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Christine Hegel-Cantarella, Chair (2024-2026) hegelcantarellac@wcsu.edu WA 217, Midtown campus (203) 837-3914 (203) 837-8905 (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 C. Hegel-Cantarella R. Whittemore E. Metzner – Adjunct C. Nelson – Adjunct J. Russo – Adjunct F. Schneiderman – Adjunct M. Tepepa Covarrubias – Adjunct P. Wegner – Adjunct
Sociology C. Bandhauer M. Misra V. Bloch – Adjunct R. Duque – Adjunct L. Huber – Adjunct A. Makherjee – Adjunct B. A’kor Quartey – Adjunct H. Tokke – Adjunct
Geography J. Funke – Adjunct
Political Science J. Schofield H.H. Williams D. Delong – Adjunct V. Dumitrascu – Adjunct M. Santoro – Adjunct B. Tran – Adjunct
The Social Sciences have 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 2 programs: 1) a combined major in Anthropology and Sociology (students choose between options for General Studies, Social Justice & Policy, or Global Studies); and 2) Political Science.
This curricular effort is supported by the department’s Connecticut Futures Lab which houses a variety of research and professionalization opportunities for students, the Social Justice Institute and our Archaeology laboratory. The department generates opportunities for students to become academically involved in practical and meaningful ways through – it’s role in the Undocumented student services via the UndocuAlly Task Force, the Racial Justice Coalition, and the Jane Goodall Institute. 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.
Mission
The two 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.
The combined major in Anthropology and Sociology offers ways of understanding both everyday life and complex social issues from local, national and global perspectives. Students use socio-historical, cultural, political, economic and environmental lenses to recognize, research and generate useful comparative and historically grounded understandings of the world. Anthropology/ Sociology majors gain from the specializations of our purposefully composed faculty who have geographically specific expertise reaching around the globe. Immersed into both disciplines, students hone critical thinking skills, craft their research techniques, and cultivate holistic approaches to social problems and cultural data. The major is crafted to meet the demand for research, analysis, and socio-cultural insights in industry, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations both locally and internationally. The degree in Anthropology/Sociology prepares students for meaningful work within a variety of social service, social justice, education, public health, government, and business careers, as well as an array of graduate programs.
Options: Students majoring in Anthropology/Sociology choose from three options: Global Studies, Social Justice & Policy, or a General Studies option that combines both.
The Connecticut Futures Lab: All three options in the Anthropology/Sociology program include professionalizing opportunities in the Connecticut Futures Lab (CFL). The CFL, housed in the Department of Social Sciences, provides students unparalleled experiential learning through curricular initiatives, including independent research, research assistantships, and collaborative research with community partners. The CFL provides support for students to find and undertake internships and to participate in academic conferences. Extracurricular activities hosted by the CFL, such as alumni events, guest speakers and field trips, enrich students’ experiences, build networks and sustain our community.
*Distinction All students within the combined Anthropology/Sociology major wishing to get the most out of the major may pursue the B.A. with a distinction. This requires a minimum of four courses above and beyond the regular requirements for the student’s chosen degree option. These include: two additional courses within the Tier 1 ANT/SOC major electives, SS 300, both SS 400, and ANT/SOC 420 CFL: Internship, a 3.5 GPA within the major.
The distinction designation will appear on the student’s official transcript, and students will receive a distinction cord to wear with their academic regalia at commencement. Students graduating with Distinction will be invited to join the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in the Social Sciences. Please inquire about graduating with distinction with your advisor.
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 preparation for graduate studies in political science, as well as in related fields, such as pre-law.
Learning Outcomes for Anthropology/Sociology and Political Science Majors
At the completion of their studies, Social Science majors will demonstrate:
Degree Programs in Social Sciences (both Anthropology/Sociology and Political Science Majors)
Degree and minor programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0. Political Science 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. Anthropology/Sociology majors are required to earn at least a “C-” in ANT/SOC 330; in SS 201; in either SS 400 or SS 420; and in all Tier 1 and Tier 2 Major Elective Requirements. Students should contact their advisor in order to sign up for their required research seminar, SS 400, one semester prior to registration (Anthropology/Sociology majors may take SS 400 and/or SS 420).
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 (Anthropology/Sociology majors may submit the senior thesis from SS 400 or the final assignment for SS 420).
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: Students should choose one of the three options below: –General Studies –Global Studies –Social Justice and Policy
-Political Science
Minor Programs Anthropology Conflict Resolution Cultural Resource Management Geography International Studies Multicultural Studies Multi-cultural Studies with elective African-American focus Political Science Sociology Urban Studies Women’s Studies
Bachelor of Arts Anthropology/Sociology: General Studies (B.A.)
Description: The combined major in Anthropology and Sociology offers ways of understanding both everyday life and complex social issues from local, national and global perspectives. The General Studies option permits students to choose their own route whether by designing a unique combination of coursework, professional and research exploration found in the other options, or by enabling students to maximize time and workload efficiency. The major is crafted to meet the demand for research, analysis, and socio-cultural insights in industry, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations both locally and internationally. The degree in Anthropology/Sociology prepares students for meaningful work within a variety of social service, social justice, education, public health, government, and business careers, as well as an array of graduate programs.
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: 34 credits minimum, or with distinction 47 credits minimum
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/ugrad2425/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: General Studies Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*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 Anthropology/Sociology: Global Studies option (B.A.)
Description: The Global Studies option builds on the Anthropology/Sociology major, offering access to a broader interdisciplinary experience. It offers a flexible and unique opportunity where students may elect to benefit from the expertise of faculty in other disciplines. 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. 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 America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the United States. We also strongly recommend that students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad through WCSU’s affiliation with the ISEP program (https://www.wcsu.edu/isep/). Through this culmination of experiences, the major is crafted to meet the high demand for research, analysis, and social/cultural insights in industry, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations locally and internationally. The Global Studies Option prepares students for meaningful work within a variety of world-wide social service, social justice, education, public health, government, and business careers, as well as an array of graduate programs.
Required Courses in the Major: 37 credits minimum, or with distinction 50 credits minimum.
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 Anthropology/Sociology – Global Studies Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*Complete study of World Language at an elementary II level or above. Students who have completed three years of a language in high school with a ‘C’ average have satisfied this requirement. Consult your advisor.
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology/Sociology: Social Justice and Policy option (B.A.)
Description: The Social Justice and Policy option offers students a flexible and unique opportunity where students benefit from the expertise of faculty in multiple disciplines. Students explore and assess topical issues that grapple with inequities and injustices, and then learn to develop and implement effective policy. The major is crafted to meet the high demand for research, analysis, and social/cultural insights in industry, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations locally and internationally. The Social Justice & Policy Option prepares students for meaningful work within a variety of social service, social justice, education, public health, government, and business careers, as well as an array of graduate programs.
Required Courses in the Major:37 credits minimum, or with distinction 50 credits minimum.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Anthropology/Sociology – Social Justice and Policy option Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
**Students who have completed three years of a language in high school with 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: 40 semester hours (SH).
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Political Science 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. Bandhauer 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
