and Ethnicity (SA-212). An introduction to the sociocultural analysis of race and ethnic group membership, in its various historical and geographical contexts, especially that of the contemporary United States. The reasons that ethnic group membership has remained an important factor in social life and the conditions under which such membership forms the basis of social and political mobilization are explored. Issues such as affirmative action, immigration policy and multiculturalism are discussed, and key concepts such as assimilation, neo-colonialism, and split labor market are critically evaluated with attention to their ideological bases, explanatory power and policy implications. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Minority/Women's Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Waters, Lele. 4
American Society (SA-214). An introduction to American society and contemporary social problems. What is the nature of our society and how does it differ from others? How have major economic and political trends, and/or cultural ideas and values shaped our characteristics as a society? The course will focus on a number of social problems, such as alienation, poverty, crime, child abuse, environmental pollution and bureaucratic inefficiency. Students will learn not only the character of such problems, but grapple with different explanatory theories and alternative models which propose solutions. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the American Social Institutions for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. (Not offered 2007-2008) Staff. 4
Religion and Society (SA-217). This course investigates the relationship between religion and society, and the social dimension of religious truth-claims. The central theme entails a cross-cultural study of religious influences on both social stability and change or revolution. In exploring this tension between religion and existing socioeconomic and political orders, we will consider examples such as religious movements, as well as the ritual life of both the individual's life cycle and wider social and political institutions. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Maynard, O'Neil, Waters. 4
Human Origins and Prehistory (SA-224). This course examines the topics of human origins, human nature, evolution, and prehistory, emphasizing the interplay between biological and sociocultural aspects of human life. Readings will draw from accounts of primate social behavior, hominid evolution, and archaeology to investigate the foundations of our uniquely human form of adaptation through culture. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Lepper. 4
Global Health and Local Wellbeing (SA-235). The course examines the sociocultural bases of both Western and non-Western medical and psychiatric systems. It focuses especially on different cultural assumptions about the nature and causes of illness and the institutional arrangements for the care of patients. The course will consider a variety of social scientific theoretical perspectives on the relationship between illness, medicine, and society. It will assess the degree to which non-Western medical systems may be compatible with and/or of benefit to Western medicine and psychiatry. This course satisfies the Non-Western Studies requirement. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Non-Western Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Maynard. 4
Deviance and Social Control (SA-242). This course will explore the structures and processes by which conceptions of deviance are formed and reactions to deviance are developed and maintained. By looking at deviance from a cross-cultural perspective and with a recognition of the links between private events and public processes, we will address the connections between deviance and the political, economic, informational, and legal systems in society. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 4
Environment, Technology and Society (SA-244). This course analyzes the social causes and consequences of environmental change. We explore the relationship among production, consumption, population, technology, and environment. We ask: do the social benefits of economic growth outweigh environmental costs? Does population growth lead to environmental problems? Can technical "fixes" solve environmental problems? Are "indigenous" technologies superior to "western" technologies? We'll also analyze human responses to change: policy and regulation, "green" capitalism, environmental movements, and environmental counter-movements. We ask, how can we shape our future? What alternatives are likely and possible? Will the U.S. experience ecotopia or ecocide in the years to come? Will the Third World become the First World's dumping ground or will sustainable development provide environmental equity? This course is cross-listed with Environmental Studies and has a prerequisite of either S/A 100 or ENVS 100. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 4
Studies in Sociology/Anthropology (SA-245). Special topics in Sociology/Anthropology. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 4
Society and the Literary Imagination (SA-248). This course begins with a question: Does the poetic and literary imagination transcend its particular cultural context? Are there universally recognized themes or criteria for judging literature, or is all literature a reflection of what is going on in society at a particular historical moment? If there is a relationship between society and literature, we will need to explore it from at least two vantage points: What are the sociocultural bases of literature, and how might literature, in turn, influence society? The course may use different examples or sub-themes to address these issues. For example, do the criteria by which we judge "good" literature vary over time and across societies? Do the stories we tell in different societies look at society, human virtues or the environment in the same ways? To what degree do our stories, critique it or propose alternatives to social arrangements? We will discuss works (novels, plays, short stories or poetry) often acknowledged in the West to be "great literature" and look at how we establish this "canon." Yet, we will also look at children's literature, science fiction and other "pulp fiction" as equally telling sources of information about our aesthetic values and social arrangements. This course has no prerequisite. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. (Not offered 2007-2008) Maynard. 4
The Development of Social Thought (SA-290). An investigation of the classical foundations of social thought and sociocultural theory in sociology/anthropology. The course will concentrate on the original works of such authors as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Martineau, DuBois and other significant authors of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This course is required of all majors and minors in sociology/anthropology. Pre-requisite: S/A 100 and a S/A elective or by consent. No First Year students. This course satisfies the Critical Inquiry requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Diduk, Lele, Maynard, Waters. 4
Intermediate Topics in Sociology/Anthropology (SA-299). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4
Law and Society (SA-311). In this course we explore the intersecting relationships between law, crime, justice and society. While our primary focus is on U.S. society, we will include a cross-cultural analysis. In addition, we examine the ways in which race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class shape experiences of law and justice. Our exploration of western societies incorporates a thorough analysis and application of classical liberal political theory, contemporary critical legal theory and historical analysis. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Tuominen. 4
Families, Sexuality and the State (SA-313). In this course we analyze historical and contemporary patterns of family/kinship organization and the relationship of families to broader political and economic structures. We explore families and kinship from a cross-cultural perspective as well as examining the ways in which race/ ethnicity, economic status and sexuality shape family/ kinship structures in the contemporary U.S. We explore specific issues including welfare state policies; the organization and provision of care work; ideologies of motherhood; sexuality and kinship, and women's political activism in the context of families and extended families. These case studies will be analyzed in the context of anthropological and sociological theories of families, kinship and gender relations, including feminist theories of the social construction of gender. This course satisfies the Minority/Women's Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: S/A 100 or consent. Tuominen. 4
Contemporary Sociocultural Theory (SA-316). Analyses of central theoretical questions in sociology/ anthropology. Historical developments and major paradigms within the two disciplines are explored. The process of theory construction is examined and a critical perspective developed. Required of majors. Prerequisite: 100 and 290. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Diduk, Lele, Waters. 4
Indigenous Peoples and Change in Latin America (SA-319). Ethnography of Native Americans south of the Rio Grande, with special emphasis on cultural contact, domination, and persistence. The wide variety of adaptations to the environment, and institutional arrangements of economics, politics, kinship, and religion will also be explored. We will use ethnographic case studies to assess the impact of cultural domination on indigenous societies and their attempt to maintain a traditional way of life. This course satisfies the Non-Western Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. (Not offered 2007-2008) Maynard. 4
Contemporary African Peoples in Historical Perspective (SA-320). This course is an examination of the historical, ethnic and socio-cultural diversity of sub-Saharan Africa societies. Central to this overview is an emphasis on the pre-colonial, colonial and postcolonial eras. It considers questions of economic development, urbanization, agricultural production and the relationship of the contemporary African state to rural communities. This course also explores symbolic systems in the context of rituals, witchcraft, indigenous churches, and new forms of Christianity currently spreading in Africa. Prerequisite: S/A 100 or by consent. The course satisfies the Non-Western Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. Diduk. 4
Gender and Change in Cross-Cultural Perspective (SA-321). Our foci in this course will be on the diverse ways in which rural women in emerging nations conceptualize and utilize landscape and resources, and on the effects of material changes in natural and social environments on the quality of gender relations, social life, and community organization. The course will also look comparatively, but more briefly, at the experiences of women migrants and urban workers. We will consider the formulation and implementation of goals for economic and social change, such as sustainable agricultural development, and rural cottage industries, that may contribute to material well-being without damaging the natural environment, and we will examine how cross-cultural alternatives to Western conceptions of gender and ecology may serve as a basis for prospective changes within our own society. This course satisfies the Non-western Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: S/A 100 or consent. Diduk. 4
Sociocultural Studies of the Middle East (SA-323). The focus of this course is an examination of the ecological, historical, and sociocultural diversity of peoples of the Middle East (from North Africa to Afghanistan). In addition to the study of ecological adaptation, social structure, and ideology in traditional village and nomadic communities, we will examine the effects of urbanization, economic development, and nation-building on contemporary populations of the Middle East. This course satisfies the Non-Western Studies requirement for students matriculating before August 30, 2004. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent (Not offered 2007-2008) Staff. 4
Culture, Society and the Individual (SA-331). This course examines the relationship between individuals, their society and culture. This involves looking at differing cultural conceptions of "human nature", and the way in which both "intelligence" and the emotions are "cultural performances." The nature of the "self", indeed, the structure of perception and cognition, are not separable from specific patterns of sociocultural life. Finally, Western and cross-cultural examples will be used to assess different models of social determinism and the cultural impact of human decisions and action. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. Maynard. 4
Causes and Consequences of Change (SA-333). This course analyzes the sources, processes and directions of social and cultural change. It examines different theoretical models which account for social change. Of particular importance are conceptual distinctions between evolution, modernization, industrialization, urbanization, revolution, economic development and cultural domination. Possible topics for exploration may include change brought through population increase, the growth of technology, exploitation of resources, migration and hunger. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. (Not offered 2007-2008) Diduk. 4
Sustainable Agriculture (SA-334). Course registration for this course is made under ENVS 334. Goland. 4
Cross-Cultural Study of Art (SA-336). The course focuses on expressive culture in a variety of socio-cultural settings across the globe. We examine sociological and anthropological theories used to study the relationship between art and society. In particular, the course examines the complex relationships between non-Western art and European art contexts. The role that the producer, dealer, consumer and the global market play in these relationships will receive special attention. The appropriation and assimilation of art across national and cultural boundaries raise fascinating questions concerning "authenticity," "value," and meaning. The course also examines the role of museums and art exhibitions in representing the art of non-Western societies and diasporic communities. Prerequisite: S/A 100 or by consent. Diduk, O'Neil. 4
Social Structure and Popular Culture (SA-338). Under study here are the production and distribution, form and content, and artists and audiences of popular culture internationally. We will consider prominent social theories, from the Frankfort School's critique of popular culture, through the writings on mass culture in the United States, to the recent rehabilitation of popular culture by British writers like Stuart Hall and Paul Gilroy. Some of the major questions addressed will include: How do the social arrangements and the technologies of production shape the messages conveyed in popular media? What is the relationship between popular culture and "high" culture? Under what conditions does popular culture distract people from the struggles for equality and social justice, lulling them to passivity, and when can it inspire protest, or even transform people's behavior? This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. O'Neil, Waters. 4
Culture, Identity and Politics in Caribbean Society (SA-339). This course focuses on the social, cultural and political life of the Caribbean area, especially the English- and French-speaking areas. A fragmented group of nations decidedly on the periphery of the global economy, the Caribbean was once one of the richest areas of the world. Its riches then depended on the labor of enslaved Africans; the fruits of the plantation economy were enjoyed mainly by European planters. What is the legacy of such a history? We review the variety of Caribbean policies, from the strong democratic traditions of Jamaica to the autocratic rulers of Haiti, and explore how the Caribbean's unique combination of cultural influences affect the political processes, ways of life, class divisions and ethnic stratification evident in the Caribbean today. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. Waters. 4
Social Movements (SA-340). In this course we explore social movements as a primary means of social change. We attempt to understand the conditions which precede, accompany and follow collective action. Particular case studies for analysis will be drawn from the United States and cross-cultural contexts to illustrate that social movements are human products that have both intended and unintended consequences. This course is sometimes taught with a special subtitle: "Social Justice Movements in Communities of Color," cross-listed with the Black Studies Program. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. Diduk, Jackson (Black Studies Dept.). 4
Non-Governmental Organizations, Development and Human Rights (SA-342). This course is a critical and inter-disciplinary examinations of the role and consequences of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the develoment industry. The course explores the history, organization and agenda building the NGOs since the 1950's. Power relationships between NGOs and states, particularly in the southern hemisphere, as well as with bilateral and multi-lateral institutions are pivotal to our examination. The ideological, programmatic and conceptual differences among NGOs are examined within the broader context of theories of development. We ask why growing numbers of people see NGOs as the answer to ameliorating poverty, disease, violations of human rights and environmental degradation, among others. Some of the organizations that we examine include Greenpeace, Amnesty International, the Grameen Bank and Working Women's Forum. This course can satisfy the Social Sciences requirement or the Interdisciplinary/World Issues requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: S/A 100 or INTL 101 or consent. Diduk. 4
Special Problems (SA-345). Special problems which are offered at an advanced level in topics not covered in regular courses. (Examples: Sport and Society, Gender in Southeast Asia, Sustainable Agriculture, Gender and Nationalism). This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 4
Special Problems (SA-346). Special problems which are offered at an advanced level in topics not covered in regular courses. (Examples: Sport and Society, Gender in Southeast Asia, Sustainable Agriculture, Gender and Nationalism). This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 4
Power in Society (SA-347). Using theoretical approaches and methodological tools from sociology and anthropology, this course explores the nature of social power and its distribution in a variety of social settings. Under what conditions do specific types of power distributions emerge, and what consequences do they have for people's social and economic lives? When do political systems change, and why? How do social and cultural factors influence people's participation in political action? A variety of social institutions relevant to politics are examined in this course, including interest groups, political parties, the state and transnational organizations. Processes such as legitimization of authority, social influences on policy formation, political socialization, mobilization and cooptation are anaylyzed in the contexts of local, national and international politics. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: SA 100 or consent. Waters. 4
Complex Organizations (SA-349). From schools to hospitals, from small business to large corporations, complex organizations are a defining feature of modern life. In this course we examine the role of organizations in society through a comparison of three organizational sectors: for profit business organizations, nonprofit organizations, and the state. How do formal organizations emerge and how do they change? What is the relationship between particular organizations and the wider political and cultural environment? Why does the behavior of participants in organizations often depart from the formal rules and goals of the organization? Drawing on organizational theories and empirical research, we address these and other key topics. Throughout the course particular attention is paid to the distribution of power within and between organizations. We also examine several current controversies that highlight the blurring boundaries between organizational sectors. O'Neil. 4
Field Research Methods (SA-350). This 4-credit course provides experience in the design and implementation of field research. In addition to techniques of collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data, we examine the history of social research, ethical questions involved in field research, and the theoretical assumptions on which various research strategies are based. Students will construct and implement research designs using field research techniques including ethnography, participant observation, and content analysis. Quantitative analysis including descriptive statistics will be included. Required of majors. SA 350 and 351 may be taken in any order. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. Tuominen, Waters. 4
Survey Research Methods (SA-351). This 4-credit course provides experience in the design and implementation of sociocultural research. In addition to techniques of collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data, we examine epistemological issues that underlie social research, ethical questions involved in research, and the theoretical assumptions on which various research strategies are based. Students will construct and implement research designs using survey research and secondary data analysis. Quantitative analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistics, analysis of variance, and simple regression will be included. Required of majors. SA 350 and 351 may be taken in any order. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement and the Quantitative Reasoning requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Prerequisite: 100 or consent. O'Neil. 4
Directed Study (SA-361). Credit earned will be determined by departmental evaluation. Staff. 1-4
Directed Study (SA-362). Credit earned will be determined by departmental evaluation. Staff. 1-4
Independent Study (SA-363). Staff. 1-4
Independent Study (SA-364). Staff. 1-4
Advanced Topics in Sociology/Anthropology (SA-399). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4
Senior Research Seminar I (SA-420). An integrative course designed to be a culmination of the student's work in the major. This is a TWO-SEMESTER course which focuses on the design and completion of a year-long research project for all senior majors. This provides the basis for then reflecting about the nature and importance of sociology/anthropology as disciplines and in relation to our role as researchers and citizens. Required of senior majors. Note: The combined 4 credits of SA 420-421 and 4 credits of SA 451-452 will be converted to eight credits of Honors Research (SA 461-462) for honors students. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 2
Senior Research Seminar II (SA-421). An integrative course designed to be a culmination of the student's work in the major. This is a TWO-SEMESTER course which focuses on the design and completion of a year-long research project for all senior majors. This provides the basis for then reflecting about the nature and importance of sociology/anthropology as disciplines and in relation to our role as researchers and citizens. Required of senior majors. Note: The combined 4 credits of S/A 420-421 and 4 credits of S/A 451-452 will be converted to eight credits for Honors Research (S/A 461-462) for honors students. This course satisfies the Social Sciences requirement for students matriculating on or after August 30, 2004. Staff. 2
Senior Research (SA-451). Staff. 2
Senior Research (SA-452). Staff. 2