COURSE INDEX - LaGuardia Community College

Social Science Department
Social Science Department
Room C459 (718) 482-5785
Social Science courses examine why people behave the way they
do; why society is the way it is; who has power, wealth, and
prestige; and how they got them. Many of the courses emphasize
the themes of ethnicity, class, gender, and power through which
students can better understand themselves, society, and the world
in which they live. The department offers interdisciplinary courses
as well as courses in anthropology, economics, history, political
science, psychology, sociology and urban study.
Department Faculty
Lily Shohat, Chairperson; Gilberto Arroyo, Lakshmi Bandlamudi,
Lara Beaty, Vanessa Bing, Bojana Blagojevic, Lorraine Cohen,
Timothy Coogan, Nurper Gokhan, Vincent Andre Keeton, Soloman
Kone, Steven Lang, Richard K. Lieberman, Arianna Martinez, Janet
Michello, Karen Miller, Sreca Perunovic, Joanne Pierre-Louis,
Joanne R. Reitano, Lawrence Rushing, Shara Sand, John Shean,
Maritza Straughn-Williams, George Sussman, Eduardo Vianna,
Jennifer Wynn
Anthropology
SSA100 Introduction to Anthropology
3 credits; 3 hours
In this course, students will be introduced to the fields of anthropology-physical
anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology,
and anthropological topics in linguistics. The aim shall be to
explore the origins and development of some of the world’s
hunter-gatherer, agricultural, peasant and industrial societies. Utilizing
examples from both extinct and modern-day societies, the
student will gain an appreciation of the wide diversity of human
cultures.
Prerequisite: CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099/ENC101
SSA101 Cultural Anthropology
3 credits; 3 hours
This course examines the similarities and differences found in the
various types of human cultures and societies. It acquaints students
with the basic concepts that help explain differences and similarities.
The role of culture and language in determining human behavior
is examined as is the interrelationship of aspects of behavior
(economics, politics, family, and religion) in different types of
societies. Patterns of cultural change will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099/ENC101
SSA103 Introduction to Archaeology
3 credits; 3 hours
This course provides an overview of the rapidly expanding field
of Archaeology. Modern archaeological theories, the various disciplines
of Archaeology, field techniques and the future of Archaeology
will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on the history of
the field, how modern archaeology varies from its earlier
processes, and how archaeology relates to the various fields of
social and natural sciences. Instruction will include both guided
and assigned field trips.
Prerequisites: CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA/099/ENC101, MAT096
SSA106 Anthropology of Latin America
3 credits; 3 hours
This course will focus on the different peoples and cultures of
Latin America, including Indian groups, rural communities of
peasants, blacks and other plantation workers, urbanized
peasants, urban workers, new middle classes and elites. The social
and cultural organization of each of these groups will be examined,
particularly in their relationship to the larger society. The
impact of the global economy on Latin American cultures will also
be examined.
Prerequisite: CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099/ENC101
SSA120 Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
3 credits; 3 hours
This course will survey the evolution of cultures in the Caribbean
from the original formation of Native American societies through
the age of European conquest, colonization and cultural dominance,
to the contemporary period of national independence, and
the revival of previously marginalized, subordinated cultures. The
focus will be on analyzing the unique Caribbean economic, family,
stratification, political, and cultural systems formed out of the
fusion of Native American, European, African and Asian peoples
and cultures.
Prerequisite: ENC/ENG101
SSN/HUN180 Introduction to Intercultural Communications
3 credits; 3 hours
The course introduces students to the dynamics of intercultural
communication and enables them to communicate more effectively
in multicultural settings. Through field trips, cultural
research, and role-plays, students develop the skills needed to look
objectively at other cultures. Using New York City as a laboratory,
they gain experience identifying and analyzing dominant cultural
patterns, thus improving their ability to understand the often perplexing
behavior of people from cultures other than their own.
Prerequisite: MAT095, ENC/ENG101, HUC101 or HUL100,
and one Social Science elective from the list on page 174.
This is a Writing Intensive course.
SSN182 Urban Anthropology
3 credits; 3 hours
This course examines urban culture and society in different parts
of the world. It includes an examination of the role cities play in
different societies, urbanization in developing societies, and a
comparison of urban society and culture in developing societies
with urban life in the United States. Field trips to sites in New
York City such as new immigrant communities will be included to
familiarize the students with recent changes in urban culture.
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