Sociology and Anthropology
Division of Social Sciences
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a major and a minor in both sociology and anthropology.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of human social interaction. Courses in sociology help students gain a general understanding of human society, understand how individuals' lives are shaped by social forces, develop theoretical and analytic skills appropriate for graduate or professional school programs, prepare for careers in social service or allied fields, and acquire theoretical and practical knowledge for careers in business and industry. Recent graduates have gone on to professional or graduate schools in sociology, anthropology, law, teaching, and social work. Graduates have found employment in those fields, and also the Peace Corps, counseling, corrections, the armed services, banking, public relations, human resources management, and other corporate and nonprofit positions.
The Sociology Major
Sociology 101 is prerequisite for the major in sociology. Additionally, prospective majors should complete at least two additional sociology courses by the end of their sophomore year, and the major's statistics requirement, which must be satisfied no later than the fall semester of junior year to avoid later problems in completing the Senior Capstone Experience.
The Senior Capstone Experience
During the senior year, each sociology major completes a major independent research project with the guidance of one of the department's sociologists. Senior Capstone Experiences integrate the diverse learning that students have accomplished throughout their undergraduate years, not only within the major, but across the liberal arts and sciences. Students begin the Capstone experience with a proposal developed in the research methods course generally taken in the spring of the junior year. The range both of topics and methods is broad; the Capstone topic is of the student's choosing, with the guidance of a faculty member to assure that it is both significant and capable of completion in the time available. Work on the Capstone is supported by the student's capstone advisor, and by some of the work of two courses, SOC 000: Senior Seminar, taken the fall semester of senior year, and SOC SCE, a seminar taken in the spring semester of senior year. Academic research is most meaningful when it is shared with the larger academic community. Thus, completed projects will be published on the Miller Library's web site, and made available as well through the department's web site.
Required for the Major in Sociology
Ten courses: Sociology 101, 303, and 306, the statistics requirement, the Senior Capstone Experience, five additional courses in sociology; and Sociology 000. (Students with a double major in sociology and psychology who take Psychology 390 may omit Sociology 306, but must then take a sixth sociology elective.)
Concentrations within the Sociology Major
Students interested in social work should take the following courses: Sociology 212, 240, 341, 382, 483, and 484; Anthropology 105, 236, and Psychology 302. Students planning to do graduate work in sociology should take the following courses: Sociology 221, 250, 262, and 356. All students, of course, should strive for insight into the nature of human society. Additional courses in the program should be planned in consultation with the chair to meet individual needs and interests. Sociology and anthropology majors may become certified to teach social studies in secondary schools. To assure proper scheduling, students interested in this program should inform the chairs of both the Sociology and Anthropology Department and the Education Departments as early as possible in their college careers.
Required for the Minor in Sociology
Six courses, of which Sociology 101, 303, 306, and the statistics requirement are required; and two additional courses in sociology. (Students with a major in psychology may omit Sociology 306, but must then take a third sociology elective.)
The Statistics Requirement
This requirement, a prerequisite for Research Methods in Sociology, may be met by taking any of the following: Mathematics 109, Psychology 209, Economics 215, or Business Management 215 and 216
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of human nature, human society, and the human past. The concept of culture illuminates the human condition in powerful ways. Anthropology helps students understand human biocultural diversity and the dependence of the human species on culture for survival. Anthropology graduates find employment opportunities in the public and private sector, in government agencies, corporations, museums, and in academia. Businesses are increasingly hiring anthropologists as "cultural brokers." Recent graduates have continued post-graduate work in anthropology and have found careers in state health departments, the tourism industry, education, and museum work. Assistantships and staff positions in archaeology and cultural resource management often are available to students, depending upon grant funding.
The Anthropology Major
Prospective anthropology majors should complete Anthropology 105, 107, and at least one of the following courses by the end of their sophomore year: Anthropology 200, 208, 215, 235, 305, and 355.
Required for a Major in Anthropology
Ten courses: Anthropology 105, 107, 200, 208, 305, 405, three additional courses in anthropology, and the Senior Capstone Experience(ANT SCE). It is strongly recommended that majors have at least one study abroad experience during their undergraduate career. In addition to the required courses, all majors in anthropology complete either a major research paper or a special research project to satisfy their Senior Capstone Experience.
Required for the Minor in Anthropology
Six courses, of which Anthropology 105, 107, and 200, and either 208 or 305 is required, plus two additional anthropology courses.
The Distribution Requirement in Social Science
May be satisfied by one of the following course sequences:
- Sociology 101 and any one of the following: Sociology 212, 213, 221, 240, 250, 262; or
- Anthropology 105 and any one of the following: ANT 215, 235, 355; or
- Anthropology 107 and either ANT 137 or 208.
To satisfy the requirement of a third (unpaired) course for social science distribution, students may take Sociology 101, Anthropology 105, or Anthropology 107.
Courses in Anthropology
ANT 105. Introduction to Anthropology
The study of human diversity with emphasis on cultural anthropology. Topics include the anthropological perspective, resources of culture, organization of material life, systems of relationships and global forms of inequality. The course examines how anthropologists apply their skills to solve contemporary human social problems. Basic ethnographic interviewing skills. Introduction to ethnography.
ANT 107. Introduction to Environmental Archaeology
Exploration of the variety of past human societies and cultures through archaeology, with an emphasis upon the interplay between environment and culture. The course covers a wide time span, from the biological evolution of hominids and the origins of culture to the development of complex civilizations and the more recent historical past.
ANT 137. Cultures and Environments of the Chesapeake
An examination of prehistoric and historic societies in the Chesapeake Region. Archaeological, historical, and environmental evidence is used to understand cultural development and the relationships between people and their environment. Topics include the arrival of humans in the region, Native American groups, colonial settlement in the Tidewater, and the 19th Century. (Also ENV 237)
ANT 194, 294. Introductory Topics in Anthropology
Topics vary.
294. Intro to GIS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be found throughout our modern society. Programs such as MapQuest and Google Earth have brought this technology into the lives of many citizens of our world. More advanced software systems such as ArcGIS are being used in academia, business, and government to manage large datasets of spatially-linked information and provide the users with powerful analytic tools. The course lectures introduce the fundamental theories and uses of GIS and focus on the various organizational issues that impact the implementation and sustainability of GIS in our society. The lab portion of the course teaches the student how to operate ArcGIS ArcView Desktop software product and to learn the skills necessary to use GIS for various research purposes.
ANT 200. Introduction to Language
This course will introduce the student to the study of linguistics. Concepts of both historical and descriptive linguistics are included. Some of the areas of study are: linguistic history and methodology, language origin, language and society, language structure, dialects and language families. The course is open to all students.
ANT 208. Doing Archaeology
An examination of the methods of archaeology and theoretical perspectives. Course topics include research design, site surveys, remote sending technology, excavation techniques, dating methods, the analysis of material culture, and theory building. Students will be involved in exploration and research using the wide variety of resources available in the region, including local excavations, local and regional archives, and museum collections. Prerequisite: Anthropology 107.
ANT 215. Sex, Gender, and Culture
The study of the biological differences of sex in relationship to the cultural construction of gender. The importance of modes of production and ideology in forming gender concepts for all human societies. Cross-cultural issues of gender identity, roles, relationships, and equality or inequality. Prerequisite: Anthropology 105.
ANT 235. Cultures of Latin America
Prehistory of the Americas and survey of indigenous cultures in Latin America today (Mesoamerica, the Andean countries and the Amazonian countries). Introduction to environmental anthropology and applications to environmental issues. Prerequisite: Anthropology 105 or permission of the instructor. Interested students who have a background in history, political science, Spanish or international studies are encouraged to seek the instructor's permission.
ANT 296. Archaeological Field School
An introduction to archaeological fieldwork methods and to the theoretical concerns of anthropological archaeology. Includes participation in archaeological survey and excavation as well as lectures, readings, and writing assignments. It typically is a five-week summer program, with a minimum obligation of 20 hours per week. Prerequisites: Anthropology 105, Anthropology 107 or History 201; or permission of instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
ANT 305. Doing Anthropology
Introduction to cultural anthropological field methods and the writing of ethnographies. Students practice skills of observation, participation, reflection, mapping, selection of informants, ethnographic interviewing, analysis, proposal writing, and ethnographic writing. Each student researches a cultural scene in the Chesapeake region and writes an ethnography. Prerequisite: Anthropology 105.
ANT 306. Marine Archaeology
Introduction to underwater archaeology. Gives students an overview of the history and methods of the field. In addition to class activities, students will be involved in practical exercises such as mapping and data analysis; field trips, including remote sensing work on the College's workboat and visits to historic vessels; and outside lectures on marine history and archaeology. A basic understanding of archaeological method and theory is useful for the course. Prerequisite: previous archaeological coursework or permission of instructor.
ANT 308. Reconstructing Past Environments
The study of scientific principles and methods in archaeology, with special emphasis upon earth sciences. Environmental reconstruction and site formation processes will be explored, along with methodologies such as remote sensing, geophysical prospecting, soil science, palynology, floral and faunal analysis, and radiometric dating. Pleistocene and post-Pleistocene geomorphology and environmental change in the Chesapeake will be examined, with field trips to local sites and local research projects. (Also ENV 308.) Prerequisites: Anthropology 208, Environmental Studies 101, or permission of instructor.
ANT 320. Race and Ethnicity
The dangers of using the concept "race." Focus on the cultural construction of ethnic, racial, and national identities in the contexts of immigration, colonialism, nationalism, and globalization. Symbols of ethnic identity, stereotyping, style, tactics of choice, situational ethnicity. Prerequisite: Anthropology 105.
ANT 355. Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism
Study of theories of culture with a focus on human creativity as it is expressed in myth, ritual, and symbolism. Introduction to the major paradigms of anthropology. Ethnographic fieldwork on a ritual, analysis, and writing a scholarly paper. Prerequisite: Anthropology 105.
ANT 194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics in Anthropology
Contents vary. Prerequisite: two prior anthropology courses.
ANT 394-11. Chestertown's America
The late, great political sage Tip O'Neill famously said: "All politics is local." In "Chestertown's America," we will test whether his maxim applies to history as well.
This class will follow four centuries of American history from the vantage point of Chestertown and its surrounding region of the Upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. From the Revolution and Civil War through the 1960s Civil Rights movement and beyond, we will trace the ways that national events and movements made themselves felt in the lives of people here, as well as trying to identify some of the things that made this area unique. Race relations, social history, and the natural and built environment will be subjects of particular concern. There will be several field trips (and mini-field trips), as well as extensive primary source readings. The course will be taught seminar-style, with students conducting their own independent research using old newspapers, courthouse records, oral-history interviews, etc., and then presenting their findings for discussion in class.
Prerequisite: HIS 201-202 or permission of the instructor; participants should have a solid general knowledge of American history. For American Studies majors, AMS 300 fulfills the requirement of an American Studies Colloquium.
ANT 405. Seminar in Anthropology
Discussion of significant contemporary issues in anthropology. Application of anthropology to ethical issues and careers. Familiarity with professional literature and professional style guides. Research design and location and assessment of source materials. Grants writing and research. Exploration of careers and higher studies in anthropology. Required course for anthropology majors and minors. Should be taken in the spring semester of junior year.
ANT 430. Diversity and Inclusion
Students will learn: a) to understand the nature and range of special needs among pupils in today's public schools; b) to differentiate instruction to meet the special needs of students in our multicultural society; c) to interpret and implement an Individualized Educational Program; and d) to use a range of support services available to students and teachers. (Also Education 430).
ANT 474. Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management
Provides a comprehensive overview of historic preservation and cultural resource management as practiced in the United States. Examines the history of the preservation movement, the role of preservation in American culture, and the legislative framework for historic preservation. Reviews the growing field of cultural resource management, looking at issues in architectural design, contract or "salvage" archaeology, and heritage tourism. Prerequisite: 200-level coursework in archaeology or American history, or permission of instructor.
ANT 472. Anthropology of Art
A study of art from anthropological perspectives on creativity, aesthetics, art, and artists. Readings include significant works by anthropologists who have taken unusual and interesting approaches to art, aesthetics, and the artist. Students will apply these new ways of thinking about and studying art to an ethnographic study of the art scene in Chestertown as well as to a larger project involving library research. Visual anthropology techniques will also be taught. Prerequisite: Anthropology 105 or permission of instructor.
ANT 190, ANT 290, ANT 390, ANT 490. Anthropology Internship
The department encourages students with prior courses in anthropology to develop, with a member of the department, internship opportunities. Students interested in pursuing internships should read "Internships and Other opportunities," in this Catalog. In addition to the requirements listed there, interns should expect to write a paper describing their experiences, as relevant to anthropology, and connected to a reading list to be developed and agreed upon by the intern and the supervising faculty member.
ANT 197, ANT 297, ANT 397, ANT 497. Independent Study
Junior and senior students with a strong interest and background in anthropology may, working with a faculty member in the department, develop either a research project or a course of study in order to pursue a subject or topic within the discipline not a covered by the department's regular offerings. The student and faculty member will agree upon a reading list, and either a formal research project or a substantial paper. The student should expect to meet regularly with his or her instructor to demonstrate progress in, and knowledge of, the readings; and to discuss, and to receive guidance on the project or paper. (Note that students may not use independent study courses to gain academic credit for work on their Senior Theses).
ANT 195, ANT 295, ANT 395, ANT 495. On-campus Research
ANT 196, ANT 396, ANT 496. Off-campus Research
ANT SCE. Anthropology Senior Capstone Experience
The anthropology Senior Capstone Experience(ANT SCE) is an independent learning experience in the form of a thesis or project undertaken by seniors with the guidance and mentorship of a department faculty member. All senior capstone experiences must include anthropological methods and theory. A student who successfully completes the SCE will receive a grade of Pass or Honors, and will be awarded 4 credits. A more extensive description of the SCE is available from the department chair. Discussion of a joint thesis, undertaken by a student with two majors, can be found on page 38 of this Catalog.
Courses in Sociology
SOC 101. Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to basic concepts and theories in sociology concerning the nature of society, culture, and personality. Consideration of social processes, groups, and institutions found in modern American society.
SOC 194. Special Topics in Sociology
Contents vary. (No prerequisite.)
SOC 212. The Family
Study of the family as a social institution. Comparative family systems, history of the family, and theory and research dealing with courtship, marriage, and disorganization in the modem family. Prerequisite: Sociology 101, Anthropology 105. (Also Gender Studies 212)
SOC 213. Gender
Gender as a social construction. Sex and gender. Effects of gender on individuals' statuses and opportunity structures. Focus on contemporary American responses to sex and gender. Gender roles and definitions earlier in U.S. history and in other societies. Prerequisite: Sociology 101. (Also Gender Studies 213)
SOC 221. Social Inequalities
The nature of the systems of social stratification and racial inequality as well as the interaction between social class and race in the United States. Personal consequences of the various forms of inequality and perceptions of the legitimacy of social systems based on race are considered. Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
SOC 240. Criminology
Study of the nature, causes, and social significance of crime. Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
SOC 250. City and Suburb
Cities from their origins to the present. Cities are both causes and consequences of social and technical change; therefore they are always places of social problems and conflict. Course will focus on medieval and industrial cities, and on the newly emerging "edge cities." Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or Anthropology 105.
SOC 262. Self and Society
Examines reciprocal relationships of society and the individual, and of the nature of face-to-face human interaction. Introduces key concepts, theories, and methodologies of sociological social psychology. Students read, analyze, and perform research that explores the ways in which society affects individuals and groups; how individuals and groups, reciprocally, influence society; how individuals interpret and negotiate the social world; and the influence individuals and groups have on others. Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
SOC 194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics in Sociology
Contents vary. Prerequisite: two prior sociology courses or permission of instructor.
SOC 303. Social Theory
Critical analysis of leading social thinkers from 1800 to the present. Prerequisites: Sociology 101 and two additional courses in sociology, or permission of the department chair.
SOC 306. Research Methods in Sociology
Introduction to the methods used in studying society. Selection of a research topic, experimental design, sampling, methods of data collection, statistical analysis of findings. Prerequisites: Sociology 101, and Mathematics 109 or Psychology 209, or permission of department chair.
SOC 313. Sociology of Childhood
Consideration of the child as a product of society. Theories of children's social and cultural development. Impact of social institutions on children. Consequences of gender, race, and class differences. Uses primary sources to consider childhood in the U.S., in other Western, and in non-Western societies. Prerequisites: Sociology 101 or Anthropology 105, and one additional course in sociology or anthropology. (Also Gender Studies 313)
SOC 341. Variant Behavior
An exploration of behavior that has been socially defined as "deviant" The nature, sources, and consequences of this definition will be discussed Prerequisite: Sociology 101 and one additional course in sociology.
SOC 351. Religion in the United States
The influence of religion on contemporary North American society, and of society on religious form and practice. Particular emphasis on the relationship between one's place in the class system and religious group membership and participation. Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or prior permission of the instructor.
SOC 356. Complex Organizations
The nature of bureaucratic and other formal organizations and the changing place of the bureaucracy in society. The relationship between bureaucratic structure and individual development. Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
SOC 394-10. Special Topic: White Collar & Commercial Crime
Ask most citizens how they define crime and they will usually refer to violence and deviance in their community or their neighborhood. Few consider the scope or incidence of white collar crimes committed by organizations and corporate entities, nor the resulting levels and types of victimization. Sociologists and legal theorists discuss corporations as the twentieth-century criminal, born of industrial transformation, requiring regulation and transparency to ensure that the public is adequately protected.
This course will explore foundational concepts associated with white collar criminology using some of the most significant cases of the past 30 years. Special emphasis will be placed on offenses involving consumer frauds, institutional and political corruption, and crimes likely to increase in frequency and magnitude such as health care fraud, financial transactions offenses, and cybercrimes.
SOC 197, 297, 397, 497. Independent Study
Junior and senior students with a strong interest and background in sociology may, working with a faculty member in the department, develop either a research project or a course of study in order to pursue a subject or topic within the discipline not a covered by the department's regular offerings. The student and faculty member will agree upon a reading list, and either a formal research project or a substantial paper. The student should expect to meet regularly with his or her instructor to demonstrate progress in, and knowledge of, the readings; and to discuss, and to receive guidance on the project or paper. (Note that students may not use independent study courses to gain academic credit for work on their Senior Theses.) Prerequisites: Sociology 101 and two additional courses in sociology.
SOC 418. Biosociology
An exploration of the hypothesis that human (and animal) behavior is, at least in part, directed genetically. Introduction to modern biosociology; Social Darwinism and eugenics and their negative social consequences and scientific errors, consideration of contemporary genetic theory, biosociology and its critics. Prerequisite: Sociology 101, Anthropology 105, or Psychology 201, and one additional course in any of these disciplines.
SOC 190, 290, 390, 490. Sociology Internship
The department encourages students with prior courses in sociology to develop, with a member of the department, internship opportunities. Students interested in pursuing internships should read "Internships and Other opportunities," in this Catalog. In addition to the requirements listed there, interns should expect to write a paper describing their experiences, as relevant to sociology, and connected to a reading list to be developed and agreed upon by the intern and the supervising faculty member. Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
SOC 195, 295, 395, 495. On-campus Research
SOC 196, 296, 396, 496. Off-campus Research
SOC 000. Senior Seminar
Seniors will meet for 75 minutes each week in each semester of the senior year for general guidance in the Capstone process, for integration of the undergraduate educational experience, and for guidance in the transition from undergraduate study to employment and to post-BA academic work.
SOC SCE. Senior Capstone Experience
The Senior Capstone Experiencein sociology is a significant piece of independent research, generally in the form of a thesis, undertaken by each senior with the guidance and mentorship of a department faculty member. A successful SCE will demonstrate the student's ability to answer a significant sociological question using the tools of both sociological theory and methodology. A student who successfully completes the SCE will receive a grade of Pass or Honors, and will earn four credits in her or his final undergraduate semester. A more extensive description of the SCE is available from the department chair. Participation in SOC 000 in both semesters of senior year is required as part of the SCE. Discussion of a joint thesis, undertaken by a student with two majors, can be found on page 38 of this Catalog.
Courses in Social Welfare
SOC 347. Juvenile Delinquency and Social Welfare
Examines theories of delinquency causation and looks critically at programs that treat delinquents and status offenders, nationally and in Maryland. Students will visit a detention center and Juvenile Court, and talk with experts in the field. Prerequisites: Sociology 101 or Anthropology 105 and at least 2 of the following: Sociology 212, 240, 250, 303, 341, 382; or prior permission of the instructor.
SOC 382. Introduction to Social Welfare
A history of social welfare and the development of social welfare programs. Special attention will be paid to the organization of welfare in the United States. Prerequisites: Sociology 101 and Psychology 202.
SOC 483, 484. Field Experience in Social Welfare
A study of the organization and operation of social agencies. Field experience in welfare work under professional supervision. Prerequisites: Sociology 382 and prior permission of the instructor.
Courses Offered in the Washington College Abroad Programs
ANT 105. Introduction to Anthropology (Rhodes University)
Introduction to the wide scope and contemporary relevance of anthropology. Ethnographic examples are drawn from all over the world, but the peoples and problems of southern Africa receive particular attention. Equivalent to ANT 105, above. This course is terms 1 and 2 of Anthropology I at Rhodes University. May not be taken for credit if student has previously taken the Washington College course. Four credits.
SOC 101. Introduction to Sociology (Rhodes University)
Terms 1 and 2 of Rhodes University course "Sociology I." Term 1 is an introduction to the concepts of sociology; term 2 is a topical survey of sociological issues with particular emphasis on issues facing South Africa. Consult current Rhodes University offerings for descriptions applicable in any particular academic year. May not be taken for credit if student has previously taken the Washington College course. Four credits.
SOC 201. Intermediate Sociology (Rhodes University)
Terms 1 and 2 of Rhodes University course "Sociology II." Term 1 (referred to as "Paper I [Section A]") is an introduction to sociological theory, with focus on the major classical theorist. Term 2 ("Paper I [section B]") focuses on a single topic chosen from areas such as Race and Class, Political Sociology, Family Sociology, Sociology of Language, Mass Communication, Migrant Studies. Consult current Rhodes University offerings for descriptions applicable in any particular academic year. Students may complete either this course or Industrial Sociology (Rhodes University) for credit, but not both. Prerequisite: Sociology 101 and one additional sociology course. Four credits.
SOC 250. Urban Communities (London)
Processes of urban growth and urbanization, comparative urban dynamics, organization of urban communities. Emphasis on urban social policies and problems. Case studies, urban explorations appropriate to the site. (London) Prerequisite: Sociology 101. May be paired with Sociology 101 for Social Science Distribution. Note: three credits.
SOC 259. Industrial Sociology (Rhodes University)
Terms I and II of Rhodes University course "Industrial Sociology II." Term 1 (referred to as "Paper I [Section A]"): is an introduction to sociological theory, with focus on the major classical theorist, and an overview of theories of industrial society. Term 2 ("Paper I [section B]"): Classical and contemporary theories of trade unions; current debates about the role of the trade union movement. Students may complete either this course or Intermediate Sociology (Rhodes University) for credit, but not both. Prerequisite: Sociology 101 and one additional sociology course. Four credits.