Fall 2012
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SOAN 100: The Myths of Crime
What is crime? Who is the typical offender? What percentage of the American population is victimized by crime? This course will examine popular answers to these and other pressing questions about crime and contrast them with sociological informed accounts. As a firstyear seminar, the course is designed to help students acquire a critical perspective on crime and more importantly, to separate fact from fiction. In the process students will learn how to locate and interpret sociological evidence, and how to assess theoretical accounts of crime. By the end of the course students will have a better sense of the larger sociological enterprise.
6 credit; Argument and Inquiry Seminar, Writing Requirement, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Fall 2012 --
A. Nierobisz
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SOAN 100: Historical Archaeology: Materializing Race, Gender, and Ethnicity
What stories can we tell through the foods we eat and the ways in which we prepare them, the layout of our neighborhoods, or even the things we throw away? In this course we will examine how historical archaeology and its study of these "small things forgotten" can enhance our understanding of the past and reveal new stories about those individuals and communities who have traditionally been excluded from mainstream histories. As a first year seminar this course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the ways in which we materialize race, gender, ethnic and other social relationships.
6 credit; Argument and Inquiry Seminar, Writing Requirement; offered Fall 2012 --
S. Gonzalez
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SOAN 110: Introduction to Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology which develops the theoretical rationale of the discipline through the integration of ethnographic accounts with an analysis of major trends in historical and contemporary thought. Examples of analytical problems selected for discussion include the concepts of society and culture, value systems, linguistics, economic, social, political and religious institutions, as well as ethnographic method and the ethical position of anthropology.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
L. Beck,
S. Gonzalez,
J. Levi
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SOAN 111: Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to sociology, including analysis of the sociological perspective, culture, socialization, demography, and social class and caste institutions in modern industrial societies and cultures; stability and change in societies of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Pros and cons of various theoretical strategies will be emphasized.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
A. Nierobisz,
E. Raleigh
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SOAN 220: Class, Power, and Inequality in America
The processes, structures, and functions of stratification in advanced capitalist societies. Marxist, neomarxist, Weberian, and functionalist models of class analysis; theories of status attainment and mobility; comparative welfare states; the relationship between class, gender, and ethnicity; the relation of education to status attainment; class and socialization; and models of justice and rationality. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, Intercultural Domestic Studies; offered Fall 2012 --
N. Saiedi
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SOAN 227: Masculinity, Gender and Difference
The study of gender is often assumed to be the study of women, yet sociologists analyze gender as a social construct that equally includes the study of masculinity and men. In this course, we will examine how masculinities are constructed, as well as how masculinity as a construct operates in institutions, interactions and identities. We will specifically consider how masculinity informs education, the workplace, the family, and popular culture. In all of these areas, we will examine how masculinity intersects with and is modified by categories of difference such as race, nationality, class, and sexuality.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, Intercultural Domestic Studies; offered Fall 2012 --
D. Williams
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SOAN 239: Explorations in Social Data Analysis
What does it mean if something is statistically significant? Why does it matter? This course will ask and answer these questions by providing social science students with the basic statistical tools for data analysis and interpretation. The course covers the foundations of univariate and inferential statistitics up to regression. Using th e statistical program SPSS, well focus much more on learning to apply social statistics and how to make sense of the findings, rather than statistical theory. No prior knowledge of statistics is required.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Formal or Statistical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Fall 2012 --
E. Raleigh
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SOAN 260: Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism
Exploring the ways in which people make sense of their world through myth, ritual and symbolism, this course takes an anthropological approach to the study of comparative religion. What is the relationship between "myth" and "history?" How do animals, food, color, music, and the human body function as idioms of symbolic communication? Why is ritual credited with the ability to heal illnesses, offer political commentary, maintain cosmic harmony, and foster social cohesion through the exhibition of interpersonal tensions? Examining major theories in the anthropology of religion, students learn to record and analyze both "familiar" and "unfamiliar" myths, rituals, and symbols. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Fall 2012 --
J. Levi
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SOAN 330: Sociological Thought and Theory
Classical sociological theory has been concerned with at least three fundamental questions. They are the nature of the historic transition from feudalism to capitalism, the appropriate method of social studies, and the form of a rational society. Beginning with the Enlightenment and romanticism, we study nineteenth century positivism, liberalism, Marxism and nihilism, and investigate the ideas of Weber and Durkheim at the turn of the century. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Fall 2012 --
N. Saiedi
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SOAN 396: Advanced Sociological and Anthropological Writing
This course explores different genres of writing and different audiences for writing in the social sciences, but it focuses particular attention on scholarly articles published in professional journals in sociology and anthropology. To that end, students both analyze sociological and anthropological articles (as facilitated by the instructor and guest presenters) and work on their own academic writing process (with the help of peer-review and instructor feedback). The writing itself is broken down into component elements (e.g., introductions, literature reviews, thesis statements, methods statements, presentation of argument with evidence, conclusions, and abstracts) on which students practice and revise their work. Prerequisites: Senior Sociology/Anthropology major or consent of the instructor.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement; offered Fall 2012 --
P. Feldman Savelsberg
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SOAN 400: Integrative Exercise
The integrative exercise in Sociology and Anthropology consists of two options. The thesis option involves carrying out and presenting a major piece of research, as well as sharing and discussing the work-in-progress with a group of others engaged in the same process, under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The exam option consists of a four-part comprehensive exam on sociological theory, anthropological theory, social research methods, and a topical specialization. Study groups work together in fall and winter for the spring term exam. Please consult the Sociology/Anthropology website for a full description.
6 credit; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
Staff
Winter 2013
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SOAN 110: Introduction to Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology which develops the theoretical rationale of the discipline through the integration of ethnographic accounts with an analysis of major trends in historical and contemporary thought. Examples of analytical problems selected for discussion include the concepts of society and culture, value systems, linguistics, economic, social, political and religious institutions, as well as ethnographic method and the ethical position of anthropology.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
L. Beck,
S. Gonzalez,
J. Levi
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SOAN 111: Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to sociology, including analysis of the sociological perspective, culture, socialization, demography, and social class and caste institutions in modern industrial societies and cultures; stability and change in societies of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Pros and cons of various theoretical strategies will be emphasized.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
A. Nierobisz,
E. Raleigh
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SOAN 122: Anthropology of Humor
Laughter is found in all human societies, but we do not all laugh at the same things. In this course we will discuss why, cross-culturally, some things are funny and others are not, and what forms humor may take (jokes, riddles, teasing, banter, clowning). We will look at such topics as joking relationships, evolutionary aspects of laughter and smiling, sexual inequality in humor, ethnic humor, and humor in religion and language. Some prior exposure to anthropology is desirable but not required. The main prerequisite for the course is a serious sense of humor.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Winter 2013 --
J. Levi
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SOAN 157: Culture and Politics in India
India is a region of immense diversity where more than one billion people live. This course will explore social structures in India--through a focus on key areas of everyday life such as family, religion, economy, systems of stratification and social movements. Close attention will be given to religious nationalism, globalization and militarism as dominant trends affecting contemporary India. Questions we will consider include: How has India been represented in the Western imagination and why do such representations matter? What are the forces of modernity and tradition in India? What are the similarities and differences in systems of stratification in India and the United States?
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Winter 2013 --
M. Sehgal
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SOAN 226: Anthropology of Gender
This course examines gender and gender relations from an anthropological perspective. We discuss such key concepts as gender, voice/mutedness, status, public and private spheres, and the gendered division of labor, and explore the intellectual history of these terms and how they have been used. The course focuses on two areas: 1) the role of sex, sexuality, and procreation in creating cultural notions of gender, and 2) the impacts of colonialism, globalization, and economic underdevelopment on Third World women. Readings include both theoretical articles and ethnographic case studies from around the world. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement, International Studies; offered Winter 2013 --
P. Feldman Savelsberg
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SOAN 234: Ecology, Economy, and Culture
This course examines the ways in which economic goods are embedded in social relations. When does a thing become a commodity? What relationships exist between culture and ecology? Formulating an anthropological perspective for the interpretation of "economic facts," we will examine simularities and differences among hunter-gatherers, horticulturalists, and peasants. We will also discuss the interpretation of traders in the brokering of culture, asymmetrical articulation of local and transnational economies, gender bias in classical exchange theory, Mauss on gift-giving and Marx on "commodity fetishism." Theoretical material will be illustrated with ethnographic examples from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Winter 2013 --
J. Levi
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SOAN 240: Methods of Social Research
The course is concerned with social scientific inquiry and explanation, particularly with reference to sociology and anthropology. Topics covered include research design, data collection, and analysis of data. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are considered. Student will demonstrate their knowledge by developing a research proposal that is implementable. Prerequisites: Sociology and Anthropology 110 or 111; Sociology and Anthropology 239 or Mathematics 115 or Mathematics 215.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Winter 2013 --
A. Nierobisz
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SOAN 262: Anthropology of Health and Illness
An ethnographic approach to beliefs and practices regarding health and illness in numerous societies worldwide. This course examines patients, practitioners, and the social networks and contexts through which therapies are managed to better understand medical systems as well as the significance of the anthropological study of misfortune. Specific topics include the symbolism of models of illness, the ritual management of misfortune and of life crisis events, the political economy of health, therapy management, medical pluralism, and cross-cultural medical ethics. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement, International Studies; offered Winter 2013 --
P. Feldman-Savelsberg
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SOAN 272: Race and Ethnicity in the United States
With the election of President Obama, many pundits declared we are now in a post-racial society. However, as social scientists, we know race continues to shape our lives. This course provides an overview of the study of race and ethnicity through a sociological framework. Primarily, we analyze race through the lens of inequality, analyzing how race intersects with gender and class to shape identity and opportunity. We also explore how racial groups are represented in the media. In addition, we examine the fluidity of racial categories, concluding with a discussion of interracial unions and the multiracial population in the United States.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Social Inquiry, Intercultural Domestic Studies; offered Winter 2013 --
E. Raleigh
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SOAN 400: Integrative Exercise
The integrative exercise in Sociology and Anthropology consists of two options. The thesis option involves carrying out and presenting a major piece of research, as well as sharing and discussing the work-in-progress with a group of others engaged in the same process, under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The exam option consists of a four-part comprehensive exam on sociological theory, anthropological theory, social research methods, and a topical specialization. Study groups work together in fall and winter for the spring term exam. Please consult the Sociology/Anthropology website for a full description.
6 credit; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
Staff
Spring 2013
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SOAN 110: Introduction to Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology which develops the theoretical rationale of the discipline through the integration of ethnographic accounts with an analysis of major trends in historical and contemporary thought. Examples of analytical problems selected for discussion include the concepts of society and culture, value systems, linguistics, economic, social, political and religious institutions, as well as ethnographic method and the ethical position of anthropology.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
L. Beck,
S. Gonzalez,
J. Levi
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SOAN 111: Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to sociology, including analysis of the sociological perspective, culture, socialization, demography, and social class and caste institutions in modern industrial societies and cultures; stability and change in societies of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Pros and cons of various theoretical strategies will be emphasized.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
A. Nierobisz,
E. Raleigh
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SOAN 114: Modern Families: An Introduction to the Sociology of the Family
What makes a family? How has the conception of kinship and the 'normal' family changed over the generations? From single moms (and dads) to tiger moms, how do race and gender intersect this institution? In this introductory class, we examine these questions, drawing on a variety of course materials ranging from classic works in sociology to contemporary blogs on family life. We will focus on diversity in family life, paying particular attention to the intersection between the family, race and ethnicity, social class, and sexuality. The course includes several writing assignments, including a sociological analysis of one’s own family biography.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement; offered Spring 2013 --
E. Raleigh
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SOAN 225: Social Movements
In this course we will consider questions of how ordinary women and men have come together to reshape the societies in which they live and the difficult choices they have faced in the process. We will explore factors affecting the emergence, growth, structure and impact of social movements as their participants intentionally attempt to bring about social change, transform social relationships and reshape social values. Major theoretical perspectives (concerning collective behavior, resource mobilization, and new social movements) will be examined in light of some of the most important social movements from around the world.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Spring 2013 --
M. Sehgal
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SOAN 236: Introduction to Peace Studies
Peace studies is an evolving and emerging holistic interdisciplinary study of collective harmony and collective violence. In this course we will study the alternative definitions of peace and examine the relation between peace and a variety of societal factors including modernity, post modernity, international anarchy, forms of state, cultural construction of violence, religious prejudice, patriarchy, nuclear weapon, ecology, militarism, globalization and a global civil society and culture.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Spring 2013 --
N. Saidei
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SOAN 256: Transformations in African Ethnography
Pairing classics in Africanist anthropology with contemporary re-studies, we explore changes in African societies and in the questions anthropologists have posed about them. We address issues of representation and self-presentation in written ethnographies as well as in African portrait photography. We then turn from the visual to the invisible realm of African witchcraft. Initiation rituals, war, and migration place selfhood and belonging back in this-worldly contexts. In-depth case studies include, among others: the Cameroon Grassfields, the Bemba of Zambia, and the Nuer of South Sudan. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement, International Studies; offered Spring 2013 --
P Feldman-Savelsberg
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SOAN 267: Indigenous Archaeology: New Pathways for Collaborative Research
Since the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in 1990 archaeologists have attempted to develop more ethical and equitable relationships with Native American communities. Following indigenous critiques of archaeology, this course will consider the value of indigenized approaches to the study of Native American history and heritage. Through our discussions we will situate the practice of research on and about Native Americans in terms of its unique social, historical, and legal contexts, examining how contemporary dialogues about Native sovereignty, cultural property, and Indigenous identity intersect with the methods we use to represent Native North America. Prerequisites: The department strongly recommends that 110 or 111 be taken prior to enrolling in courses numbered 200 or above.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, Intercultural Domestic Studies; offered Spring 2013 --
S. Gonzalez
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SOAN 285: The Ethics of Civic Engagement
In this course, students will discuss the ethical questions that arise when they engage with others in research, service, organizing, or policy work. Students will read and talk about the meanings and forms of civic engagement and use these readings to reflect upon their own research or service projects, or to reflect upon the college's role in Haiti or Faribault, two areas where college members are actively engaged. Gaining insights from sociological and practice based readings, we will examine different perspectives on the ways that power and privilege relate to civic engagement.
3 credit; S/CR/NC; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Spring 2013 --
A. Falcon
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SOAN 331: Anthropological Thought and Theory
A systematic introduction to the theoretical foundations of social and cultural anthropology with special emphasis given to twentieth century British, French and American schools. The course deals with such seminal figures as Morgan, Boas, Malinowski, Radcliffe-Brown, Levi-Straus, Harris, Sahlins, Bourdieu, Geertz, and Appadurai. The reading strikes a balance between ethnographic accounts and theoretical statements. Prerequisites: Sociology/Anthropology 110 or 111 or permission of the instructor.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement, Social Inquiry, International Studies; offered Spring 2013 --
J. Levi
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SOAN 395: Ethnography of Reproduction
This seminar explores the meanings of reproductive beliefs and practices in comparative perspective. Using ethnographies, it explores the relation between human and social reproduction. It focuses on (but is not limited to) ethnographic examples from the United States/Canada and from sub-Saharan Africa (societies with relatively low fertility and high utilization of technology and societies with mostly high fertility and low utilization of technology). Topics examined include fertility and birth, fertility rites, new reproductive technologies, abortion, population control, infertility, child survival and child loss. Prerequisites: Sociology and Anthropology 110 or 111; and 226, 260, or 262; or permission of the instructor.
6 credit; Social Sciences, Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement, International Studies; offered Spring 2013 --
P. Feldman Savelsberg
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SOAN 400: Integrative Exercise
The integrative exercise in Sociology and Anthropology consists of two options. The thesis option involves carrying out and presenting a major piece of research, as well as sharing and discussing the work-in-progress with a group of others engaged in the same process, under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The exam option consists of a four-part comprehensive exam on sociological theory, anthropological theory, social research methods, and a topical specialization. Study groups work together in fall and winter for the spring term exam. Please consult the Sociology/Anthropology website for a full description.
6 credit; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013 --
Staff