Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGYSOCIOLOGYLearning to think sociologically requiresmore than just the acquisition of knowledge— it demands that we break freefrom the immediacy of personal circumstancesand experiences. The sociologymajor offers students the opportunity toengage their sociological imaginationsso that they might stand outside theirexperiences — and the experiences ofothers — and consider them anew. Toachieve this, students develop the abilityto see and understand the complexitiesof social life, and learn to deal moreeffectively with society and individualsin a variety of social settings. They areequipped to navigate in business andcorporate settings, to work in socialagencies, to formulate public policy,to contribute to and evaluate a host ofcommunity-based programs, and toprepare for teaching (especially at thesecondary level). Additionally, sociologymajors find themselves well preparedfor graduate study in sociology, law,social work, gerontology, communication,criminal justice, urban planning,the ministry, and a host of other fields.A major in sociology consists ofeight approved course credit unitsincluding Sociology 101, 240, 270,and three courses numbered 300 orabove. All prospective majors arestrongly encouraged to take theserequired courses as early as possibleand to seek faculty advice to ensurethe most effective reflection of studentintellectual and career goals.Internship experiences are encouraged,and the department regularly placesstudents with the criminal justice system,social service organizations, andarea agencies dealing with aging.A minor in sociology consists of fivecourse credit units including Sociology240 and 270 and at least one coursenumbered 300 or above. Departmentalfaculty will assist students whenselecting the appropriate courses forthe minor. The selection should reflecta coherent program within sociologyas well as possible connections to thestudent’s academic major.101 Introduction to SociologyAn introduction to the study of human groups,communities, societies, cultures, and socialfactors in the explanation of human behavior.Field experiences, limited research, and simulationgaming may be employed. (Each falland spring)121 Marriage and FamilyA study of social patterns and issues involvedin family systems and preparation for marriage,emphasizing recent historical western societywith some comparisons to other cultures. (Fall2007 and most springs)125, 225, 325, 425 Research Practicum(1/4 course credit unit)Supervised research in sociology using variousresearch appropriate methodologies. Studentswill arrange specific research responsibilitieswith interested faculty. May be repeated for atotal of one course credit unit, with each practicumafter 125 a prerequisite for the next.236 Anthropology of the City(see Anthropology 236)240 Social TheoryA critical examination of classical socialthought. The course uses the Hobbesian“problem of order” as a starting point for theinvestigation of many of the important socialtheorists who lived and wrote prior to the1920s. Primary source reading will enhanceclass discussions. Prerequisite: Sociology 101or equivalent. (Each fall)241 Sex and Gender in SocietyAn analysis of historical roots and contemporaryissues concerning gender and sex, withparticular exploration of research and assumptionsabout men and women, sexual orientation,and gender-related violence. The coursewill examine some public policy debates andboth national and international concerns inthis field. Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or equivalent,Anthropology 123, Gender Studies 120,or Psychology 101. (Spring 2008)COURSES OF INSTRUCTION| 149