Full-Time Faculty: Patricia E. Erickson, Chair; H. James Birx, Patricia B. Christian, 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.
A degree in sociology, anthropology or criminal justice prepares students for graduate study in sociology, anthropology, criminal justice, social work, law, education, the health-related professions or business. Majors are prepared for jobs in many fields, including human services, law enforcement, government and business.
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.
Sociology Major (Patricia B. Christian, advisor)
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.
Criminal Justice Major (Patricia E. Erickson, advisor)
The Criminal Justice major is designed to help students understand the complexity of dealing with crime and criminal behavior and to introduce them to the problems and stresses encountered by professionals in the field. The major is grounded in a liberal arts curriculum; it emphasizes 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.
NOTE: A comprehensive examination in the student’s major will be administered during the student’s senior year.
Other Programs
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.
Criminal Justice Dual Majors with sociology, psychology or political science: A dual major with Criminal Justice exists for students with an interest in two fields and seeking a combined educational program. Students interested in pursuing this interdisciplinary concentration are urged to consult with Dr. Erickson.
MINOR IN 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).
MINOR IN 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).
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.” Additionally, many alumni of the college are employed in the criminal justice system and various social service agencies, providing access to internships and employment opportunities.
Admission
Students wishing to major in Sociology, Anthropology or Criminal Justice should fill out a “Major Declaration Form” available in the department office (Old Main 014). They must also inform the registrar of their intended major.
Anthropology Curriculum:
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | ||
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: III, IV, V, VI, VIII. One course from Area I (13 courses) |
(39 credits) | ||
| 3. | Major course requirements: (11 courses) | (33 credits) | ||
| ANT 121 (AS I) Biological Anthropology | ||||
| ANT 122 (AS II) (ICD) Sociocultural Anthropology | ||||
| LIN 250 Contemporary Linguistics | ||||
| ANT 230 Introduction to Archaeology | ||||
| ANT 351 Qualitative Research Methods | ||||
| ANT 451 Theoretical Anthropology | ||||
| Anthropology electives: five courses | ||||
| 4. | Free Electives (12 courses) | (36 credits) | ||
| Total | (40 courses) | (120 credits) | ||
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| ANT 121 | 3 credits | ANT 122 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | |||
| ANT 250 | 3 credits | LIN 250 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | ANT Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| ANT Elective | 3 credits | ANT Elective | 3 credits | |||
| ANT 351 | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| ANT Elective | 3 credits | ANT 451 | 3 credits | |||
| ANT Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Total | 120 credits |
Criminal Justice Curriculum:
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | ||
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII. 1 (14 courses) |
(39 credits) | ||
| 3. | Major course requirements: (12 courses) | (33 credits) | ||
| PSC 103 Constitutional Foundations of American Government |
||||
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | ||||
| SOC 342 or ANT 351 Research Methods | ||||
| CRJ 227 Introduction to Criminal Justice I | ||||
| CRJ 228 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | ||||
| CRJ 337 Violence and the Family | ||||
| CRJ 449 Criminal Law | ||||
| CRJ 450 Criminal Procedure | ||||
| CRJ 482 Criminal Justice Ethics | ||||
| Criminal Justice Electives: three courses | ||||
| 4. | Free Electives (10 courses) | (30 credits) | ||
| Total | (40 courses) | (120 credits) | ||
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| SOC 110 | 3 credits | PSC 103 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | |||
| CRJ 227 | 3 credits | CRJ 228 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | CRJ Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| CRJ Elective | 3 credits | CRJ Elective | 3 credits | |||
| CRJ 337 | 3 credits | SOC 342 or ANT 351 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| CRJ 449 | 3 credits | CRJ 450 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | CRJ 482 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Total | 120 credits |
Sociology Curriculum:
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | ||
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, III, IV, V, VI, VIII and one course from Area VII1 (13 courses) |
(39 credits) | ||
| 3. | Major course requirements: (12 courses) | (36 credits) | ||
| SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology | ||||
| SOC 111 Contemporary Social Problems | ||||
| SOC 342 Research Methods | ||||
| SOC 432 Theories in Sociology | ||||
| MAT 131 Statistics and Computers | ||||
| SOC 450 Senior Capstone: Community and Diversity | ||||
| Sociology electives: six courses | ||||
| 4. | Free Electives (11 courses) | (33 credits) | ||
| Total | (40 courses) | (120 credits) | ||
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| SOC 110 | 3 credits | SOC 111 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | |||
| SOC elective | 3 credits | SOC elective | 3 credits | |||
| MAT 131 | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| SOC Elective | 3 credits | SOC Elective | 3 credits | |||
| SOC 342 | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| SOC Elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| SOC 432 | 3 credits | SOC 450 | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | SOC Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Total | 120 credits |
Minors
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 Archeology | (3 credits) | |||
| Anthropology electives: two Anthropology electives approved by the student's Anthropology adviser |
(6 credits) | |||
| Total (5 courses) | (15 credits) | |||
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. Two courses are required. Four courses can be chosen from any of the criminal justice offerings, with at least one course at the 300 or 400 level.
| PSC 103 Constitutional Foundations of American Government | (3 credits) | ||
| SOC 110 Introductory to Sociology | (3 credits) | ||
| CRJ elective (4 courses) | (12 credits) | ||
| CRJ elective (300 or 400 level): one course | (3 credits) | ||
| Total (6 courses) | (16 credits) | ||
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: 2007 - 2009
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. (AS I) 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. (AS II, ICD) Spring
ANT 230 Introduction to Archeology 3 credits
Old and New World sites provide insights into human lifestyles and modes of adaptation. Fall
ANT 300 Special Topics in Anthropology 3 credits
Critical examination of a selected topic in anthropology. Subject matter determined by the instructor. 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
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 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 451 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 modern social or applied anthropology. Fall
ANT 499 Individual Reading and Research 3 credits
For the student with capacity for independent research. Individual projects directed by a member of the departmental faculty. One or two semesters. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair and faculty member who will direct the research. G.P.A. of at least 3.0; junior or senior status. Fall and Spring
The following courses offered by other departments count as satisfying the requirements for the anthropology major and minor: LIN 201 The
Science of Linguistics; LIN 202 The Science of Linguistics; LIN 250
Contemporary Linguistics; 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; GRN 329 Cross Cultural Communication and Aging.
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 337 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 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. Spring
CRJ 356 Treatment of Offenders I 3 credits
Correction theory, offender typologies, and nature and diagnosis of offenders. Fall
CRJ 357 Treatment of Offenders II 3 credits
Current and future trends in dealing with criminal offenders. Topics include use of intermediate sanctions, such as community service, as analternate to incarceration. Spring
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. Emphasis on New York law. 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. 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
For the student with capacity for independent research; individual projects under the direction of a member of the program faculty. One or two semesters. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status; signature of major advisor. G.P.A. of at least 3.0; junior or senior status. 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 351 Qualitative Research Methods; 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 110 Introduction to Sociology; 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 382 Drugs and Behavior; PSY 369 Forensic Psychology.
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. (AS II) 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. (AS II, ICD) 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. 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 development in movement theory, as well as explorations of social movements through history. Fall
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. Fall
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 340 Sociology of the City 3 credits
This course traces the origins of cities, beginning in prehistory, through the growth of the mega-cities of the third world occurring now. We will consider immigration, suburbanization, urban sprawl and globalization. Fall
SOC 342 Research Methods 3 credits
Techniques of sociological investigation, and relationships of theory and research. Survey of methods used in the social sciences. Fall
SOC 390 Marriage and Families 3 credits
History of the family as a social institution; understanding recent trends in relationships, marriage, divorce, childbearing and childrearing; work-family conflict; family policy. (AS II) 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
For the student with capacity for independent research, individual projects under the direction of member of departmental faculty. One or two semesters. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair and faculty member who will direct the research. G.P.A. of at least 3.0; junior or senior status. 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; CRJ 320 Criminology; CRJ 344 Violent Crime in American Society; CRJ 354 Juvenile Delinquency; SOC 255 Introduction to Human Services; PHI 305 Time and the Human Condition; GRN 321 Ethics and Human Services; SOC 333 Foundations of Social Gerontology.
1 Area II is automatically fulfilled because this program is in the social sciences. One course in Area VII is fulfilled by the mathematics requirement.