Catalog of Courses

Introduces concepts and methods of cultural anthropology, with illustrative materials from a variety of communities in a globalizing world. Explores the concept of culture and examines a variety of cultural and social practices such as subsistence, economics, politics, marriage, kinship, gender and religion. Prerequisites: None.

Note: This course has differences between current terms. Please see advisement for specific information.

Cross-cultural analysis of the economic, social, political, and religious factors that affect women's status in traditional and modern societies. Prerequisites: None.

Note: This course has differences between current terms. Please see advisement for specific information.

Origins, elements, and forms of religion; a comparative survey of religious beliefs, myths, rituals and symbolism including magic, witchcraft and healing as practiced in selected regions of the world; the place of religion in the total culture. Prerequisites: None.

Introduction to archaeology through discoveries and the researchers who made them. Emphasis on methods of archaeological fieldwork and what these discoveries reveal about humanity, including the nature of archaeological inquiry, the development of human social groups, the changing role of religion in evolving societies, the origins of agriculture, the origins of settled life ways, the rise of cities and complex societies, political strife across different cultures and the forces which tend to fragment societies. Examples drawn from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Prerequisites: None.

Introduction to archaeology through discoveries and the researchers who made them. Emphasis on methods of archaeological fieldwork and what these discoveries reveal about humanity, including the nature of archaeological inquiry, the development of human social groups, the changing role of religion in evolving societies, the origins of agriculture, the origins of settled life ways, the rise of cities and complex societies, political strife across different cultures and the forces which fragment societies. Examples drawn from North America, Central America, and South America. Prerequisites: None.

Cross-cultural examination of symbolic and social dimensions of sports, past and present. Prerequisites: None.

Introduction to the wealth and diversity of Chicana and Chicano Studies research from a variety of disciplinary perspectives through the use of a series of historical and social scientific studies, novels, testimonies, and films.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.

Basic concepts and processes, including historic overview, of inter-ethnic relations in the United States: culture, race, ethnicity, ethnocentrism, prejudice, discrimination, racism, assimilation, acculturation, and individual and group responses to inter-ethnic contact. Cultural knowledge and intercultural communication skills and perspectives as fundamental tools for successful management of social relations in a multicultural world. Prerequisites: None.

An overview of the holistic process of career/life planning through self-awareness and understanding of the world of work. Exploration and application of behavioral, social, and cultural factors leading to college, career, and personal success with emphasis on assessment, applied behavior management, motivation, self-care, and career development. Prerequisites: None.

The systematic study of social behavior and human groups, particularly the influence of culture, socialization, social structure, stratification, social institutions, differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, sex/gender, age, class, and socio/cultural change upon people's attitudes and behaviors. Prerequisites: None.

Sociological study of human sexuality. Course examines the social forces that shape a culture's sexual practices, attitudes, and inequalities. Topics include the social construction of sexuality, social change, sexual identities, sexual inequalities, institutional influence and regulation of sexuality, as well as current trends and issues surrounding human sexuality. Prerequisites: None.

SOC130 contains mature adult content and some of the topics discussed may be considered "controversial" or "taboo" in some societies and cultures. Students are expected to be able to engage with the content in a respectful and open-minded way.

A sociological exploration of the way culture shapes and defines gender in contemporary U.S. society. Major emphasis on gender roles, gender stereotypes, power and the relationship between gender and other intersecting social identities such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexual identity. Prerequisites: None.

Note: This course has differences between current terms. Please see advisement for specific information.

Examines how the social construction of race shapes social interaction and social institutions. Explores the consequences of power, privilege and oppression among major ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Prerequisites: None.

An overview of the sociological study of social problems and inequalities confronting the United States. Emphasis is placed on what is known about social problems, recent trends, causes and consequences, individual and societal responses, and how social policies might solve social problems. Issues to be examined may include: health care, education, family, economy, environment, drug and alcohol abuse, crime and violence, among others. Prerequisites: None.