Full-Time Faculty: Patricia E. Erickson, Chair; H. James Birx, Patricia B. Christian, Candalene J. McCombs, Melissa A. Menasco, Erin E. Robinson.
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice offers courses leading to the bachelor of arts degree in sociology, anthropology and criminal justice. Minors are also available in each of the areas.
The Department is a part of the social science community of disciplines. These disciplines emphasize the empirical study of human society and of individual relationships in and to society. Each of the three majors offered in the department — sociology, anthropology and criminal justice — offers an academically rigorous curriculum that is in harmony with the Jesuit Mission of Canisius College. The curriculum is value-based in the sense that the curriculum encourages creative participation, critical thinking and active learning. It is also designed to encourage collaborative linkages with other departments, community groups and organizations to provide students with additional intellectual and practical learning opportunities.
Dual Majors
Many of the department’s majors find it desirable to combine Sociology, Anthropology or Criminal Justice with a major in another department within Arts and Sciences. Recent examples have included Biology, History, Psychology, Political Science, Modern Languages and Communication Studies. The sequence of courses for dual majors is the same as for regular majors. To provide for maximum flexibility of scheduling, students interested in dual majors should consult with a member of the department to arrange their individual schedules. More information about dual majors can be obtained from Dr. Erickson (Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice).
Interdisciplinary Minors
CHILD, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY STUDIES
An interdisciplinary social science minor in child, family, and community studies is offered through the departments of Psychology and Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice and Communication Studies. More information about the minor can be obtained from Dr. Erickson (Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice), Dr. Sanders (Psychology) or Dr. Wanzer (Communication Studies).
COMPUTER FORENSICS
An interdisciplinary minor in computer forensics is offered through the Criminal Justice Program and the Information Systems Department. More information about the minor can be obtained from Dr. Erickson (Criminal Justice) and Dr. Volonino (Information Systems).
MINOR IN PEACE AND JUSTICE STUDIES
A new interdisciplinary minor is offered focusing on religious, social science and humanities perspectives needed to address peace and justice topics. Students pursuing this track will develop skills, knowledge and perspective to pursue “Justice in Action.” More information about the minor can be obtained from Dr. Robinson (Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice).
Internships
Many internship opportunities are available for juniors and seniors. As an urban center situated on the Niagara Frontier, Buffalo offers numerous and diverse opportunities for students to explore careers and get valuable experience, as well as connecting what they learn in the classroom with life in the “real world.”
Foreign Language and Study Abroad
The department encourages students who are majoring in sociology, anthropology or criminal justice to participate in the college Study Abroad Program and to enroll for at least one year of study in a foreign language of the student’s choice.
Anthropology Major (H. James Birx, advisor)
Anthropology is the scientific and holistic study of humankind, including its cultural, social, linguistic, biological-evolutionary, environmental and historical dimensions. Highly interdisciplinary, it draws on methods and theories from both the social sciences and humanities. Historically, anthropology differed from sociology by focusing on the study of non-western, small-scale societies, using long-term participant observation among the people studied. Presently, the two fields are drawing closer together, using similar methodologies and theories to understand both western and non-western societies and their interactions. In addition to preparing the student who majors in anthropology for graduate study in anthropology, students are well-prepared for careers in business, law, health-related professions and human services.
Student Learning Goals
Goal 1. Anthropology majors will be able to understand and appreciate the value of anthropology as a comprehensive and holistic science for investigating our species within an evolutionary framework and from a cross-cultural perspective. Students will:
A. Recognize the value of science, logic, and rational speculation for anthropological inquiry;Goal 2. Anthropology majors will develop an understanding of anthropological research methodology. Students will:
B. Distinguish between empirical evidence and personal conjecture (opinions and beliefs);
C. Understand and appreciate the scientific method, and will apply critical analysis to anthropological information.
A. Comprehend the value of converging evidence for biological anthropology and archaeology;Goal 3. Anthropology majors will be able to demonstrate a mastery of those essential concepts and the major theories that are found in each of the five distinct subfields in the discipline of anthropology. Students will:
B. Critically evaluate the sociocultural differences among human groups, including the diverse structures of human languages;
C. Appreciate areas in applied anthropology, e.g., forensic anthropology and medical anthropology;
D. Students will be able to articulate the importance of ethics in conducting research.
A. Distinguish among overlapping perspectives, as well as complementary theories, e.g., evolutionism, structuralism, functionalism, naturalism, humanism, rationalism, relativism and configurationalism (culture and personality studies);Goal 4. Anthropology majors will gain a greater tolerance for human biosocial diversity and a deeper respect for the crucial role that anthropology plays in comprehending and appreciating the place of our own species within evolving nature. Students will:
B. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theorists in each of the five subfields of anthropology;
C. Comprehend and integrate the significant findings and emerging trends in the subfields of anthropology.
A. Recognize the fallacy of both biological racism and socio-cultural prejudices;Qualifications for the major
B. Understand both the historical development and biological unity of our species, as well as the socio-cultural diversity of humankind;
C. Appreciate the complexity inherent in all languages, as well as the universal characteristics of languages.
D. Grasp both the intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach of the anthropological quest.
Students must have a minimum grade of “C” in each required course in the major and an overall GPA of 2.0 in the major.
Anthropology Curriculum:
1. Core Curriculum Requirements:
See pages 38-40 of this catalog or go to /academics/core.asp for the Core Curriculum requirements. All students complete these requirements as part of their overall Canisius education.
2. Major Course Requirements (11 courses)
| Major course requirements: (11 courses) | 33 credits | ||
| ANT 121 Biological Anthropology | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 122 Sociocultural Anthropology | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 250 Contemporary Linguistics | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 230 Introduction to Archaeology | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 351 Qualitative Research Methods | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 451 Senior Capstone: Theories in Anthropology | 3 credits | ||
| Anthropology electives: five courses | 15 credits | ||
3. Free electives:
Free electives are courses in addition to the Core Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation. Students may graduate with more but not less than 120 credit hours.
Anthropology Minor
The Anthropology minor is designed for the student who is interested in the study of anthropology but is not able to complete the requirements of the major. It is highly appropriate for students in Biology, Art History, Classics, Education, or for any student interested in human diversity and prehistory.
| ANT 121 Biological Anthropology | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 122 Sociocultural Anthropology | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 230 Introduction to Archaeology | 3 credits | ||
| ANT 250 Contemporary Linguistics | 3 credits | ||
| Anthropology electives: one Anthropology electives approved by the student’s Anthropology advisor |
3 credits | ||
| TOTAL (5 courses) | 15 credits | ||
COURSES: 2009-2011
Anthropology
ANT 121 Biological Anthropology 3 credits
Our species in nature: evolutionary theory, principles of heredity, population genetics, human variations, fossil hominids, primate classification and behavior studies. (Field 6) Fall and Spring
ANT 122 Sociocultural Anthropology 3 credits
Explores importance of culture in explaining variation in human behavior and beliefs, looking at range of societies from “primitive” to modern industrial states. (Field 5) Spring
ANT 201 The Science of Linguistics 3 credits
Introduces the study of language as a uniquely human behavior, exploring the relationship between linguistic theory and scientific inquiry. Recommended for science majors and social science majors. (Field 5) Fall
ANT 202 The Science of Linguistics 3 credits
Focuses on the systematic study of language as a uniquely human behavior, exploring sociolinguistic behavior and language change. Explores the intersection of language and gender, examining gender-related stylistic variation in conversation and communication between and among women and men as cross-cultural communication.(Field 5) Spring
ANT 230 Introduction to Archeology 3 credits
Old and New World sites provide insights into human lifestyles and modes of adaptation. (Field 5) Fall
ANT 250 Contemporary Linguistics 3 credits
Conveys an understanding of fundamentals of linguistic theory, developing a broader perception of the complexity of language for specialists in such neighboring fields as communication, education, ESL, composition, reading, foreign language, literature and social sciences. (Field 5) Fall
ANT 280 Language for Legal Professions 3 credits
Explores the use of language in the administration of law, including ways to read and brief cases and to read statutes. (Field 5) Spring
ANT 300 Special Topics in Anthropology 3 credits
Critical examination of a selected topic in anthropology. Subject matter determined by the instructor. (Field 5) Fall and Spring
ANT 333 Forensic Anthropology 3 credits
Anthropological methods and information used to survey the origin and history of crime science. Emphasis on the use of well-known case studies in order to understand and appreciate the value of forensic investigation. Spring
ANT350 Psycholinguistics 3 credits
Explores the processes involved in the comprehension and production of language with an emphasis on language acquisition. Spring
ANT 351 Qualitative Research Methods 3 credits
Survey of research designs from a qualitative perspective, including field research, participant observation, content analysis, ethnomethodology, and focus groups. Analysis and reporting of qualitative data. Spring
ANT 355 Sociolinguistics 3 credits
Investigates the nature of the relationship between social behavior and language change within linguistic communities. Spring
ANT 360 African American English 3 credits
Explores the development and the structure of dialects of African American English, identifying phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic and lexical differences that contribute to the richness and vitality of the language. Spring
ANT 365 Gender Issues in Language 3 credits
Explores the intersection of language and gender, examining gender-related stylistic variation in conversation and communication between and among women and men as cross-cultural communication. Spring
ANT 370 Origin and Evolution of Language 3 credits
Surveys theories of the origin and development of language, exploring early perspectives drawn from mythology, religion and philosophy as well as current views emerging from the social and natural sciences. Spring
ANT380/580 History and Structure of the English Language 3 credits
Examines the structural changes and the political, social, and intellectual forces that have helped to shape the English language. Spring
ANT 399 Field Work 3 credits
Offers practical experience in a variety of social situations and cultural settings. Observations and research logs are used to provide a basis for analysis. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair. Fall and Spring
ANT 400 Dialects of North America 3 credits
Compares the systematic differences in pronunciation, syntax and vocabulary and their cultural and historical context across a variety of dialects of English spoken in North America. Spring
ANT 451 Senior Capstone: Theories in Anthropology 3 credits
Survey of the major theories in anthropology that have played a leading role in shaping how we look at the history and diversity of our biological species, as well as other human societies with different cultures. Examines evolutionism, structuralism, functionalism, diffusionism, configurationalism and modernsocial or applied anthropology. Spring
ANT 499 Individual Reading and Research 3 credits
Independent studies allow in-depth study of a specific topic and are most often reserved for seniors who cannot otherwise fulfill a graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, department chair and associate dean. Fall and Spring
The following courses offered by other departments count as satisfying the requirements for the anthropology major and minor:
BIO 312 Primatology
RST 221 Native American Religions;
RST 222 African Tribal Religions;
RST 360 Magic, Science and Religion;
RST 332 Islam;
RST 421 Hinduism;
RST 450 Biblical Archeology
Criminal Justice Major
(Patricia E. Erickson and Melissa A. Menasco, advisors)
Criminal justice is the study of criminal law, the law of criminal procedure and the procedures and activities having to do with the enforcement of criminal law. It includes understanding the social context of criminal behavior and the system of practices directed at upholding social control and sanctioning those who violate the criminal law. The major is grounded in a liberal arts curriculum; itemphasizes not only how the criminal justice system has developed in its present form, but also how changes in the system affect other parts of society. In addition, the major is constructed to prepare students for a broad spectrum of occupations, including law enforcement, corrections and allied mental health. Finally, students who wish to pursue careers as lawyers can major in criminal justice and also take advantage of the college’s Pre-Law program
Student Learning Goals
Goal 1. Majors will be able to explain the goals, organization and processes of the agencies comprising the American criminal justice system. Students will be able to:
A. Explain the organization and administration of law enforcement agencies;Goal 2. Majors will be able to demonstrate how criminal justice research is conducted. Students will be able to:
B. Explain the role of criminal law, its application, and the criminal court process;
C. Explain court organization and processes at the federal, state and local levels;
D. Explain the goals and administration of American correctional institutions at the federal, state and local levels.
A. Utilize legal research to examine laws and court decisions;Goal 3. Majors will be able to think critically and intelligently about the criminal justice system. Students will be able to:
B. Develop a research question using appropriate conceptualization and operationalization techniques;
C. Select and apply appropriate methodology;
D. Analyze data and present conclusions.
A. Communicate and critically evaluate concepts of criminal justice;Goal 4. Majors will be able to recognize and analyze ethical issues and their implications. Students will be able to:
B. Compare and contrast theories of crime;
C. Assess issues of diversity both historically and in their contemporary manifestations;
D. Explain and evaluate the major policies designed to control or reduce crime;
A. Articulate their own values and appreciate other values systems (including those of people from different cultures);Qualifications for the Major
B. Think critically about ambiguous ethical situations they may encounter as a criminal justice professional;
C. Apply ethical principles and ethical codes of conduct of criminal justice professions to hypothetical situations;
D. Articulate the importance of ethics in conducting research.
Students must have a minimum grade of “C” in each required course in the major and an overall GPA of 2.0 in the major
Criminal Justice Curriculum:
1. Core Curriculum Requirements:
See pages 38-40 of this catalog or go to /academics/core.asp for the Core Curriculum requirements. All students complete these requirements as part of their overall Canisius education.
2. Major Course Requirements (12 courses)
| MAT 131 Statistics and Computers | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 342 or ANT 351 Research Methods | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 227 Introduction to Criminal Justice I | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 228 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 320 Criminology | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 449 Criminal Law | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 450 Criminal Procedure | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 482 Senior Capstone: Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 credits | ||
| Criminal Justice Electives: three courses | 3 credits | ||
3. Free electives:
Free electives are courses in addition to the Core Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation. Students may graduate with more but not less than 120 credit hours.
Criminal Justice Minor
The Criminal Justice minor is designed for students who have chosen another academic major (e.g. Psychology, Political Science) but who may have an academic and/or career interest in the area of criminal justice. Three courses are required. The two CRJ electives can be chosen from any of the criminal justice offerings, with at least one course at the 300 or 400 level.
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 227 Introduction to Criminal Justice I | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ 228 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 credits | ||
| CRJ elective (2 courses) | 6 credits | ||
| TOTAL (5 courses) | 15 credits | ||
COURSES: 2009-2011
Criminal Justice
CRJ 227 Criminal Justice I 3 credits
Criminal justice system; justification for punishment, the police, constitutional rights, the prosecuting and defense attorney. Fall
CRJ 228 Criminal Justice II 3 credits
Trial, guilty pleas, sentencing, corrections; the extent and causes of crime, and proposals for change and reform. Spring
CRJ 300 Special Topics in Criminal Justice 3 credits
Critical examination of a selected topic in criminal justice. Subject matter determined by the instructor. Fall and Spring
CRJ 320 Criminology 3 credits
Classical and contemporary theories of criminal behavior. Fall
CRJ SL337 Violence and the Family 3 credits
How family dynamics can contain elements that give rise to violence, including “battered women” and abused children. Fall
CRJ 344 Violent Crime in American Society 3 credits
The nature of violence as a social act and problems in obtaining data on violence. Family violence, effects of the media and collective violence. Spring
CRJ 345 Gangs in American Society 3 credits
Examines the causes in growth of violent and criminal gangs. Topics include the extent of the problem and solutions offered. Spring
CRJ 351 Police and the Community 3 credits
How changes in community standards affect the business of policing. Topics include use of force and private policing. Fall
CRJ 354 Juvenile Delinquency 3 credits
Legal processes in delinquency field. Suggested programs for rehabilitation and prevention of delinquency. Fall
CRJ 356 Treatment of Offenders 3 credits
Correction theory, offender typologies, and nature and diagnosis of offenders and future trends in dealing with criminal offenders. Fall
CRJ 358 White Collar Crime 3 credits
Crimes committed by “respectable people” in positions of responsibility in private or public sector. Nature of these crimes, how regulatory bodies and legal systems treat these criminals and how they seek to avoid detection and prosecution. Spring
CRJ 359 Women and Crime 3 credits
Classical and contemporary accounts of the etiology of female crime, patterns of female criminal behavior, and the role and treatment of women in the criminal justice system. Fall
CRJ 449 Criminal Law 3 credits
The substantive criminal law, including offences against persons, property and public morality with emphasis on New York State Penal Law. Criminal responsibility and defenses. Prerequisite: CRJ 227, CRJ 228. Fall
CRJ 450 Criminal Procedure 3 credits
Key Supreme Court decisions on search and seizure, arrest, interrogation and identification of criminal suspects. Sentencing and punishment, appeal and post-conviction relief. Prerequisite: CRJ 227, CRJ 228. Spring
CRJ 482 Senior Capstone: Criminal Justice Ethics 3 credits
The personal, social and criminal justice contexts for understanding justice, crime and ethics. Skills necessary to deal effectively with ethical issues in criminal justice systems. Problems and case studies for active exploration of social issues. Prerequisite: Senior status; CRJ 227, CRJ 228, ANT 351 or SOC 342 Spring
CRJ 498 Criminal Justice Internship 3 credits
Opportunity for selected students to participate in daily work in a law enforcement agency. Students must apply the semester before they take the internship. Prerequisite: Background check; G.P.A. of at least 2.75; junior or senior status; signature of major advisor. Fall and Spring
CRJ 499 Individual Reading and Research 3 credits
Independent studies allow in-depth study of a specific topic and are most often reserved for seniors who cannot otherwise fulfill a graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, department chair and associate dean. Fall and Spring
The following courses offered by other departments or programs count as satisfying the requirements for the criminal justice major and minor:
ANT 280 Language for Legal Professions;
ANT 333 Forensic Anthropology;
ANT 351 Qualitative Research Methods;
BIO 299 Forsensic Science
ISB 460 Computer Forensics
PSC 103 Constitutional Foundations of American Government ;
PSC 320 American Constitutional Law I;
PSC 321 American Constitutional Law II;
PSC 345 International Crime after 9/11;
SOC 342 Research Methods
The following psychology courses will count as satisfying the requirements for criminal justice majors pursuing a dual major with psychology:
PSY 201 Basic Statistics for Behavioral Sciences;
PSY 202 Experimental Psychology;
PSY 303 Abnormal Psychology;
PSY 307 Adolescent Psychology;
PSY 369 Forensic Psychology.
Sociology Major
(Patricia B. Christian and Erin Robinson, advisors)
Sociology is the study of human behavior and of the social structures and social forces that influence human behavior. The sociologist looks beyond individual psychology and unique events to the broad patterns and regular occurrences of social life that influence our individual behavior and attitudes. For example, a sociologist might examine how women’s increased participation in the labor force has affected the distribution of tasks in the household.The sociology major prepares students for a wide variety of careers and graduate fields, including sociology, social work, education, business and law.
Student Learning Goals
Goal 1. Majors will be able to demonstrate a mastery of the sociological imagination. Students will be able to:
A. Describe the structural and/or cultural factors that influence human behavior when presented with an issue or social problem.Goal 2. Majors will be able to demonstrate an understanding of sociological research methodology. Students will be able to:
B. Analyze structural and/or cultural factors that influence human behavior when presented with an issue or social problem.
C. Demonstrate the difference between public or society and private or individual sphere issues and problems.
A. Conduct appropriate library research.Goal 3. Majors will be able to demonstrate mastery of major concepts and theories in the discipline of sociology, including the major subfields. Students will be able to:
B. Develop a research question using appropriate conceptualization and operationalization techniques.
C. Select and apply appropriate methodology.
D. Analyze data and present conclusions.
E. Articulate the importance of ethics in conducting research.
A. Distinguish among sociological paradigms, including but not limited to conflict, symbolic interactionism and functionalism.Goal 4. Majors will be able to describe and value diversity in the United States and globally. Students will be able to:
B. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theorists.
C. Identify research findings and trends in major subfields of sociology.
A. Articulate their own values and appreciate other value systems (including those of people from different cultures).Qualifications for the major
B. Describe diverse patterns of social relations globally and domestically.
C. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of globalization on social institutions.
Students must have a minimum grade of “C” in each required course in the major and an overall GPA of 2.0 in the major
Sociology Curriculum:
1. Core Curriculum Requirements:
See pages 38-40 of this catalog or go to /academics/core.asp for the Core Curriculum requirements. All students complete these requirements as part of their overall Canisius education.
2. Major Course Requirements (12 courses)
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 111 Contemporary Social Problems | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 342 Research Methods | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 432 Theories in Sociology | 3 credits | ||
| MAT 131 Statistics and Computers | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 450 Senior Capstone: Community and Diversity | 3 credits | ||
| Sociology electives: six courses | 3 credits | ||
3. Free electives:
Free electives are courses in addition to the Core Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation. Students may graduate with more but not less than 120 credit hours.
Sociology Minor:
Sociology has a great deal to offer students from other disciplines who do not have room in their curriculum for a dual major. Pre-med students, business majors and education majors can all benefit from the insights into human behavior that come from a familiarity with sociological analysis.
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | ||
| SOC 111 Contemporary Social Problems | 3 credits | ||
| Sociology electives: two courses at the 200-400 level and one course at the 300-400 level |
9 credits | ||
| Total (5 courses) | 15 credits | ||
COURSES: 2009 - 2011
Sociology
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
Topics include theory, methods, culture, socialization, race and ethnicity, groups and organizations, and social inequality; analysis of everyday events, using sociological imagination. (Field 5) Fall
SOC 111 Contemporary Social Problems 3 credits
Exploration of several selected social problems from competing points of view, emphasizing some of the sociological concepts employed in analyzing these problems. (Field 5) Spring
SOC 234 Environment and Society 3 credits
Explores connections between environmental issues and their social causes. Topics of analysis include environmental racism, environmental health, risk and uncertainty, political economy, globalizations and sustainability. (Field 5) Spring
SOC 273 Social Movements and Social Change 3 credits
Explores the development of social movements as a force of social change in society. Focus is on theoretical developments in movement theory, as well as explorations of social movements through history. (Field 5) Spring
SOC 291 Gender and Society 3 credits
Exploration of origin of gender roles; socialization into masculine and feminine roles; intersection of gender and social institutions such as family, work and education. (Field 5) Fall
SOC 299 Immersion Relection 1 credit
Critical reflection of immersion experience. Permission of instructor required.
SOC 300 Special Topics in Sociology 3 credits
Critical examination of a selected topic in sociology. Subject matter determined by the instructor. Fall and Spring
SOC 324 Visual Sociology 3 credits
Emphasizes a visual approach to analyzing social concepts. Analysis of visual media forms to explore core ideas in sociology such as, gender, race, environment, social class, family and global diversity. Spring
SOC 330 Perspectives on Health and Illness 3 credits
The social aspects of health, illness and health care. Epidemiology, the experience of illness, the evolving health care industry, and a comparison of alternative and traditional medicine. Fall
SOC SL340 Sociology of the City 3 credits
Exploration of how people experience and understand city life, how cities grow and develop, and various issues affecting cities today such as suburbanization and urban sprawl. Fall
SOC 342 Research Methods 3 credits
Overview of the major steps in constructing social science research, from developing a research question, operationalization and measurement through data collection and analysis. Fall
SOC 390 Marriage and Families 3 credits
Covers family development from relationship formation through marriage, divorce and remarriage. Includes sexuality, sexual orientation, cohabitation, parenting and the intersection between the family and major social institutions. Fall
SOC 432 Theories in Sociology 3 credits
Course emphasizes theory development as a tool to understand society. Focuses on major social theorists and their contributions as well as classical and modern theoretical schools in sociology. Prerequisite: Senior Status. Fall
SOC 450 Senior Capstone: Community and Diversity
The culminating experience for the major, in which students synthesize the knowledge they have acquired in their course work and the core, integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge, and connect theory and application in preparation for graduate school or entry into a career. Prerequisite: Senior status. Spring
SOC 498 Internship 3 credits
Opportunity for students to participate in the daily work of an agency or organization. Prerequisite: Instructor’s signature; G.P.A. of at least 2.75. Fall and Spring
SOC 499 Individual Reading and Research 3 credits
Independent studies allow in-depth study of a specific topic and are most often reserved for seniors who cannot otherwise fulfill a graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, department chair and associate dean. Fall and Spring
The following courses offered by other departments or programs count as satisfying the requirements for the sociology major or minor:
ANT 122 Sociocultural Anthropology;
ANT 351 Qualitative Research Methods;
ANT 355 Sociolinguistics;
ANT 360 African American English;
ANT 365 Gender Issues in Language;
CRJ 354 Juvenile Delinquency,
CRJ 254 Criminology.