SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY   2000-2001 Catalog
  SOU Catalog Home >> Schools and Departments >> Sociology and Anthropology >> Courses

Sociology and Anthropology
Taylor 122
541-552-6321
Anne Chambers, Chair

Professors: Bryce Johnson, Victoria Sturtevant

Associate Professors: S. M. Shamsul Alam, Anne Chambers, Jean Maxwell

Assistant Professors: Echo Fields, Mark Shibley, Mark Tveskov

Adjunct Faculty: Jack Bynum, Keith Chambers, Thomas Grauman, Robert Horton, David Milton, James Phillips, Kevin Preister, Kathryn Winthrop, Robert Winthrop, Bonnie Yates, Grace Zilverberg

Sociological and anthropological perspectives uncover assumptions about social and cultural arrangements. As a joint department, we offer training in the distinctive concepts and methods specific to the disciplines of sociology and anthropology. We also collaborate on the exploration of social forces, social organization, and cultural diversity from a holistic point of view.

Sociology

Sociology offers theories and methods for analyzing and working in groups ranging from families to business firms, from voluntary to public agencies. Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in social research, criminology, demography, social psychology, public administration, gerontology, education, rehabilitation, social work, and market research. It provides a useful background for law, business, medicine, community planning, architecture, and politics. In many professional schools, courses in sociology are part of the required training.

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in sociology and allied specialties such as gender and ethnic studies are not typically hired as professional sociologists, but they do qualify for jobs as research assistants, group workers, teachers (with certification), administrative assistants, probation and parole workers, career counselors, community planners, editorial assistants, social workers (without certification), statistical assistants, interviewers, and recreation workers. Students planning careers as professional sociologists should obtain a graduate degree in sociology.

Anthropology

Anthropology's diverse subject matter—the study of human beings in all times and places—reflects the discipline's interest in human culture from the Paleolithic past to contemporary times; in exotic, distant societies and myriad subcultures of the Western world; in the biological bases of human behavior and our most elaborate cultural creations; and in the interaction of diverse peoples in colonial and modern contexts. Anthropological methods, grounded in the practical realities of daily life and direct ethnographic research, are applicable cross-culturally. Perhaps its greatest strength, however, is the perspective it seeks to promote: an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, human universals, and the dynamic potential of human culture.

Undergraduate preparation in cultural anthropology equips students with theories and methods for living and working in all human societies. Training in anthropology can make people more effective advocates, mediators, and translators in contexts involving minority cultures or different cultural philosophies. It provides a basis for careers in human services, education, medicine, development work, public administration, and business.

Archaeology examines material remains to understand and explain past and present human behavior. Archaeologists excavate and analyze tools, textiles, pottery, and other artifacts of prehistoric peoples to reconstruct ancient cultures. They also investigate the cultural interaction of Western and nonwestern societies. A major branch of contemporary archaeology deals with preserving knowledge of our country's past through cultural resource management and historic preservation.

Coursework and discussions emphasize practical applications in the anthropology program. Students are encouraged to expand on this by seeking internships and practicum placements that match their specific interests and fully develop their anthropological skills. The department's close and supportive relationship with local groups and organizations provides a basis for meaningful student involvement in problem solving. Practical experiences culminate in a senior capstone project designed and carried out under faculty supervision.

Degrees

Minors

Certificates

Becoming a Sociology Major

Potential sociology majors apply to the department by submitting a personal statement describing their goals, evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in Soc 204, 205 and Anth 213, and proof of having completed University Colloquium and the quantitative reasoning requirement. Transfer students must provide GPA evidence from their previous institutions. All candidates work with an advisor from the department at the time of application. The application process is competitive. The department notifies students who have succeeded in becoming majors. Some upper division courses in the field are restricted to majors.

Requirements for Sociology Major

1. The general education requirements as stated beginning on printed catalog page 31.

2. A minimum of 60 credits in sociology or anthropology; 48 credits must be upper division and 12 credits lower division. Of the 48 upper division credits, 16 are upper division electives; 8 of these electives must be in sociology (excluding practicum).

3. Literacy requirements: writing composition (Soc 301 plus an upper division course term paper approved by a committee.)

4. An average GPA of 2.5 in all sociology and anthropology courses.

Interdisciplinary Major Emphasizing Sociology

As with the sociology major, students who wish to obtain a baccalaureate degree in interdisciplinary studies with sociology as a major field need to apply to the department by submitting a personal statement describing their goals for the major, evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in Soc 204 and 205, plus proof of having completed University Colloquium and the quantitative reasoning requirement. Transfer students must provide GPA evidence from their previous institutions. All candidates work with an advisor from the department at the time of application. The application process is competitive. The department will notify applicants if they qualify as interdisciplinary degree students with a primary field in sociology. Some sociology courses are restricted to majors and interdisciplinary degree candidates with sociology as the primary field.

Capstone

Sociology majors have a choice of two capstone experiences. Both choices require students to bring their expertise in the discipline to bear on new problems. In one case, this is done in a seminar where students review textbooks and prepare groupbased instructional presentations on key concepts. Following this review, groups research current controversies in the field and again instruct their peers on the implications of different positions taken with regard to these controversies. The other capstone experience provides students with an opportunity to apply their expertise to individual research and analysis of a selected issue or problem.

Sociology Core Courses

(60 credits)

Choose two courses from the following:

(A minimum of 8 credits must be in sociology, excluding practicum. After approval by advisor, the remaining 8 credits may be drawn from a related discipline in support of the student's specialized interests.)

Sociology Minor

(24 credits)

Students are required to register with a minor advisor through the department office.

Required Courses

Social Science Degree Completion Program in Community Development
541-552-8153
Echo Fields, Program Coordinator

This interdisciplinary degree combines coursework in sociology and political science, focusing on issues related to community development. The program develops the skills students need to move into administrative or supervisory positions in social service, government, or other nonprofit organizations. It is designed for students who (1) have completed an Associate of Arts degree or approximately two years (90 quarter credit hours) of college; (2) seek to increase the effectiveness of nonprofit and public service organizations through active leadership; and (3) desire to foster collaboration among community groups with diverse cultural, political, and economic interests. In the senior capstone course, students establish important professional contacts by applying what they have learned in an organization, project, or program.

Classes are scheduled evenings and weekends at the SOU Medford Campus, enabling working students to complete a degree while still fulfilling their career and family obligations. Students who have fulfilled general education requirements and who take two courses each term can usually complete the program in three years. For more information, contact the program coordinator.

Becoming an Anthropology Major

Students who want to major in anthropology must apply to the department by submitting a personal statement describing their goals in the major, evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in Anth 211, 213, and 301, and proof of having completed University Colloquium. Transfer students must provide GPA evidence from their previous institutions. All candidates work with an advisor from the department at the time of application. Admission to the major is selective. The department will notify students of its decision. Certain upper division courses in the field are restricted to majors.

Requirements for Anthropology Major

1. The general education requirements as stated on printed catalog page 31.

2. A minimum of 52 credits in the major, 44 of which must be upper division.

3. Literacy requirements:

4. A GPA of 2.5 in courses taken for the major.

Capstone

The anthropology capstone is the final senior project developed by a student to demonstrate competence in anthropological research. The capstone integrates relevant theory and methodology and reflects student learning in an area of applied anthropology. The student draws on ethnographic or archaeological expertise acquired through previous practicum field experiences and coursework.

Anthropology Core Courses

(52 credits)

Students may choose to focus on archaeology or cultural anthropology or to integrate the two.

1. Areas & Topics (8 credits)

Two or more courses from:

2. Application (4 credits)

One course from:

3. Methods. (4 credits)

One course from:

4. Theory (8 credits)

Two courses, one of which must be Anth 410 or Anth 420.

5. Practicum: Field Study (Anth 409) 4

6. Senior Capstone (Anth 414) 4

7. Specialized interests (8 credits)

Two or more courses in anthropology or a related discipline. Selection must fit with individual orientation and must be approved by advisor.

Anthropology Minor

(28 credits)

Students who are working toward a minor in anthropology are required to register with an advisor through the department office.

Required Courses

Choose from:

Choose from:

Information on Applied Certificates and Interdisciplinary Studies in Anthropology

Students who wish to work on an applied certificate in anthropology or to obtain a baccalaureate degree in interdisciplinary studies with anthropology as the department of emphasis must apply to the department by submitting a personal statement describing their program goals, evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in Anth 211, 213, and 301, and proof of having completed University Colloquium. Transfer students must provide GPA evidence from their previous institutions.

All candidates work with an advisor from the department at the time of application. Admission is selective. The department will notify applicants of its decision. Certain upper division courses in the field are restricted to majors and students in the certificate program or interdisciplinary anthropology degree program. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary degree with an emphasis in anthropology must select from a specified list of courses and obtain advisor permission.

Requirements for Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology

(36 credits)

The Applied Cultural Anthropology Certificate program prepares students for careers in human services, multicultural education, and other fields in which cross-cultural or international perspectives are essential. Emphasis is on examining culturally related problems and policies, preparing research designs, and collecting and analyzing data. To qualify for the certificate, students must also meet the requirements of a bachelor's degree program (not necessarily anthropology) at SOU. The following courses or their approved transfer equivalents are required of all candidates for this certificate.

1. Core courses.

(16 credits)

2. Cross-Cultural Perspectives.

(4 credits) Choose from:

3. Specialized Focus.

(16 credits)

The remaining 8 credits are to be selected from upper division offerings in sociology and anthropology or other departments in consultation with the student's advisor. These courses and the content of the required practicum and capstone should be consistent with each student's focus and professional or career goal.

Requirements for the Certificate in Cultural Resource Management

(36 credits)

The Cultural Resource Management Certificate program prepares students for careers in the management and preservation of prehistoric and historic cultural sites located on public and private lands. Emphasis is on methods and the development and implementation of research designs. To qualify for the certificate, students must also meet the requirements of a bachelor's degree program (not necessarily anthropology). The following courses or their approved transfer equivalents are required of all candidates for this certificate.

1. Core courses.

(12 credits)

Practicing Anthropology (Anth 301) 4

Archaeological Research Methods (Anth 370) 4

Cultural Resource Management (Anth 462) 4

2. Policy Perspectives.

(8 credits) Choose from:

3. Specialized Focus.

(16 credits)

The remaining 8 credits are to be selected from upper division offerings in sociology and anthropology or other departments in consultation with the student's advisor. These courses and the content of the required practicum and capstone should be consistent with each student's focus and professional or career goal.

 

This material is from the 2000-2001
Southern Oregon University Catalog.

Page revised July 24, 2000
Copyright 2000, Southern Oregon University.
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