George Mason University 1998-99 Catalog

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Sociology and Anthropology



Faculty

Professors: Avruch (Anthropology), Bateson (Robinson Professor, Anthropology), Black (Anthropology), Borkman (Sociology), Dennis (Sociology), Dietz (Sociology), Dumont (Robinson Professor, Anthropology), Horton (Sociology), Kolker (Sociology), Scimecca (Sociology, Chair), Stone (Sociology), Weitzman (Robinson Professor, Sociology), Williams (Anthropology)

Associate Professors: Colvin (Sociology), Golomb (Anthropology), Guagnano (Sociology), Haines (Anthropology), Jacobs (Sociology), Kalof (Sociology), Lancaster (Anthropology), Palkovich (Anthropology), Potter, (Anthropology, Provost), Rader (Sociology), Rosenblum (Sociology, Vice President, University Life), Seligmann (Anthropology), Tavani (Sociology)

Assistant Professors: Hanrahan (Sociology), Trencher (Anthropology)

Affiliate Professor: Goode (Sociology)

Course Work

This department offers all course work designated ANTH and SOCI in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

B.A. Degree with a Major in Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human beings and their cultures. It broadly draws from the social sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences. Anthropology is thus an ideal undergraduate major, providing sound interdisciplinary preparation for a variety of careers. In addition to meeting the general requirements for a B.A. degree, students majoring in anthropology must complete a 36-credit program of study as follows:

  1. A nine-credit core in anthropology:

    ANTH 114 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
    ANTH 390 Theories, Methods, and Issues, I
    ANTH 490 Theories, Methods, and Issues, II

  2. A nine-credit four-field requirement:

    Archaeology: ANTH 120 or ANTH 420
    Biological Anthropology: ANTH 135 or ANTH 365
    Linguistic Anthropology: ANTH 380

  3. Eighteen credits of 300ñ400-level electives.

    SOCI 311 and SOCI 313 may apply toward the 18-credit elective requirement. ENGL 326 (General Linguistics) may substitute for ANTH 380. SOCI 311 may substitute for ANTH 390.

Students are encouraged to select broadly among the elective courses that reflect the diverse range of issues and subjects that constitute this discipline. Students wishing to pursue careers in anthropology should consider including courses such as ANTH 420, 450, 492, 495, and 496 as electives in their program of study. Consult with an anthropology program advisor for further information and guidance.

B.A. Degree with a Major in Sociology

In addition to the general requirements for a B.A. degree, 35 credits of sociology are required. Students must include SOCI 101, 303, 311, 313, and 412, and 18 additional credits at the 300 and 400 levels. ANTH 332 may apply toward the 35-credit sociology requirement.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in anthropology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ANTH 490. Students majoring in sociology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing SOCI 412.

Minor in Sociology

Students can select one of five concentrations in sociology offered by the department. A minor in sociology requires 21 credits in one concentration. All concentrations require SOCI 101 and 311. See an advisor in the department for more information.

Minor in Anthropology

A minor in anthropology requires 21 credits. All concentrations require ANTH 114, 332, 120 or 135, and 430 or 450. See an advisor in the department for more information.

Secondary Teacher Licensure (Certification)

Students who want to become secondary school teachers should consult the sections on licensure (certification) found in the catalog under the Graduate School of Education. Those planning to become secondary school teachers should consult with the secondary education advisor in their department.

Graduate Program

Sociology, M.A.

A student may choose a concentration in general sociology; applied sociology; sex and gender; crime, delinquency, and corrections; race and ethnicity; cultural studies; or conflict analysis and management. The general sociology concentration allows maximum flexibility in the application of sociological knowledge to the analysis of social processes and systems. The applied concentration serves as a professional degree for the practitioner. All concentrations are appropriate for those anticipating further graduate study leading to the Ph.D. in sociology.

The department provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in a variety of areas, including applied methods, community, conflict analysis and management, development and social change, deviance, environmental sociology, gerontology, medical sociology, occupations and professions, policy analysis, race and ethnicity, sociology of science and technology, cultural studies, and survey research.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admissions requirements for graduate study, applicants must present the following:

1. A minimum of three credits each in undergraduate sociological theory, statistics, and research methods. Equivalent courses in other disciplines may be substituted for some of these requirements with permission.

2. Three letters of recommendation from people who have supervised the student's work. If possible, at least one should be from an academic setting.

3. A written statement (approx. 200 words) explaining the student's interest in sociology.

4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Acceptance of applicants to the program depends upon assessment by the departmental graduate committee.

Nondegree Status
Students who do not wish to pursue a degree or who have not supplied all required documents may be admitted to nondegree status. Nondegree students may later apply for degree status. With approval, a maximum of 12 graduate credits earned in nondegree status may be applied to a master's degree.

Degree Requirements
All students are required to complete a master's thesis.

Concentration in General Sociology
The concentration requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612) and 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630).

Concentration in Applied Sociology
The concentration requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612), 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630), and 9 credits of applied sociology (SOCI 515, 632, 640).

Concentration in Sex and Gender
The concentration requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612), 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630), and 9 credits in the sex and gender concentration (SOCI 505, 525, and 696).

Concentration in Conflict Analysis and Management
The concentration requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612), 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630), and 9 credits in the sociology of conflict and conflict management.

Concentration in Race and Ethnicity
The degree requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612), 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630), and 9 credits in the race and ethnicity concentration.

Concentration in Crime, Delinquency, and Corrections
The concentration requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612); 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630); and 9 credits in the crime, delinquency, and corrections concentration (SOCI 607, 608, 609).

Concentration in Cultural Studies
This concentration prepares students for the doctoral program in cultural studies. It requires 33 credits, including a core of 6 credits of social theory (SOCI 611, 612); 6 credits of research methods (SOCI 620, 630); SOCI 614 Sociology of Culture; and a three-credit, M.A.-level course, which similarly serves as an introduction to a cultural studies ìfeederî track in a department other than Sociology and Anthropology; and CULT 802 Issues and Methods in Cultural Studies I.

Master's Thesis
A master's thesis is required for the M.A. in Sociology to demonstrate a candidate's capacity to carry out independent research. The thesis consists of a substantial sociological research or theoretical project that will contribute to sociological knowledge.

Financial Aid
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a limited number of graduate assistantships. For information, please contact the department at (703) 993-1440.


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