Siena Heights University
used to explore “ the human condition ,” but the primary information comes from outside the United States and Europe . This course begins with an introduction to anthropological perspectives , its methods of inquiry , and how is applied . It continues by focusing on culture ; and social systems of social stratification based on socio-economic class , “ social race ,” and ethnic categories . It concludes by examining anthropology ’ s role in a globalizing world . Concepts from complexity theories and creativity ( e . g . social artistry ), ideas about eco-social justice ( e . g . social and environmental inclusivity ), and an “ appreciative inquiry ” ( e . g . strength based ) perspectives are embedded into the course . This is an applied anthropology course which uses a variety of multi-sensual educational methodologies requiring active engagement and face to face collaboration . The emphasis is on refining skills of observing , asking questions , active listening , reflecting and “ connecting the dots ” among local “ place-based educational ” projects and information provided by textbooks , films , speakers , etc . It includes extensive community based ethnographic ( e . g . participant-observation ) research work , completed at Michener Elementary School , outside of class times , which involves the design , implementation , and evaluation of a mini-ecology lesson . A criminal history background check is required . Prerequisite : None Liberal Arts : Social Science Course is offered : FA and WI Every Year
SOC 232 FAMILIES : COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES 3 Families are basic units in every society . They perform functions which affect every other institution in a social system and are in turn influenced by changes in other social systems ( e . g . ecological , technological , economic , political symbolic ). Students trace these links and examine families as both institutions and processes . They explore a variety of related topics ( definitions of families , kinship ties , marriage , parenting styles , and policy issues ). Understanding these interrelationships enhances their effectiveness as future professionals ( e . g . social workers , educators , probation officers ) who will be engaged in service delivery with individuals , families , neighborhoods and communities . They also can view their past experiences with families as " training grounds " for their own present and future personal family relationships . Students use both anthropological and sociological frameworks and methods to enhance their understandings of creative processes . This includes the refinement of empathic skills and the further development of critical thinking abilities through the use of social justice perspectives . A variety of interactive educational methodologies , including service learning assignments , are used in the course . Prerequisite : SOC 111 or 113 Course is offered : WI or SU Every Year
SOC 244 SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON RACE AND ETHNICITY 3 The major purpose of this course is to help students understand sociological perspectives on internal and intergroup relations . Students explore how racial and ethnic groups are socially constructed , reproduced , and changed . Course content includes information on the ways in which racial and ethnic categories of people are linked to ecological , technological , economic , political , social , and symbolic systems . An emphasis is placed on the differential power between various racial and ethnic groups . This includes an analysis of the social structures which are utilized to maintain these power differences . Personal levels of responses of majority and minority groups will also be addressed . The specific experience of several minority groups within the United States will be used as case studies , along with some international examples . The focus will be on groups that future professionals in the course ( e . g . social workers , educators , business managers , artists ) may be working with during their careers . Students use sociological frameworks , along with anthropological concepts , and methods which focus on ethnic and racial groups to enhance their understandings of creative processes . This includes the refinement of empathic skills and the further development of their critical thinking abilities , using social justice perspectives . A variety of interactive educational methodologies , including service-learning assignments are used in the course . Prerequisite : SOC 111 or 113 Course is offered : FA and WI Every Year
SOC 312 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RELATIONS 3 An analysis of the family as a system of kinship with specified historical and cultural roots . The course covers factors affecting success in marriage , marital adjustment , varying roles of men and women , and the changing nature of families in contemporary society . It is recommended that students complete at least one course in sociology prior to enrolling in this class .
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2016-2018 291