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Carina Bandhauer, Chair (2020-2022) bandhauerc@wcsu.edu Warner Hall 207, Midtown campus (203) 837-8650 (203) 837-3960 (fax)
Christine Hegel-Cantarella, Associate Chair hegelcantarellac@wcsu.edu Warner Hall 205, Midtown campus (203) 837-8457 (203) 837-3960 (fax)
Patricia Lerner, Department Secretary lernerp@wcsu.edu Warner Hall 224, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8484 (203) 837-8905 (fax)
Faculty by major program focus:
Anthropology & Sociology C. Bandhauer, Chair C. Hegel-Cantarella, Assoc. Chair M. Misra R. Whittemore
Economics Z. Pan R. Lumbantobing O. Owoye
Geography TBA
Political Science A. Manes J. Schofield H.H. Williams
Adjunct Faculty
Overview
Convinced that it has a special responsibility to prepare students for the ever-changing demands of contemporary society, the department provides disciplinary and methodological instruction and practice in the social sciences. To this end, courses are offered in anthropology, economics, geography, political science, sociology and social sciences research methodology. The department awards the B.A. degree in four programs: anthropology and sociology; economics; political science; and interdisciplinary social sciences.
This curricular effort is supported by department computer and archaeology laboratories and a map room. The department’s role in the university-affiliated Jane Goodall Institute generates opportunities for students to become academically involved in the institute’s mission of environmental, conservation and primate studies. Additionally, the department has cooperative departmental cross-listing of some courses and exchange of faculty instruction with several university departments such as communication, theatre arts, education, environmental sciences, finance, history and non-western cultures, justice and law administration, management (public administration) and social work.
The department sponsors a campus chapter of an international honor society in the social sciences, Pi Gamma Mu. Membership gives recognition to scholastic achievement, thereby enhancing employer and graduate admissions consideration. The campus chapter also provides the opportunity for members to contribute their talent for the benefit of the university and general community. Obtain details from the department office.
The department also sponsors and publishes annually the Social Sciences Journal of original research written by students. Students are invited to contribute their essays or research papers for review. Two student editors and one faculty choose and edit the best examples of student work for publication.
Mission
The four social science programs at Western provide students with a holistic understanding and critical appreciation of the cultural, political, social and economic elements of society. The department curriculum presents a broad-based foundation in the social sciences while offering a rich and diverse range of degree programs and options.
B.A.: ANTHROPOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY
The allied fields of anthropology and sociology offer ways of understanding the world that are fundamental to many courses of study. Anthropology and sociology look at everyday life in the context of groups, societies and cultures to which humankind contribute. The program is designed to provide background for varied business, government and social service careers as well as for advanced graduate studies in a wide area of disciplines.
B.A.: ECONOMICS
The economics program provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the economic behavior of individuals, business and society. The focus is on social outcomes of economic transactions and events, as well as on economic performance. Economics is taught as part of a liberal arts education at Western and provides an especially relevant background for careers in business, finance, international organizations or government, as well as for graduate study in economics, law or business.
B.A.: POLITICAL SCIENCE
Students of political science are given an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the political aspects of society. They are provided with a practical background for a variety of legal, government, public and social service careers, and a preparation for graduate studies in political science, as well as in related fields, such as pre-law. .
B.A.: SOCIAL SCIENCES
This interdisciplinary major provides students with both a broad-based foundation in the social sciences and with a variety of course choices, allowing a student to focus on a specific topic or theme, such as global studies, family studies, or multi-cultural studies.
Objectives
Degree Programs in Social Sciences
Degree and minor programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0. All department majors are required to earn at least a “C” (2.0) minimum grade in any foundation course (100 level or as specified and required in the student’s major program) and in the three required methods courses: SS 201, SS 300 and SS 400. Students should contact the department chair in order to sign up for their required research seminar, SS 400, one semester prior to registration.
An electronically submitted portfolio of work in the social sciences is required of all students during the final semester before graduation. Four elements of the portfolio include:
1) Two “Course of Study” statements.
2) A research paper (previously submitted in a major course).
3) A senior thesis (previously submitted in SS 400: Senior Research Thesis).
4) A professional résumé (including the student’s curriculum vitae).
Details of the below listed programs are presented on the next several pages.
Bachelor of Arts
Anthropology/Sociology Economics Political Science Social Sciences Options: Anthropology/Sociology Studies Family Studies Global Studies Multi-cultural Studies
Minor Programs in Social Sciences
Anthropology Conflict Resolution Cultural Resource Management Economics Geography International Studies Multi-cultural Studies (with elective African-American focus) Political Science Sociology Urban Studies Women’s Studies
Bachelor of Arts Anthropology/Sociology (B.A.)
Advisors assigned by department chair:
The anthropology/sociology program is an interdisciplinary effort towards understanding the social and cultural aspects of human behavior. The program is designed to provide background for varied business, government and social service careers as well as for advanced graduate studies in a wide area of disciplines.
The anthropology/sociology program requires 27 semester hours in the courses specified below and 15 semester hours of anthropology and sociology electives. The B.A. requirements consist of a minimum total of 120 semester hours, including the courses of the major, the required general education courses, free electives, exercise science and foreign language. Students should complete their general education requirements in writing and mathematics/computer science by their sophomore year.
Majors are required to earn at least a “C” (2.0) minimum grade in foundation courses (100 level) and in the three required methods courses: SS 201, SS 300 and SS 400. Students should contact the department chair one semester prior to registering for their required research seminar, SS 400.
Specified courses for the B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology
ANT 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ANT 110 Introduction to Physical Anthropology or ANT 104 Introduction to Archaeology SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology SOC 101 Social Problems ANT/SOC 330 Social and Cultural Theory SS 201 Researching Social Issues SS 300 Quantitative Research Methods in Social Sciences SS 400 Senior Research Thesis Eighteen (18) semester hours, 6 courses total in ANT and/or SOC as specified in Tiers 1 & 2 below (SS 301 is permissible)*; ).
TIER 1: Three approved 200-400 level courses in ANT and/or SOC.
TIER 2: Three approved 300-400 level courses in ANT and/or SOC
* May include up to 2 total from the following list: NWC (Tier 1 only), or GEO, or SOC/JLA 201, 205, 334 or 336). At least 4 courses must be ANT/SOC courses and not include NWC, GEO, or SOC/JLA cross-listed courses.
Course Restrictions For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Suggested four-year course sequence for B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology
First Year
Gen Ed: Humanities (Foreign Language if required)
Gen Ed: Psychology or Non-Western Cultures
Sophomore Year
Free Elective
HPX 177 Fitness for Life (Lecture & Activity)
Junior Year
Sign up for SS 400
Senior Year
SS 400 Senior Research Thesis
*minimum grade of “C” required
Minor in Anthropology
Eighteen semester hours, to include:
ANT 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ANT 110 Introduction to Physical Anthropology Four anthropology electives (200 level or above)
Minor in Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
Cultural resource management has become an increasingly significant subfield of archaeology as a result of federal and state legislation. Examples of such legislation are the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (1979) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990). The minor in CRM presents students with theoretical, methodological and practical experience, which will help them obtain professional employment in archaeology.
Minimum 18 semester hours to include:
ANT 213 North American Indians ANT 225 Rocks, Stones and Bones: Introduction to Archaeology or ANT 226 New England Archaeology ANT 229 Archaeological Field Methods ANT 297 Coop Education Internships ANT 341 Cultural Resource Management HIS 294 Introduction to Historical Research
Minor in Sociology
SOC 100 Intro. to Sociology SOC 101 Social Problems Four sociology electives (200 level or above)
Requirements:
The economics program seeks to foster an understanding and appreciation of the economic behavior of society. The focus is on the social outcomes of economic transactions and events rather than on individual economic performance per se. Economics provides an especially relevant background for employment in business, finance, international organizations or government, as well as for graduate study in economics, law or business.
The B.A. in Economics is awarded upon completion of all general education requirements, the courses listed below, and free electives to total a minimum of 120 semester hours, including exercise science and a foreign language. Majors are required to earn a minimum “C” (2.0) GPA in major courses and a minimum “C” in the three required methods courses: SS 201, SS 300, and SS 400 or ECO 450. Students should contact the department chair one semester prior to registering for their required research seminar, ECO 450 or SS 400.
Specified courses for B.A. in Economics:
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics* ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics* ECO 318 Intermediate Microeconomics ECO 319 Intermediate Macroeconomics SS 201 Researching Social Issues SS 300 Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences SS 400 Senior Research Thesis or ECO 450 Seminar in Economic Research MAT 181 Calculus I or MAT 118 Elementary Applied Mathematics Six economics courses (200 level or above; PS/ECO 110 allowed)
*Note for ECO 211 and ECO 213: Prerequisites: MAT 118 or higher.
Students should complete their general education requirements in writing and mathematics/computer science by their sophomore year.
Suggested four-year course sequence for B.A. in Economics
Foreign Language if required.
Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)
Gen Ed: Writing Intensive Tier II (W2)
Gen Ed: First Year Experience (FY)
Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC)
Gen Ed Elective (Must be
outside of major)
Any two Free Electives
Any Free Elective
Economics Elective
Any three Free Electives
*A minimum of a “C” grade is required.
Minor in Economics
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics ECO 213 Principles of Microeconomics Four economics electives (200 levels or above)
Applied Economics Option
(15 S.H.) Courses; Take one from each of the following category:
ECO 311 Money and Banking or ECO/FIN 360 Money, Banking and Capital Markets
ECO 400 Theory of International Economics or ECO 317 Economic Development and Growth
ECO 402 Introduction to Econometrics
ECO 403 Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics
ECO 404 Economics of Entrepreneurship and Industrial organization or ECO 308 Labor Economics
Program Advisors: A. Manes and H. H. Williams
Requirements
The department’s program in political science is designed to provide a foundation for public service careers as well as graduate studies in political science or related fields in the social sciences.
The B.A. requires completion of the courses listed below, all general education requirements and additional free electives to a minimum of 120 semester hours, including exercise science and foreign language. Students should complete their general education requirements in writing and mathematics/computer science by their sophomore year. Majors are required to earn at least a “C” (2.0) minimum grade in foundation courses (100 level) and in the three required methods courses: SS 201, SS 300 and SS 400. Students should contact the department one semester prior to registering for their required research seminar, SS 400.
Specified courses for B.A. in Political Science:
PS 100 Introduction to Political Science PS 102 American Government PS 104 World Governments, Economies and Cultures or PS/ECO 110 Political Economy SS 201 Researching Social Issues SS 300 Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences SS 400 Senior Research Thesis Five approved courses in political science (200 – 400 level) Two approved courses from the following areas: anthropology, economics, geography, history, sociology. Students seeking the elementary education teaching certificate must choose courses in geography and sociology.
Suggested four-year course sequence for B.A. in Political Science
Minor in Political Science
Eighteen semester hours, to include: PS 100 Introduction to Political Science PS 102 American Government Four political science electives (200 level or above)
(Also available evenings)
The interdisciplinary major in social sciences is designed to provide a broad foundation in the social sciences and to allow a variety of course choices through which one of several topics or themes may be emphasized.
The B.A. requires completion of the courses listed below, as well as elective and specified general education requirements and additional free electives to a minimum of 120 semester hours, including exercise science and foreign language. Majors are required to earn at least a “C” (2.0) minimum grade in foundation courses (100 level) and in the three required methods courses: SS 201, SS 300 and SS 400. Students should complete their general education requirements in writing and mathematics/computer science by their sophomore year. Students should contact department one semester prior to registering for their required research seminar, SS 400.
Specified courses for B.A. Social Sciences
HIS 148 American History to 1877*
HIS 149 American History since 1877*
Non-Western Cultures
SOC 101 Social Problems*
SS 201 Researching Social Issues*
SS 300 Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences*
SS 400 Senior Research Thesis* (You must sign up for SS 400 the semester prior to registration.)
Select any three of the five courses listed*:
ANT 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics GEO 100 Principles of World Geography PS 100 Introduction to Political Science or PS 102 American Government SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
MAJOR ELECTIVES*: 5 courses total in ANT, ECO, GEO, PS, SOC, and/or SS as specified in Tiers 1 & 2 below.
Tier 1: Three Approved 200-400 LEVEL COURSES in ANT, ECO, GEO, PS, SOC, and/or SS (may include up to 1: NWC, or SOC/JLA 201, 205, 205, 334 or 336). At least 2 courses must be ANT, ECO, GEO, PS, SOC, and/or SS courses and not include NWC, GEO, or SOC/JLA cross-listed courses.)
Tier 2: Three Approved 300-400 LEVEL COURSES in ANT, ECO, GEO, PS, SOC, and/or SS (may include up to 1: SOC/JLA 334 or 336). At least 1 course must be ANT, ECO, GEO, PS, SOC, and/or SS courses and not include NWC, GEO, or SOC/JLA cross-listed courses.)
Forty-two semester credits of free electives
Suggested four-year course sequence for B.A. Social Sciences
Gen Ed: Communication Skills
Gen Ed: Humanities
HIS 148 American History to 1877
Sophmore Year
Gen Ed: PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
Tier 1 Major Elective 2
Tier 1 Major Elective 3
Gen Ed: Math (above MAT 100) or Gen Ed: Computer Science
Free Elective 3
SS 400 Senior Research Thesis (SS 300 at C or better, Writing Intensive)
*A minimum “C” grade is required.
OPTIONS are not required. The fifteen semester hours forming each option may be selected in place of the 15 hours of electives within the social sciences major. Students choosing to complete one of the five options must still meet the Tier 1 and Tier 2 requirements using the specified courses for their Option. The options suggest themes for study and give transcript recognition for such study.
Anthropology/Sociology Studies Option in Social Sciences
(15 S.H.) Any five ANT or SOC 200-400 level courses (ANT 110 Intro to Physical Anthropology, or SS 301 is permissible). ).
Family Studies Option in Social Sciences
(15 S.H.): Five courses. Must take ANT/SOC 221 Human Family Systems; and any 4 of the following:
ANT/SOC204 Culture and Personality
or SOC 205 Juvenile Delinquency
or SOC 211 Latina/os in the US
or SOC 225 Alternatives to Traditional American Families
or SW/SOC260 Aging: Impact, Needs & Services,
or SOC 301 Globalization & Migration,
or ANT/SOC305 Contemporary Family Problems,
or SS301 Guided Readings in Family Studies.
Global Studies Option in Social Sciences
(15 S.H.) Five courses from the following two categories; at least 2 courses from each category must be taken:
Category 1:
SS 101 Intro to Third World Development
or SOC 301 Globalization & Migration
or ANT/AAS/SOC 212 Peoples and Cultures of Africa
or SOC/ANT 216 Anthropology of the Middle East
or ANT 222 Peasant Societies
or ANT/SOC/ECO 234 Economic Anthropology
or SOC/ANT/WS 251 Women and Gender in the Middle East
or SOC/ANT 318 Third World and Development
Category 2:
ECO/PS 110 Introduction to Political Economy
or ECO 201 Comparative Economic Systems
or ECO 204 Economic Development & Growth
or PS 200 International Relations
or PS 305 Comparative Government & Politics
or PS 306 Comparative Communist & Post-Communist Systems
or PS 315 Environmental Issues on International Relations
or PS 401 Global Conflict Resolution
or PS 402 Violent and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution
or PS 403 International Institutions
Multi-cultural Studies Option in Social Sciences
(15 S.H.) Five courses from the following three categories; at least 1 course from each category must be taken:
SOC 200 Concepts of Race & Racism
SOC 202 Class, Status & Power
or ANT/COM 208 Intercultural Communication
or SOC 210 Urban Sociology
or ANT/WS 236 Culture, Sex and Gender
or PS/SOC 310 Political Sociology
or ANT/SOC 322 Comparative Minority Relations
or ANT/SOC 340 Culture Change & Planning, or ANT 351 Transnational Feminisms
Category 3:
SOC 211 Latina/os in the US
or ANT 213 North American Indians
or ANT 214 Peoples and Cultures of the Pacific
or ANT 215 Peoples and Cultures of Asia , or SOC/ANT 216 Anthropology of the Middle East
or ANT/WS 314 Native Peoples of the Southwest: Women, Spirituality and Power
or SOC 419 20th Century Black Experience
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of their studies, Social Science majors will demonstrate:
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Minor Programs
Faculty Advisor: A. Manes
To successfully negotiate today’s stressful and competitive environment, people require highly refined communication and conflict resolution skills. This minor program in conflict management allows students to learn about, practice and further develop some key fundamental behaviors designed to establish powerful rapport with others, and to manage conflict creatively and constructively when it occurs. In addition, the knowledge and insights gained in the basic core courses heighten intellectual pursuits in many other disciplines, such as political science, sociology, economics, history, psychology, communication, theater arts, social work, criminal justice and law, and management.
To enroll in this minor program, contact the program adviser listed above. In addition to two required foundation courses, SS 401 and PS 401 or SS 402, your adviser will help you select four additional elective courses from the list below. The program adviser may approve other elective courses if content is deemed relevant to the program. No more than six credit hours should be selected from any one discipline or from the student’s major. The conflict resolution minor program sheet/guide is available from the program adviser.
Required Foundation Courses
SS 401 Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution AND SS 402 Mediation: Theory & Practice OR PS 401 Global Conflict Resolution
Electives offered by the Dept. of Social Sciences: ANT/COM 208 Intercultural Communication ANT/SOC 322 Comparative Minority Relations ECO 308 Labor Economics ECO 321 Urban Economics PS 200 International Relations PS 290 Geopolitics in the 20th Century PS 402 Violent & Nonviolent Conflict Resolution PS 403 International Institutions SOC 101 Social Problems SOC 200 Concepts of Race & Ethnic Relations SOC 202 Class, Status & Power SOC 210 Urban Society SS 299 Student Developed Study
Electives offered by other departments: COM 210 Nonverbal Communication COM 212 Effective Listening COM 362 Organizational Communication COM 408 Strategies of Persuasion HIS 256 Background to the Civil War HIS 382 Contemporary Middle East JLA 426 Conflict Resolution & Management MGT 350 Management Negotiations MGT 376 Managing People PSY 205 Social Psychology SW 220 Cultural Diversity
Faculty Advisor: Joshua Regan
Eighteen semester hours, consisting of three required courses and three electives. Specialized knowledge in one world region or country is encouraged.
Emphasizing the interaction between humans and geo-physical environments, this minor explores the fundamental importance of location, place, region and the inter-relationships between differing localities in order to master geographic skills and knowledge.
Experience in spatial analysis skills includes data management, map reading, collation and presentation of geographical information, and related inferential thinking about human and geo-physical relationships. Spatial interactions, including trade, environmental management systems, as well as natural environmental conditions all contribute to a developing knowledge of world regions, countries, cities, and cultures.
Finally, moral questions encountered in geographical study are examined, including cultural differences, development prospects, and the importance of environmental management and conservation.
Requirements GEO 100 Principles of World Geography GEO 215 Geographical Information Systems (offered every spring) GEO 270 Geography of Environment and Development (offered every spring)
Electives: (at least two of which must be at the 200 level or above) GEO 290 Geopolitics in the Twenty-First Century GEO 250 USA and Canada: A Regional Study GEO 252 Latin America: A Regional Study GEO 253 Russia and Euro-Asia: A Regional Study ENV/GEO 150 Urban Environment as an Ecological Problem ES 103 Planet Earth AAS/GEO 251 Africa: A Regional Study HIS/AAS 219 African-American History and Culture (contemporary) NWC 103 Chinese Culture NWC 104 Japanese Culture NWC 105 Cultures of India NWC 107 Middle Eastern Culture NWC/AAS109 Equatorial African Cultures NWC 110 Vietnamese Culture NWC 112 Korean Culture NWC/AAS 113 Southern African Cultures NWC 115 Latin American and Caribbean Civilizations
Other electives with significant geographical components will be considered at the discretion of the faculty adviser.
Eighteen semester hours are required.
The object of the international studies minor is to encourage students to adopt a more expansive view of the world around them.
As a world power the United States continues to be more and more involved in the political, economic and cultural affairs of many countries. Our own security is dependent to an important degree on our relations with other countries, large and small. Many American jobs are dependent on overseas markets. Our well-being, therefore, depends on the understanding of foreign peoples, their histories and cultures. Giving our students some recognition in the form of an international studies minor may very well assist them in their career goals no matter what their majors happen to be.
To fulfill the requirements of the international studies minor the student must:
(with elective African-American Focus)
Faculty Advisor: R. Whittemore
In addition to the required course, SOC 200 Concepts of Race and Racism, courses may include those listed for the Multi-cultural Studies Option in Social Sciences as well as any course from any other discipline (100-400 level), provided (a) the student requests and receives approval from the Minor Faculty Adviser and (b) the university catalog course descriptions of those alternative courses indicate substantial ethnic, minority and cultural diversity subject coverage.
If at least 12 semester hours are in African-American studies (AAS) courses (100-400 level), the student’s transcript shall read: minor in multi-cultural studies: African-American focus.
Faculty Advisor: C. Banhauer
The urban studies minor is an interdisciplinary program focusing on urban issues, concepts, and problems. The minor affords students the opportunity to explore urban concerns through a variety of disciplinary lenses and the chance to examine practical solutions to urban problems. The minor also prepares students for increased employment possibilities at the municipal, state, or federal level, or for graduate work in one of several areas related to urban studies (e.g., urban studies, urban, town, or regional planning, urban geography, demography, etc.).
Students select 18 semester hours from the courses listed below; no more than nine hours should be from 100-level courses and no more than six hours should be selected from any one discipline or from the student’s major. Students are strongly encouraged to apply 3-6 semester hours earned in an approved cooperative education internship to this program.
ANT 350 Modern & Postmodern Societies ART 101 History and Appreciation of Western Art: Renaissance to the Present ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECO 107 Contemporary Domestic Economic Issues ECO 321 Urban Economics GEO/ENV 150 Urban Environment as a Human Ecological Problem HIS 201 Immigrant NYC HIS 208 Rise of Industrialism in America HIS 363 The American City HIS 368 New York City: History and Culture HIS X99 Student Independent Study PS 218 American State & Local Government SS/CED 297 Coop Internship SOC 101 Social Problems SOC 210 Urban Sociology
Any appropriate substitute course must have prior department approval.
Faculty Advisor: C. Hegel-Cantarella
The women’s studies minor is an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental program that provide the opportunity for students to increase their awareness and knowledge about women’s achievements and contributions to society, and about social concerns and issues that are of particular importance to women and to all minority groups.
The 18 credits in the minor shall consist of electives with a WS label or courses with a discipline label which are identified as relevant by a committee drawn from participating departments. Students should contact their faculty adviser for a list of recommended electives.
WS 200 Introduction to Women’s Studies WS/ANT 236 Culture, Sex and Gender WS/ANT 314 Native Peoples of the Southwest: Women, Spirituality and Power WS/COM 211 Women, Language and Communication WS/COM 444 Women and the Media in the U.S. WS/ECO 327 Economics of Gender WS/ENG 334 Women Writers WS/HIS 320 Women and Leadership WS/JLA 301 Women and Criminal Justice WS/NUR 250 Women’s Health Issues WS/PSY 217 Psychology of Women
Recommended cognate elective courses for Women’s Studies SOC 221 Human Family Systems SOC 305 Contemporary Family Problems SW 220 Cultural Diversity
