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Southwestern University
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Southwestern University: A Statement
The Academic Program
Degree Requirements
Academic Regulations
Course Descriptions
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Division of Social Sciences
Professor Dan C. Hilliard, PhD, Chair
Professor Edward L. Kain, PhD
Associate Professor Maria R. Lowe, PhD
Assistant Professor Mario J. Gonzales, PhD
Assistant Professor Melissa
A. Johnson, PhD
Assistant Professor Martha Perez, PhD (part-time)
Instructor T. Elizabeth Durden, MA (part-time)
Instructor Rachel S. Meyer,
MA (part-time)
Sociology is the study of human group life and of the patterns and processes
of social structure and social change. Anthropology is concerned with the study
of culture and with the symbols and meanings that give significance to human
societies in various times and places. The Department of Sociology and
Anthropology attempts to educate students in the art of interpreting human
cultural and social arrangements and comparing these in systematic fashion.
Toward this end, we offer courses in social theory and in research methods as
well as those dealing with the substantive questions of order and of change
within and among societies around the world. Central to these courses is an
analysis of the interconnections between issues of race, ethnicity, class, and
gender in human societies.
Students completing the BA in Sociology may enter
graduate programs in law, theology, social work, criminal justice, urban
studies, public administration, and public health, as well as in sociology and
anthropology. Recent majors have found employment not only in social work and
criminal justice fields (such as probation and parole work), but also in
management, personnel work, public relations, retailing, and consulting.
The department strives to illuminate how linkages between the two
disciplines of Sociology and Anthropology complement each other. The department
offers a major in Sociology and minors in both Sociology and Anthropology.
Students may also complete a major in Anthropology by developing an independent
major (area of concentration). See Independent Major.
Students seeking a
major in Sociology will normally complete the requirements for a BA
degree.
The major in Sociology is built around a cumulative curriculum with
courses at four different levels, as described in the course listings on the
following pages. Descriptions of knowledge and skills taught in courses at each
level can be found in the department handbook. For a major in Sociology, a
student is required to take:
One introductory-level course (Sociology
34-113, Social Patterns and Processes; or 34-123, Social Problems).
Sociology 34-203 (lecture) and 34-201 (lab) Research Methods. These two
courses must be taken concurrently.
Mathematics 52-213, Introduction to
Statistics (a prerequisite for Sociology 34-203 and 34-201) Note: Mathematics
52-213 does not count toward the thirty-one hours in the major.
Anthropology 35-103, Introduction to Anthropology.
Sociology 34-213,
Sociological Theory.
Sociology 34-963 during the senior year, as a capstone
experience.
Additional courses necessary to complete the 31 hours in the
field selected from other courses in the Department. It is useful if students
have at least one course from each of the following categories:
Institutions (34-243, 34-253, 34-333, 34-343, and 34-433)
Social
structure (34-233, 34-313, and 34-323)
Social processes and change (34-273,
34-413, 34-283, and 34-443).
Majors in Sociology are strongly encouraged to
take Sociology 34-203 (lecture) and 34-201 (lab) Research Methods in their
sophomore or junior year. It is also suggested that they take Sociology 34-213,
Sociological Theory relatively early in their curriculum to provide a foundation
for later courses. Capstone experience: As noted above, all majors need to take
a research seminar in their senior year (Sociology 34-963). In addition, seniors
must complete a senior oral examination during the final semester of study.
Separate senior oral examinations may be administered for students focusing in
Sociology and Anthropology. Students graduating with a Sociology major must take
the Major Field Test in Sociology sometime during their senior year. Majors are
encouraged to enroll for independent research or an academic internship during
their senior year.
For a minor in Sociology, a student must complete
at least 18 semester hours in Sociology, with at least 12 hours above the
introductory level. Minors will find it useful to select a distribution of
courses from the same categories as recommended for majors. A minor in Sociology
may include up to two anthropology courses.
For a minor in
Anthropology, a student must complete at least 18 semester hours in
Anthropology. Anthropology 35-103 is required for the minor. A minor in
Anthropology may include up to two Sociology courses.
†34-123 SOCIAL PROBLEMS. A basic course in the analysis of social problems using various perspectives, including models from functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Principles of modern sociology are taught by application to specific social problems ranging from family violence and criminology to urban decay and population problems. (POK-Social Analysis)
34-203 and 34-201 (lab) RESEARCH METHODS. Acquaints majors and minors
in sociology with the procedures for gathering and analyzing sociological data.
Students in Research Methods will meet for weekly lab sessions in addition to
the lecture and discussion times. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-213. (Offered
each year)
34-213 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY. Contributions made to
sociological theory beginning in the mid-19th century to the present.
Prerequisite: An introductory sociology course. (Offered each year)
34-223 CONFORMITY, DEVIANCE, AND IDENTITY. A study of the societal
definition of deviant behavior, causes of deviant behavior, and social
control.
34-233 GENDER RELATIONS AND SEXUALITY. The study of gender
relations and sexuality in social, historical and cultural perspective. Also
Women’s Studies 04-233. (Offered each year)
34-243 FAMILIES IN
SOCIETY. The study of families in historical, social, and cultural
perspective, including analysis of variation in family experience by race and
ethnicity, class and gender. Processes of mate selection, marriage patterns, and
the formation of families, households, and kin groups are covered. Also
Women’s Studies 04-243. (Offered each year)
34-253 SOCIOLOGY OF
SPORT. The study of sport as an institution of modern societies, and
considering its relationship to other major social patterns of those societies,
such as gender, race relations, political and economic structures, higher
education, and the mass media. Also Kinesiology
48-353.
†34-263 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. A course in the understanding
of social process from a micro-analytic perspective. Various theories in social
psychology are used to examine a variety of issues, including socialization,
conformity and deviance, and group interaction. (POK-Social
Analysis)
†34-273 CHICAGO: STUDIES IN URBAN SOCIOLOGY. Uses the
city of Chicago from 1833 to the present as a case study in urban sociology,
focusing on economic development and social change, urban ecology,
neighborhoods, racial and ethnic relations, and social reform. Also American
Studies 01-403. (POK-Social Analysis) (Alternate Springs)
34-283
DEMOGRAPHY: WORLD POPULATION GEOGRAPHY. A study of the major demographic
processes of fertility, mortality, and migration, with reference to trends in
the United States and the world. Students will examine demographic patterns and
processes in all world regions, with specific case studies in a number of
countries.
34-313 SOCIAL INEQUALITIES. The study of the construction,
maintenance, and consequences of social inequalities in the United States and
the world, based on the review of classical and contemporary theories, empirical
research, and biographical accounts.
34-323 RACIAL AND ETHNIC
RELATIONS. Personal and social consequences of differential definition and
treatment of human groups; special investigation of racial and ethnic groups in
the United States.
34-333 MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY. Applies sociological
methods and concepts to the field of illness and health care in modern
societies, dealing with such topics as social epidemiology, social psychological
aspects of illness, and systems of health care financing and delivery.
34-343 ORGANIZATION THEORY AND DESIGN. See Business 30-553.
Prerequisites: for business majors-Business 30-313 and 30-323; for sociology
majors-Sociology 34-113.
34-413 URBAN SOCIOLOGY. An analysis of
urban life and its impact on human behavior.
†34-423 A JOURNEY
THROUGH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. Explores the social, historical,
economic, and political underpinnings of the Southern Civil Rights movement,
focusing on motivations, strategies, tensions, consequences, and difficulties,
both personal and national. Required field trip during Spring Break with
additional fee. Also American Studies 01-423 and History 16-423.
(POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage) (Alternate
Springs)
34-433 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS. See Political Science
32-433.
34-443 COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS. Study of
crowd characteristics, publics, mass society, social movements, and consequences
of collective behavior.
34-301, 302, 303 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
34-943 or 946 SOCIOLOGICAL PRACTICUM. Field experience in community
agencies or institutions under direct supervision of trained personnel.
Provision for the experience is made within the framework of Southwestern
University’s Academic Internship Program. Prerequisite: Sociology major of
senior standing or approval of the instructor.
34-951, 952, 953
INDEPENDENT STUDY. Prerequisites: Senior standing and a minimum of 3.0
grade point average during the previous semester. May be repeated with change in
content.
34-961, 962, 963 RESEARCH SEMINAR: SELECTED TOPICS IN
SOCIOLOGY. May be repeated with change in content. Prerequisite: Permission
of instructor.
34-983 HONORS. By department invitation.
†35-103 INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY. Survey of the four
subdisciplines of anthropology: biological anthropology, archaeology,
linguistics and cultural anthropology with a focus on the latter. Topics covered
include human evolution, the idea of race, archaeology and the rise of the
state, cultural and social variation in gender, kinship, political organization,
economies, religions, and languages. The course also explores the effects of the
global political economy on local cultures throughout the world. (Each semester)
(POK-Other Cultures and Civilizations)
†35-113 PEOPLES AND
PLACES: WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY. This course provides a comparative
overview of the world’s regions, examining environments, populations,
economies, political organization, and sociocultural phenomena found in each
region of the world. Also Social Sciences 39-103. (POK-Other Cultures and
Civilizations) (Each year)
35-203 THEORY AND METHOD IN ANTHROPOLOGY,
PART ONE. This course introduces students to the major theories of human
society and culture that anthropologists have developed and the ethnographic
methods employed in conjunction with each major theory. Students will try their
hand at a variety of ethnographic methods in this course. Part One begins in the
mid-18th century and ends in the 1970s. Minors are required to take both 35-203
and 213 in sequence. Prerequisite: Anthropology 35-103. (Alternate Falls)
35-213 THEORY AND METHOD IN ANTHROPOLOGY, PART TWO. Continuation of
35-203. Part Two begins in the 1970s and continues to the present. Minors are
required to take both 35-203 and 213 in sequence. Prerequisite: Anthropology
35-103, 35-203. (Alternate Springs)
35-313 ETHNOGRAPHIC AREA COURSES:
LATIN AMERICA. Courses under this heading will explore cultures and
societies in Latin America and among Latino and some indigenous populations in
the U.S. Specific course offerings will vary, but will include: Pre-Hispanic
Mesoamerica (an exploration of pre-Colombian Mexico and Central America,
cross-listed as Social Sciences 39-313); Peoples of Mexico, Oaxaca’s
Indigenous Peoples, Chicanos of the Southwest. Prerequisite: 35-103 or
permission of instructor. Courses fulfill International Studies Latin America
Emphasis. (Course may be repeated with change in content.)
35-323
ETHNOGRAPHIC AREA COURSES: CARIBBEAN. Courses under this heading will
explore cultures and societies in the Caribbean region. Specific course
offerings will vary, but will include: Race, Class and Gender in the Caribbean
(cross-listed with Women’s Studies); Afro-Caribbean Societies in Central
America. Prerequisite: 35-103 or permission of the instructor. (Course may be
repeated with change in content.)
35-333 TOPICS IN GLOBALIZATION:
MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT. Courses under this heading employ an
anthropological perspective to explore issues tied to the increasing
globalization of our world. Specific course content will vary, but will include:
Anthroplogy of Development; Sustainable Development; Immigration and Cultural
Identity; U.S.-Mexican Immigration; Gender and Development (cross-listed with
Women’s Studies). Prerequisite: 35-103 or permission of instructor.
(Course may be repeated with change in content.)
35-343 TOPICS IN
ECOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY. Courses under this heading consider the
relationship between human sociocultural systems and the natural environment.
Specific course content will vary, but will include: Society, Culture and
Ecology; Environmental Justice; Cultures, Histories and Ecologies of the
Americas. Prerequisite: 35-103 or permission of the instructor. (Course may be
repeated with content change.)
35-353 TOPICS IN THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF
TRIBAL AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES. Courses under this heading will focus on
issues and concerns that are unique to small-scale societies. Specific course
offerings will vary, but will include: Hunter-Gatherers; Contemporary Issues in
Indigenous Societies. Prerequisite: 35-103 or permission of the instructor.
(Course may be repeated with change in content.)
35-363 TOPICS IN SOCIAL
ORGANIZATION AND GENDER. Courses under this heading will focus primarily on
the intersection of human social organization and gender-related issues.
Specific course offerings will vary, but will include: Gender and Kinship;
Gender Roles and the Politics of Sex. These courses may be cross-listed with
Women’s Studies. Prerequisite: 35-103 or permission of the instructor.
(Course may be repeated with change in content.)
35-503 ADVANCED TOPICS
IN ETHNOLOGY. These courses develop deeper and more sophisticated analyses
of topics covered in any of the 300-level courses, and are designed particularly
for advanced sociology or independent anthropology major students. Courses will
include: Political Economy of Latin America; The Amazon: Cultures in Conflict;
Reggae, Cricket, and Tommy Hilfiger: Local and Global Culture in the West
Indies; Rethinking International Development; Global Problems and the Culture of
Consumerism; Ecological Problems of Central Texas; Colonialism, Neo-Colonialism
and Tribal Peoples; Cross-Cultural Machismo. Prerequisites: 35-103 and any
35-300-level course, or permission of the instructor. (Course may be repeated
with change in content.)
35-303 SELECTED TOPICS COURSES. These are courses that fall out of our typical range of anthropology courses. Offered infrequently. Examples include: Biological Anthropology; Archaeology; Primate Behavior; The Anthropology of Race and Racism; Expressive Culture. (Course may be repeated with change in content.)
35-943 ADVANCED RESEARCH SEMINAR. Occasionally offered depending on student interest. Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the instructor.
35-951, 952, 953 INDEPENDENT STUDY. Prerequisites: Junior Standing and
a minimum of 3.0 grade point average during the previous semester. (May be
repeated with change in content.)
35-963 SENIOR SEMINAR.
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.