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2018-2019 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Course Numbering
The College of Wooster uses a five-digit course numbering system. The first three digits indicate the primary course number. The next two digits are the secondary course number and indicate whether there is a special focus for the course. For example:
The first letters are the department or program abbreviation. The next three digits are the primary course number (101 is the primary course number for all Introduction to Historial Study courses). The last two digits are the secondary course number. These two digits indicate that the special focus for this HIST 101 course is The History of Islam. A course with a given three-digit primary course number can only be taken once for credit unless specifically indicated otherwise by the department.
The following policy has been used in assigning primary course numbers:
- 100-level courses are usually introductory courses; some 100-level courses do have prerequisites, and students are advised to consult the description for each course.
- 200-level courses are usually beyond the introductory level, although many 200-level courses are open to first-year students and to majors and non-majors.
- 300-level courses are seminars and courses primarily for majors but open to other students with the consent of the instructor.
- The following numbers are for Independent Study: I.S. 40100 (Junior Independent Study), I.S. 45100 and I.S. 45200 (Senior Independent Study).
In addition to the regular course offerings, many departments offer individual tutorials under the number 40000 and internships under 41000. On occasion, departments will offer a course on a special topic as approved by the Educational Policy Committee, designated 19900, 29900, or 39900.
Abbreviation
In keeping with the general education requirements of the College’s curriculum
(see Degree Requirements ), course listings employ the following abbreviations:
W Writing Intensive
C Studies in Cultural Difference
R Religious Perspectives
Q Quantitative Reasoning
AH Learning Across the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities
HSS Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences
MNS Learning Across the Disciplines: Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Except where otherwise noted, all courses carry one course credit.
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Sociology |
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SOCI 10000 - Introduction to Sociology Course Credit: 1
(ANTH)
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY An examination of sociological principles and methods of investigation, and their relationship to the major issues in society, such as social change, social class, urbanization, and intergroup relations. Attention will also focus upon the major social institutions and the relationship between the individual and society. Class sessions will utilize lectures, seminar discussions, data analysis, and audio-visuals. Annually. Fall and Spring. [HSS]
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SOCI 19900 - Topics in Sociology Course Credit: 1
TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY A seminar focused on a special topic in sociology. Topics are chosen by the instructor and announced in advance. [HSS]
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SOCI 20300 - Environmental Sociology Course Credit: 1
(ANTH, ENVS)
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY An investigation of the dynamic relation between society and the environment. Sociology points us beyond mere technical and scientific problems to the social roots of contemporary ecological issues, as well as the justice issues these circumstances entail. We explore the many ways in which environmental issues are, in fact, social issues. The topics we cover include: causes of environmental degradation, environmental movements, environmental activism and organizations, corporate social responsibility, social construction of the environment, collective behavior, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), and locavorism. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor Annually. [HSS]
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SOCI 20400 - Self and Society Course Credit: 1
(ANTH)
SELF AND SOCIETY An examination of social psychological perspectives on the interrelationships among the individual, the small group, and the larger culture. Topics emphasized include socialization, the development of self, deviance, the individual and social change, and attitude formation. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000 or ANTH-11000; or permission of the instructor [HSS, W]
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SOCI 20500 - Sociology of Law Course Credit: 1
(ANTH)
SOCIOLOGY OF LAW In this course we will read some influential legal cases, but our task will not be the technical application of the law (such as in a law school course). The social science field of law and society is designed to show both the impacts of the broader social context on law-making and judicial decision-making and the impacts of the law and the courts on society. Students will also be introduced to some classic law and society research. The topics we cover include: courts and social science, courts and economic interests, courts and social expectations, law and citizenship, the death penalty, law and culture, the limits of justice, litigation crisis, and legal globalization. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor. [HSS]
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SOCI 20600 - Urban Sociology Course Credit: 1
(ANTH, URBN)
URBAN SOCIOLOGY An analysis of contemporary urban problems with an emphasis on race, class and gender. The course examines the historical roots of urban areas; global urban development; and present spatial, economic and political trends in cities. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000 or permission of instructor [HSS]
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SOCI 20700 - Sociology of Gender Course Credit: 1
(ANTH, WGSS)
SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER An examination of the role of gender in society, exploring how gender intersects with race, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, and nationality. The course examines biological, psychological, and social structural explanations of gender roles, with emphasis on the experiences of women and men within social institutions such as family, work, and education. Prerequisite: SOCI 10000 or permission of instructor. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor [HSS]
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SOCI 20900 - Inequality in America Course Credit: 1
(AFST, ANTH, EDUC)
INEQUALITY IN AMERICA An examination of the structure and process of inequality in the United States. Included will be an analysis and explanation of the extent of lifestyle as well as economic, occupational, and political inequality among groups, including gender and race as dimensions of inequality. Policies aimed at dealing with inequality will also be addressed. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor Annually. [HSS]
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SOCI 21300 - Deviance and Criminology Course Credit: 1
(ANTH)
DEVIANCE AND CRIMINOLOGY An analysis of deviant and criminal behavior. The focus is on definitions and measurement of deviant and criminal behavior. The major types of criminal behavior that occur in the United States are discussed, followed by a review of several sociological theories that explain criminal behavior. The course concludes with a general overview and assessment of major agencies that comprise the Criminal Justice System. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor Annually. [HSS]
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SOCI 21400 - Racial & Ethnic Groups in Amer Society Course Credit: 1
(AFST, ANTH, EDUC)
RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY An analysis of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Emphasis is placed on investigating discrimination based on race, gender, and culture; how discrimination develops; and the solutions proposed for solving the problems associated with it. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor Annually. [C, HSS]
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SOCI 21600 - Masculinities Course Credit: 1
Masculinities An introduction to the sociological study of masculinity in its various guises in the contemporary United States. The theoretical perspective of the course is based on three fundamental premises: there is no single masculinity, but rather multiple masculinities; individuals in society are best understood as doing gender rather than as being gender; and masculinities are not static identities, but are fluid, fragile, negotiated, and always subject to contestation. The course explores the complex world of American masculinities through a series of overlapping themes that students will reflect on and analyze as the class progresses through a variety of writing assignments. The course material is presented through readings and visual images. Prerequisite: SOCI 10000 or permission of instructor. Does not fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000 [C, HSS]
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SOCI 21900 - Globalization & Contemporary China Course Credit: 1
(ANTH, CHIN, EAST)
GLOBALIZATION AND CONTEMPORARY CHINA An exploration of the social causes, including globalization, and consequences of the economic, cultural, and social changes that China is undergoing today. Following a roughly chronological order, we will focus mainly on events and trends of the past twenty years: from the social movements of 1989 and the economic expansion of the early 1990s to the consequent changes in a consumer-driven popular culture, as well as renewed quests for moral and religious meaning and emerging social activism (e.g., the environment, women’s rights, etc.). Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor [C, HSS]
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SOCI 29900 - Advanced Topics in Sociology Course Credit: 1
ADVANCED TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY A seminar focusing on a specialized area of sociology. Topics are chosen by the instructor and announced in advance. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000 [HSS]
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SOCI 29905 - Social Movements Course Credit: 1
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS Why are social movements collective? How are they organized, and what are the consequences of different kinds of organization? Who are these people? How do they come to think of themselves as sharing a common and valued identity? What determines social movement success or failure–the opportunities available, or the strategies used? How does the media influence movements? We explore these questions and relevant theories through several case studies: the civil rights movement, contemporary organized racism (e.g., hate movements), global/transnational movements, and political consumerism. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000 or permission of instructor [HSS, W]
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SOCI 29906 - Latinx Sociology Course Credit: 1
LATINX SOCIOLOGY An examination of the Latinx population in the United States. Included will be an analysis and explanation of patterns in international migration, oppression, and identities among Latinxs. Intersectional and Critical Race perspectives that address historical and contemporary dimensions of inequality will be highlighted. Other topics will include: Latinxs/as/os in education, labor, population, culture, and media representation. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000, or permission of instructor [HSS]
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SOCI 35000 - Classical Social Theory Course Credit: 1
(ANTH, ARCH)
CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY An examination of classical social theories of the nature of society and of human behavior. Included are the works of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Simmel. Emphasis will be placed on understanding these theories and their relevance in contemporary society. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor Annually. Fall. [HSS]
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SOCI 35100 - Contemporary Social Theory Course Credit: 1
(ANTH)
CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY An examination of the wide range of contemporary social theories that developed out of the classical tradition. Among the theories examined in this course are: functionalism, conflict theory, feminist theory, critical race theory, queer theory, globalization theory, and various forms of late- or post-modern theory. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of the relevance of these theories for the critical analysis of contemporary social issues and structures. Over the course of the semester all students will use one or more of these contemporary social theories to develop a theoretical perspective on a research question or topic that the students will examine in their Senior Independent Study thesis. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor Annually. Spring. [HSS]
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SOCI 40000 - Tutorial Course Credit: 0.5
Maximum Credit: 1.25
(ANTH)
TUTORIAL A tutorial course on a special topic(s) offered to an individual student under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000; or permission of instructor. The approval of both the supervising faculty member and the chairperson is required prior to registration.
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SOCI 41000 - Internship Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 1
INTERNSHIP In close consultation with a faculty member in the department, students may arrange for credit for a supervised work situation that relates to their major course of study. It is expected that in addition to the work experience itself, this course will include both regular discussion of a set of readings chosen by the faculty member and written assignments that allow the students to reflect critically on their work experiences. Internship credit will be approved by the chairperson of the department on a case-by-case basis. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-10000 and ANTH-11000; or permission of instructor
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SOCI 45100 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER ONE The first semester of the Senior Independent Study project, in which each student engages in creative and independent research guided by a faculty mentor and which culminates in a thesis and an oral examination in the second semester. The student will normally do the thesis during the Fall and Spring semesters of the senior year. The suggested fields include papers or projects in any of the standard subcategories of sociology, such as family, community, race, urban, mental health, or social work. The student is assigned to an appropriate adviser by the chairperson following submission of a proposal. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-35000 or SOCI-35100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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SOCI 45200 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER TWO The second semester of the Senior Independent Study project, which culminates in the thesis and an oral examination. Prerequisite(s): SOCI-45100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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