Department of Sociology and Anthropology

• Faculty
• Field Description
• The Major and Courses
• The Minors
• Courses
• Courses in Sociology (SOC)
• Courses in Anthropology (ANT)
• Courses in Geography (GEOG)
• Department of Sociology and Anthropology Web Site

The Faculty

Chair:  Carla Bellamy

Professors:

• Kenneth Guest
• Barbara Katz Rothman
• Glenn Petersen
• Robin Root

Associate Professor:

• Angie Beeman
• Carla Bellamy
• Carolle Charles
• Katrin Hansing
• Ted Henken (joint appointment with Black and Latino Studies)
• Gregory Snyder

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Field Description

The behavioral sciences of sociology and anthropology help students develop an appreciation and understanding of the myriad structures and processes that characterize life in social groups. While sociology tends to concentrate on complex modern societies, exploring societal change and institutions, anthropology tends to cover a wider span, focusing on both Western and non-Western societies. (cultural anthropology is stressed at Baruch.) The methods and insights of sociology and cultural anthropology offer the tools you need to succeed in our globalizing world and to grapple with the great challenges and questions of our time. Does "the American Dream" still work, as Baruch College's motto claims, or has income inequality in America reached the point of no return? Are there universal human rights? If so, who gets to decide what they are? What is globalization exactly, and how does it shape your life and the lives of others?  How can we meet the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change?  What is sexuality and why are there so many strong opinions about it?  Is there really any such thing as religious violence?  What is religion, anyway?  What do changing attitudes toward gender roles tell us about what it means to be an American?  What is race?  Why does racism persist?

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Baruch College offers courses that can help you understand your place in the world, your part in it, and what it takes to create change and progress in your own life, your career, and in the world.  Pursuing a major in sociology or a minor in sociology or cultural anthropology, is both intellectually compelling and practical.  Students who concentrate in these disciplines pursue careers in criminal justice, human services, education, government, non-profits, and business.  Students at Baruch who opt to major in a business discipline can enhance their appeal to prospective employers by minoring in sociology or cultural anthropology.  Both of these disciplines foster creative, critical, and innovative thinking skills that are honed through engagement with real-life situations and problems.

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The Major   

Sociology majors must satisfy the degree requirements of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences as well as departmental requirements. In addition to completing an introductory or prerequisite course in either sociology or anthropology. a total of 24 credits of coursework in the department are requirements. These include two foundation courses, and six elective courses at the 3000-level or above. One of those electives must be a sociology course at the 4000-level or above and one must be an anthropology elective at the 3000 or 4000-level. Elective courses cover a broad range of topics, including the following: globalization; migration; race; gender and sexuality; social inequality; religion; urban life and institutions; environment and climate change; human geography; area studies; religion health; social movements; and peace and war. Students who are interested in any of the specific areas of focus are encouraged to seek advisement from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. 

The Minors

• Anthropology
• New York Studies
• Sociology

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers minors in both sociology and anthropology. These programs give students an in-depth understanding of key concepts of fields within sociology and anthropology. Students are required to take three courses in the department at the 3000 or 4000-level, including at least one at the 4000-level. Although the department recommends either ANT 4800 or SOC 4900, any 4000-level course offered by the department may serve as the capstone for either the sociology or the anthropology minor.

Minor in New York Studies

The New York City Studies Minor provides students the opportunity to learn about the impact of global trends on New York City, specifically, in addition to urban environments more generally. Students will analyze the intersections and contests between global institutions, elites, and local communities. Courses in this program will allow students to understand the rapidly changing economic, political, social, environmental, and religious landscapes of the world today.

This minor is not open to students in the Macaulay Honors Program, and it satisfies the College Option requirement.

Required Capstone Course:

Elective courses (choose two):

* Students may use this course if the topic is relevant to the minor. Please consult the Director of the New York Studies Program for permission.

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Courses

Courses in Sociology (SOC)

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Courses in Anthropology (ANT)

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Courses in Geography (GEOG)

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