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Carina Bandhauer, Chair bandhauerc@wcsu.edu Warner Hall 207, Midtown campus (203) 837-8650 (203) 837-8905 (fax)
Christine Hegel-Cantarella, Associate Chair (fall 2023)hegelcantarellac@wcsu.edu Warner Hall 217, Midtown campus (203) 837-3914
Howell Williams, Associate Chair (spring 2024) williamsh@wcsu.edu Warner Hall 211, Midtown Campus (203)837-9335
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
Geography TBA
Political Science J. Schofield H.H. Williams (Assoc Chair Spring 2024)
Adjunct Faculty
Overview
Social Sciences 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, geography, political science, sociology and social sciences research methodology. The department awards the B.A. degree in four programs: 1) anthropology and sociology; 2) political science; and 3) interdisciplinary social sciences with options in Global Studies or Social Justice & Policy.*
This curricular effort is supported by the department’s Connecticut Futures Lab which houses the a variety of research and professionalization opportunities for students, the Social Justice Institute and our archaeology laboratory. The department’s role in the Undocumented student services via the UndocuAlly Task Force, the Racial Justice Coalition, and the Jane Goodall Institute generates opportunities for students to become academically involved in practical and meaningful ways. Additionally, the department has cooperative departmental cross-listing of some courses and exchange of faculty instruction with several university departments such as communication, art, economics, education, environmental sciences, history and world perspectives, management (public administration), social work, and the Kathwari Honors Program.
The department sponsors a campus chapters of the Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha and the International Honor Society in the Social Sciences, Pi Gamma Mu. Membership in these honors societies gives recognition to scholastic achievement, thereby enhancing employer and graduate admissions consideration. The campus chapters also provide the opportunity for members to contribute their talent for the benefit of the university and general community. Obtain details from the department chairperson.
The department also sponsors the Social Sciences Journal, which publishes 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 three programs within the social sciences at WCSU 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 focus on the study of social relations, transformations, and problems at local, national and global scales. Anthropology/Sociology majors cultivate critical insights and cross-cultural perspectives that are of growing importance in an interconnected world facing many human-made challenges. With rigorous training in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, the Anthropology/Sociology program provides excellent preparation for careers in social service and social justice work, education, public health, government, and 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
With the BA in Social Sciences students choose from two options: Global Studies, or Social Justice and Policy. Each option offers a flexible and unique interdisciplinary opportunity where students benefit from the combined expertise of anthropologists, economists, geographers, political scientists, and sociologists in the Department of Social Sciences. Both options ground students in a skill set of scientific research methods. The interdisciplinary approach affords students socio-cultural literacy, and a global perspective, both of which equip students to thrive in diverse communities locally and internationally. With the Global Studies option, students explore both the interconnectedness of our world as well as social issues in nearly every geographic region of the globe including Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Latin American and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the United States. With the Social Justice and Policy option, students explore and assess topical issues that grapple with inequities and injustices, and then learn to develop and implement effective policy.
*Pending Title IV approval, beginning in fall 2024, the options of Global Studies and Social Justice & Policy will be re-homed within the Anthropology/Sociology major. Students who enter as a Social Sciences major may maintain their major as they entered the university, or may choose to take advantage of additional opportunities within the re-homed major. If you have questions, please inquire with the department chair or any faculty member in anthropology, political science, or sociology.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of their studies, Social Science majors will demonstrate:
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 Thesis Research Seminar).
4) A professional résumé and sample cover letter.
Details of the below listed programs are presented on the next several pages.
Bachelor of Arts Anthropology/Sociology Political Science Social Sciences: Students should choose one of the below options. –Social Sciences: Global Studies –Social Sciences: Social Justice and Policy
Minor Programs Anthropology Conflict Resolution Cultural Resource Management 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.)
Description: The allied fields of anthropology and sociology focus on the study of social relations, transformations, and problems at local, national, and global scales. Anthropology/Sociology majors cultivate critical insights and cross-cultural perspectives that are of growing importance in an interconnected world facing many challenges. With rigorous training in and qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, the Anthropology/Sociology program provides excellent preparation for careers in social service and social justice work, education, public health, government, and business.
Degree Requirements All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 42 SH.
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Anthropology/Sociology Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
OR ANT/SOC Elective Tier 1
OR SOC 101 Social Problems
Complete study of World Language at an elementary II level or above.
*Students who have completed three years of language in high school with at least a ‘C’ average have satisfied this requirement. Consult your advisor.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (B.A.)
Description: 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.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 39 semester hours (SH).
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Political Science Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
OR Free Elective
*Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a C average in high school are not required to complete a foreign language requirement. However, for students in political science, we strongly suggest that you consider exploring an additional foreign language or advancing your skills in the language studied in high school. Intercultural Competency is required.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences: Global Studies option (B.A.)
Description: For a BA in Social Sciences, students must choose from two options: Global Studies or Social Justice and Policy. Each option offers flexible and unique interdisciplinary opportunity where students benefit from the combined expertise of anthropologists, economists, geographers, political scientists, and sociologists in the Department of Social Sciences. Both options ground students in a skill set of scientific research methods. The interdisciplinary approach affords students socio-cultural literacy, and a global perspective, both of which equip students to thrive in diverse communities locally and internationally. With the Global Studies option, students explore both the interconnectedness of our world as well as social issues in nearly every geographic region of the globe.
Required Courses in the Major: 42 SH
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Social Sciences- Global Studies Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a C average in high school are not required to complete a foreign language requirement. However, for students in social sciences, we strongly suggest that you consider exploring an additional foreign language or advancing your skills in the language studied in high school. Intercultural Competency is required.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences: Social Justice and Policy option (B.A.)
Description: For a BA in Social Sciences, students must choose from two options: Global Studies or Social Justice and Policy. Each option offers flexible and unique interdisciplinary opportunity where students benefit from the combined expertise of anthropologists, economists, geographers, political scientists, and sociologists in the Department of Social Sciences. Both options ground students in a skill set of scientific research methods. The interdisciplinary approach affords students socio-cultural literacy, and a global perspective, both of which equip students to thrive in diverse communities locally and internationally. With the Social Justice and Policy option, students explore and assess topical issues that grapple with inequities and injustices, and then learn to develop and implement effective policy.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Social Sciences- Social Justice and Policy option Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Minor Programs
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Minor is Anthropology (18 SH) Faculty Advisor: C. Hegel-Cantarella or R. Whittemore
Six classes (eighteen credit hours) are required. At least 3 courses (9 credit hours) must be taken at WCSU. No more than 3 courses (9 credit hours) may overlap with another major or minor.
Required Courses: 6 SH ANT 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ANT 110 Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Approved Anthropology Electives (all of which must be 200-level or above) 12 SH
Minor in Conflict Resolution (18 SH) Faculty Advisor: J. Schofield
Six classes (eighteen credit hours) are required. At least 3 courses (9 credit hours) must be taken at WCSU. No more than 3 courses (9 credit hours) may overlap with another major or minor
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 advisor listed above. In addition to two required foundation courses, SS 401 and PS 401 or SS 402, your advisor will help you select four additional elective courses from the list below. The program advisor 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 advisor.
Required Courses (6 SH): SS 401 Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution AND SS 402 Mediation: Theory & Practice OR PS 401 Global Conflict Resolution
Four (4) Approved Electives (12 SH): 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 Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Minor is Cultural Resource Management
Required Courses (18 SH) ANT 104 Intro to Archaeology ANT 213 North American Indians ANT 229 Archaeological Field Methods (ANT 100) ANT 341 Cultural Resource Management HIS 294 Introduction to Historical Research
Minor in Geography Faculty Advisor: C. Bandhauer
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, cultural differences, development prospects, and the importance of environmental management and conservation are also considered.
Required Courses (9 SH): 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 (9 SH): (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) WP 103 Chinese Culture WP 104 Japanese Culture WP 105 Cultures of India WP 107 Middle Eastern Culture WP/AAS 109 Equatorial African Cultures WP 110 Vietnamese Culture WP 112 Korean Culture WP/AAS 113 Southern African Cultures WP 115 Latin American and Caribbean Civilizations
Other electives with significant geographical components will be considered at the discretion of the faculty advisor.
Minor in International Studies: Interdisciplinary (18 SH) Faculty Advisor: C. Bandhauer or R. Whittemore
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:
Minor in Multi-cultural Studies (with elective African-American Focus) (18 SH) Faculty Advisor: C. Bandauer or 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 Advisor and (b) the university catalog course descriptions of those alternative courses indicate substantial ethnic, minority and cultural diversity subject coverage.
Required Course (3 SH): SOC 200 Concepts of Race and Racism
Multicultural Studies Option: Must choose 1 course from each of the following categories (12 SH): 1. ANT/COM 208 Intercultural Communication OR ANT/SOC 322 Comparative Minority Relations OR ANT/SOC 340 Culture Change & Planning 2. ANT/SOC 350 Modern & Post Modern Societies OR PS/COM 310 Political Sociology OR SOC 202 Class, Status & Power 3. ANT/SOC 221 Human Family Systems OR SOC 225 Alt. to Traditional American Families OR SW 220 Diversity Equity & Inclusion 4. Any AAS (200-level) OR AAS/ANT 212 Peoples and Cultures of Africa; ANT 213 North American Indians; ANT 214 Pacific; ANT 298 Faculty Developed Study
Additional Multicultural Studies Option: Must choose 1 course from the following (3 SH): SOC 211 Latinos/as/x in United States ANT/SOC/AAS 212 Peoples & Cultures of Africa ANT 213 North American Indians ANT 214 Peoples & Cultures of the Pacific ANT 215 Peoples & Cultures of Asia ANT/SOC 216 Anthropology of the Middle East ANT/WS 236 Culture, Sex and Gender SOC 301 Globalization and Migration ANT/WS 314 Native Peoples of the Southwest: Women, Spirituality & Power SOC/ANT 318 Third World and Development ANT/WS 321 Gender & Globalization ANT/351 Transnational Feminisms ANT/SOC/WS 352 Women & Gender in the Middle East
African American focus: Requires at least 12 SH in African-American studies (AAS) courses.
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.
Minor in Political Science 18 SH
Required Courses 6 SH PS 102 American Government PS 104 World Governments
4 (four) Approved Political Science Electives (must be 200-level of above) 12 SH
Minor in Sociology 18 SH Faculty Advisor: C. Bandhauer or M. Misra
Required Courses (6 SH) SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 120 (CT, W2) SOC 101 Social Problems
4 (four) Approved Sociology Electives (all of which must be 200-level or above) 12 SH
In total, six classes (eighteen credit hours) are required. At least 3 courses (9 credit hours) must be taken at WCSU. No more than 3 courses (9 credit hours) may overlap with another major or minor
Minor in Urban Studies Faculty Advisor: C. Bandhauer or C. Hegel-Cantarella
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.
Minor in Women’s Studies (WS) 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 advisor 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 Diversity Equity & Inclusion
