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College of Arts & Sciences Catalog

Anthropology, Sociology, and Reconciliation Studies

Preparing for a trip to South Africa

The Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Reconciliation Studies thoroughly integrates the methods and theories  of anthropology and sociology in the study of social and cultural life. This approach prepares students to live and serve in our complex multicultural world of rapid urbanization, diverse religious voices, political conflict, and a widening gap between the haves and have-nots. Students are encouraged to use the tools of the social sciences to meet these challenges in the light of an informed Christian faith.

The department offers programs to engage this changing world by building an anthropological and sociological core, and applying these core understandings to real-world concerns such as crime, poverty, and racism. We offer a major in sociocultural studies with tracks in anthropology, sociology, urban, and cross-cultural mission, as well as a major in reconciliation studies. Minors in the department include sociocultural studies, reconciliation studies, and cross-cultural mission.

Courses

Anthropology Courses

ANT200U • Introduction to Anthropology (fall, spring) 3 credits

Study of humankind, with an emphasis on human social and cultural systems. Focus on one non-Western culture in anthropological perspective. Study of the discipline, methods, and theories of anthropology. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES 145, 146.

ANT241U • Peoples and Cultures of Africa (interim) 3 credits

Comparative ethnography of contemporary African societies and cultures with particular reference to the Sub-Saharan region. Examination of Africa’s geography and historical context. Topics include: politics and economies of the region, population and urbanization, social institutions, women’s issues, the family, and religion. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES 145; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

ANT242U • Peoples and Cultures of the United States (fall, spring) 3 credits

Comparative ethnography of contemporary United States cultures. A study of cultural origins and development of cultures in this complex, multicultural society with specific focus on Native American, immigrant minority, and dominant majority cultures of the United States. Special attention given to the nature of this pluralistic society and processes of community formation. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES 145, 146.

ANT245U • Peoples and Cultures of China (fall) 3 credits

Comparative ethnography of contemporary Chinese societies and culture. Study of historical influences and modern Chinese politics; economy; population growth; environmental problems; the institution of the family, marriage, and sexuality; women and development; religion; literature; and popular culture. Explores the increased expansion and influence of China in global affairs and in different regions of the developing world. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES 145; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

ANT301K • Human Origins and Diversity (fall) 3 credits

Fossil evidence for human origins and development. Human adaptation to the environment, human genetics, heredity, and comparison of humans to other primates. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course.

ANT305 • Intentional Urban Living I (fall, spring) 2 credits

Intensive urban learning opportunity involving exploration and analysis of urban community, urban neighborhood social and political structures, and theological issues that arise in an urban context. Involves living in an urban neighborhood in Minneapolis or St. Paul and substantial interaction in the neighborhood.

ANT306 • Intentional Urban Living II (fall, spring) 2 credits

Intensive urban learning opportunity involving exploration and analysis of urban community, urban neighborhood social and political structures, and theological issues that arise in an urban context. Involves living in an urban neighborhood in Minneapolis or St. Paul and substantial interaction in the neighborhood. Involves an individualized research project and/or action project focused on a change initiative.

ANT314G • Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (occasionally) 3 credits

Comparative ethnography of Latin America. A study of cultural and social uniformities and differences for this geographical region to develop an understanding of the social structures of Latin America. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

ANT318G • The Urban Church (interim, odd # yrs) 3 credits

Taught on-site in cities around the world (e.g., Amsterdam). Students research the challenges of urban communities and help local churches develop church-based responses to these challenges. Intensive interaction with urban communities and churches. Method for applied and experiential learning in response to social needs. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

ANT340GZ • Globalization in India (interim, even # yrs) 3 credits

Intensive study of globalization. Focus on the process of globalization through exploring the participation in the world economic, cultural, and social systems by individuals and communities at multiple levels of involvement—North American, Indian national elites, factory owners and workers, and the poor. Seek understanding of how globalization is affecting the lives of persons and communities at each level. Explore personal responsibility and involvement in the changing world of globalization. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course; consent of instructors.

ANT371G • Christianity in Cross-Cultural Perspective (spring) 3 credits

How Christian faith and practice everywhere are influenced by and expressed through social systems. Aspects of the social structure of selected Christian groups, both Western and non-Western, with emphasis on how these structures contribute to and result from Christian conversion, belief, and practice. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

ANT381G • Urbanism: A Way of Life (spring) 3 credits

Comparative study of urban life and urban social and cultural forces. Ways in which humans construct community; develop distinct urban lifestyles; and interact across social, ethnic, and religious boundaries. Special attention given to implications for urban planning, community development, and urban ministry. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

Reconciliation Studies Courses

RES201 • Introduction to Reconciliation Studies (fall, spring) 3 credits

Overview of theory and literature in the field, contributing factors leading to the need for reconciliation in our world, and paradigms for reconciliation praxis. Biblically based principles and processes for moving toward societal reconciliation. Cultural and religious diversity, conflict resolution, spiritual disciplines, social and economic justice issues (racism, sexism, classism), and related subjects are covered.

RES207U • Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Our Multicultural World (fall, spring) 3 credits

A study, comparison, and contrast of the lives and messages of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X with an application of this analysis to the present world situation. These two leaders are examined within the context of their African-American culture and religion, as well as within the broader cultural diversity of the United States and the rest of the world. Not open to students who have taken GES203L Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146.

RES210UZ • Leaders for Change in Jordan (interim, even # yrs) 3 credits

Experience and examine Jordan's leadership and sociocultural dynamics when its leaders work as agents for change in their Arab Muslim culture. Learn from Jordan's leaders in business, ecotourism, non-government organizations, education, and religion, analyzing how they lead their society into a diverse and interconnected world. Emphasis given to cross-cultural competency development. Learn tourist level Arabic. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146. Recommended courses: HIS212U, REL354.

RES240 • Introduction to South African History and Culture (interim) 3 credits

Explores the history of South Africa: the impact of colonialism on the indigenous peoples, and emergence of apartheid and its impact. Attention is given to the role of the church both in the evolution of apartheid and in its demise. The multiculturalism that enriches South Africa is explored. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the South Africa Term.

RES305 • Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills (fall) 3 credits

Provides practical peacemaking and reconciliation skills relevant to helping Christians resolve conflict in a healthy, balanced way. Focus on using experiential learning to develop negotiation and mediation skills.

RES315 • Social Responsibility in the Marketplace (fall) 3 credits

Using multidisciplinary perspective, the course explores the different ways and dimensions that businesses relate to society and the nature of reciprocal relationship (whether good or bad) between the two social entities. Examines contrasting ethical arguments in historical contexts about the role of business in society. Considerable time will be spent discussing ways that healthy relationships can be promoted between business and society for the benefit of both entities. Prerequisites: Christianity and Western Civilization; Western Humanities; World Cultures (U) course. (Carries cross-credit in sociocultural studies.)

RES481 • Internship in Reconciliation Studies (spring) 3 credits

Practical learning experience to apply understanding and skills of reconciliation studies in a real-world setting. Prerequisites: RES201; major in reconciliation studies; junior or senior standing.

RES499 • Senior Seminar in Reconciliation Studies (fall, spring) 4 credits

Prepares students to use the lenses of Christ-centered biblical “reconciliation” theology, critical thinking, multicultural perspectives, social change analysis, and conflict resolution skills for leadership in the work of reconciliation in society. Students study theoretical underpinnings of reconciliation studies and leadership models of reconciliation practice. A service-learning component is required. Prerequisite: RES201; senior standing.

Sociocultural Studies Courses

SCS202U • Holistic Ministry and Human Needs (fall) 3 credits

Survey of human needs with attention paid to the cultural perspectives and reality of those populations in need. Study of social, cultural, political, spiritual, environmental, and economic forces that shape human needs. Emphasis on those models with holistic ministry responses that are participatory and culturally contextualized. General models and findings are contextualized through the intensive study of a particular cultural group outside the majority culture(s) found in North America and Europe. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146.

SCS229U • Interaction with Urban Life and Systems (interim) 3 credits

Experientially based introduction to the religious, ethnic, and economic diversity of urban life. Formal and informal interrelationships of people living in the urban environment and various models for approaching urban ministry. Students explore the reality of living in urban life through intensive study of and interaction with a specific cultural group that lies outside the majority culture(s) found in North America. Students are encouraged to understand their own feelings and social roles. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146.

SCS317G • Social Change and Community Development (spring) 3 credits

Examines the multiple dimensions of the causes, processes, mechanism, strategies, and consequences of social change in the United States, Western, and non-Western societies at large. Topics include: patterns of change; spheres of change; duration of change; reactions to change; impact of change; costs of change; strategies of change; and assessment of change. Focuses on how community development programs through non-profit organizations can be used to promote meaningful and desirable social change in society. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SCS330G • Local Development in Guatemala (spring) 3 credits

Sociological study of how regional and worldwide political, economic, and social structures, along with broader historical events, impact local communities in Guatemala. Exploration of holistic development in these communities, with special emphasis placed on those models that are participatory and culturally contextualized. Case studies are drawn from Guatemala. Prerequisites: Must be enrolled in Bethel’s Guatemala Term program; GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SCS350 • Qualitative Research Methods (spring) 4 credits

Qualitative methodologies in the social sciences, with a particular focus in ethnographic field technologies. Interview and observation skills through field work in the Twin Cities area. Prerequisite: World Cultures (U) course.

SCS351 • Quantitative Research Methods (fall) 4 credits

Study of quantifying social life to answer research questions. Focus on structuring of inquiry (research design, conceptualization, measurement, sampling), modes of quantitative observation (experiments, survey research, content analysis, evaluation research), analysis of data (univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics), and research ethics. Students participate in actual quantitative research.

SCS361 • Sociocultural Theory (fall) 4 credits

Process of theory formation in the social sciences and concern with the relations between epistemology, analysis, and theory formation. Prerequisite: One anthropology, sociology, or sociocultural studies course.

SCS379G • Mission in the 21st Century (fall) 3 credits

Comparative analysis of the social and cultural nature of the modern mission enterprise, its history and development, structure, and dynamics. Introduction to principles of missiology. Exploration and analysis of the intercultural nature of missions, with particular attention paid to the contribution of both first- and third-world participants. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SCS385 • Cross-Cultural Experience in Guatemala (Guatemala Term, spring) 4 credits

An intensive experience of living and communicating in another culture for a minimum of two months in Guatemala. Student is fully immersed in the culture as much as possible and is guided by a mentor from the host culture. Graded on a S/U basis. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: SCS385, SCS387Z, or SCS389. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in Bethel’s Guatemala Term program.

SCS387Z • Cross-Cultural Experience (occasionally) 4 credits

An intensive experience of living and communicating in another culture for a minimum of two months. Student is fully immersed in the culture as much as possible and guided by a mentor from the host culture. Prerequisites: ANT200E(U); Systems (G) course; application approved by the department prior to the experience. Graded on a S/U basis. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: SCS385, SCS387Z, or SCS389.

SCS389 • Cross-Cultural Mission Practicum (occasionally) 4 credits

An intensive ministry experience in a cross-cultural setting for a minimum of one month. Student is fully immersed in the culture, involved in hands-on ministry, and is guided by a mentor from the host culture. Graded on a S/U basis. Prerequisites: SCS202U; prior consent of department. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: SCS385, SCS387Z, or SCS389. (Carries cross-credit in modern world languages when taken as part of Guatemala Term.)

SCS481 • Internship in Sociocultural Studies (spring) 3 credits

A culminating experience to put to use knowledge and skills gained during studies done in the department. A guided research project is completed in consultation with members of the department. Prerequisites: Major in sociocultural studies; junior or senior standing.

SCS499 • Senior Seminar (spring) 4 credits

A culminating experience to put to use knowledge and skills gained during studies done in the department. A guided research project is completed in consultation with members of the department. Prerequisites: Major in sociocultural studies; two of the following courses: SCS350, SCS351, SCS361; senior standing.

Sociology Courses

SOC101 • Introduction to Sociology (fall, spring) 3 credits

Major concepts, theories, methodologies, findings, controversies, and history of sociology. Contributions of sociology to Christian life and thought.

SOC304G • Sociology of Crime and Deviance (fall, even # yrs) 3 credits

Cross-cultural and comparative analysis of theories and data used by social scientists to understand and explain criminal behavior and deviance in advanced industrial societies and non-Western societies, especially countries of the Global South. Study of ways in which the media and crime-control agencies shape our understanding of crime. Introduction to comparative criminal justice systems and the roles and functions of the police, the courts, and correction institutions in developed and developing societies. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SOC313G • Social Entrepreneurship (fall, even # yrs) 3 credits

Case study approach to learning how social entrepreneurs throughout the world organize and mobilize people and resources to alleviate challenges faced by socially disadvantaged and disenfranchised people. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SOC315 • Social Responsibility in the Marketplace (fall) 3 credits

Using multi-disciplinary perspective, the course explores the different ways and dimensions that businesses relate to society and the nature of reciprocal relationship (whether good or bad) between the two social entities. Examines contrasting ethical arguments in historical contexts about the role of business in society. Considerable time will be spent discussing ways that healthy relationships can be promoted between business and society for the benefit of both entities. Prerequisites: Christianity and Western Civilization; Western Humanities; World Cultures (U) course. (Carries cross-credit in reconciliation studies.)

SOC342G • Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking (fall, spring) 3 credits

Exploration of the historical development of race and ethnicity as distinct but related social constructs. Analysis of the differential impact of race and ethnicity on groups and individuals. Appreciation of voices of peacemakers from both majority and minority groups. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SOC372G • Religion in Society (fall, odd # yrs) 3 credits

Cross-cultural and comparative study of selected perspectives on the social and cultural bases of religion in advanced industrial societies and non-Western cultures (e.g., Latin America; Africa; East, South, and Southeast Asia; and Eurasia). Characteristics of religious systems of myth, belief, practice, and ritual; the relationship between religious and other dimensions of social life; and the factors underlying the development, persistence, manipulation, and changing of religious organizations. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SOC380G • Urbanization: Growth and Development of the Modern City (fall) 3 credits

Cross-cultural and comparative study of urban development, form, and heterogeneity in advanced industrial societies and countries of the Global South, Central and Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. Examination of the rise of cities, their growth in the United States and worldwide, and their functions. Issues of housing, crime, gangs, governance, and other urban issues. Students visit various cities as part of course study. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

SOC386G • Social Inequality (spring) 3 credits

Cross-cultural and comparative study of unequal distribution of valued and scarce social resources in advanced industrial and non-Western cultures (e.g., East and Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eurasia). Issues of power, social mobility, lifestyle, and life chances in reference to socioeconomic status in society. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

Programs

In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.

Major in Reconciliation Studies (B.A.)

RES201 Introduction to Reconciliation Studies 3
RES305 Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills 3
RES315
Social Responsibility in the Marketplace
3
RES481 Internship in Reconciliation Studies 3
RES499 Senior Seminar in Reconciliation Studies 4
Choose one from:   3
   BIB308J*
Biblical Theology of Reconciliation
 
   COM314G*
Gender Communication  
   GES450P* Reconciliation in a Racialized Society  
   HIS245L*    History of Women in America
 
   HIS324G*    Human Rights in International History
 
   RES207U* Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Our Multicultural World  
   RES210UZ*    Leaders for Change: Jordan
 
   SOC342G*
Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking  
   SOC386G*
Social Inequality  
   SOW327G*
Social Relations: Issues of Power and Privilege in the U.S.  
Reconciliation Study Abroad Options (choose one option) a 14-19
  South Africa Term (Spring)
19
  Guatemala Term (Spring) 14-15
  Middle East Studies Program of the CCCU (Fall, Spring) 16
  TOTAL 33-38
General Education   46-52
Electives   27-33
  TOTAL 122


a Students must meet the requirements for study abroad program participation.

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

** Enrollment in all courses in the South Africa Term requires the approval of the lead faculty member in reconciliation studies in order to count toward the major. RES201 Introduction to Reconciliation Studies is a prerequisite for South Africa Term.

Major in Sociocultural Studies (B.A.) 

ANT242U* Peoples and Cultures of the United States 3
Choose from:   3
   ANT200U* Introduction to Anthropology  
   SOC101 Introduction to Sociology  
Choose from the following cultural area courses:   3
   ANT241U*
Peoples and Cultures of Africa
 
   ANT245U* Peoples and Cultures of China
 
   ANT314G* Peoples and Cultures of Latin America  
SCS350 Qualitative Research Methods 4
SCS351 Quantitative Research Methods 4
SCS361 Sociocultural Theory 4
SCS481
Internship
 
SCS499 Senior Seminar 4
Choose one of the following tracks:   15
Anthropology Track
 
    ANT200U*   
Introduction to Anthropology
 
  9 credits from 300-level or above ANT courses  
  9 credits or above ANT, SOC, or SCS courses  
Sociology Track    
   SOC101
Introduction to Sociology
 
  9 credits from 300-level or above SOC courses  
  9 credits or above ANT, SOC, or SCS courses  
Global & Urban Missions Track    
  ANT371G* Christianity in Cross-Cultural Perspective
 
  ANT381G* Urbanism: A Way of Life  
  BIB328 Theology of Mission  
  SCS379G* Mission in the 21st Century  
  SOC380G* Urbanization: Growth and Development of the Modern City  
  Choose from:    
      ANT318G*    The Urban Church
 
      ANT340GZ*   Globalization in India  
      ECO225L*    The Redevelopment of Central City Neighborhoods  
      REL401    Christianity and World Religions  
      SCS330G*    Local Development in Guatemala  
      SOC372G*    Religion and Society  
Holistic Development Track    
   SCS317G*    Social Change and Community Development  
   SOC313G*    Social Entrepreneurship  
   SOC315    Social Responsibility in the Marketplace  
   SOC342G*    Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking  
   SOC386G*    Social Inequality  
   Choose from:    
      ANT318G*    The Urban Church  
      ANT340GZ*     Globalization in India  
      ECO225L*    Redevelopment of Central City Neighborhoods  
      SCS330G*    Local Development in Guatemala  
  Total
44
General Education   51-52
Electives   24-25
  Total 122

It is highly recommended that a student majoring in sociocultural studies take at least one year of a modern world language.

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Major in Third World Studies (B.A.)

(See Multidisciplinary section.)

Minor in Sociocultural Studies 

ANT242U* Peoples and Cultures of the United States 3
Choose from:   3
   ANT200U* Introduction to Anthropology  
   SOC101 Introduction to Sociology  
Choose from:   3
  ANT241U*   
Peoples and Cultures of Africa  
  ANT245U*    Peoples and Cultures of China
 
  ANT314G*
Peoples and Cultures of Latin America  
Choose from:   4
  SCS350 Qualitative Research Methods  
  SCS351 Quantitative Research Methods  
  Electives from 200-level or above ANT, SOC, or SCS courses 6
  TOTAL 19

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Minor in Cross-Cultural Mission

ANT371G* Christianity in Cross-Cultural Perspective 3
BIB328 Theology of Mission 3
SCS202U* Holistic Ministry and Human Needs 3
SCS379G* Mission in the 21st Century 3
SCS389 Cross-Cultural Mission Practicum 4
Choose one from:   3
   REL200L*
Western Religious Traditions  
   REL205U*
Religions of India, China, and Japan  
   THE401 Christianity and the World’s Religions  
Choose one from:   3
   ANT318G*
The Urban Church  
   ECO225L The Redevelopment of Central City Neighborhoods  
   HIS217U* Christianity in Latin America  
   REL225L*
New Religious Movements  
  (Other courses with a mission focus may be petitioned into this category.)

  TOTAL 22

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Minor in Reconciliation Studies

RES201 Introduction to Reconciliation Studies 3
RES305 Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills 3
RES499 Senior Seminar in Reconciliation Studies 4
Choose from:   3
   BIB308J*    Biblical Theology of Reconciliation
 
   GES450P*
Reconciliation in a Racialized Society  
   RES207U* Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Our Multicultural World  
   SOC342G*
Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking  
Choose from:   3
   ANT242U* Peoples and Cultures of the United States  
   ANT371G*
Christianity in Cross-Cultural Perspective  
   ANT381G*
Urbanism: A Way of Life  
   ENL315G* Literature of the Oppressed  
   ENL313 The Harlem Renaissance and Beyond  
   HIS210U*
Minorities in America  
   PSY308G*
Cross-Cultural Psychology  
   RES210UZ*    Leaders for Change: Jordan
 
   SPA301U
Hispanic Cultures  
Choose from:   3
   BIB309J*
A Biblical Theology of Poverty  
   BIB313J*
A Biblical Theology of Justice  
   COM314G* Gender Communication
 
   HIS245L* History of Women in America
 
   HIS324G*    Human Rights in International History
 
   RES/SOC315
Social Responsibility in the Marketplace  
   POS202U* Introduction to International Relations
 
   SOC386G* Social Inequality
 
   SOW327G* Social Relations: Issues of Power and Privilege in the U.S.  
  TOTAL
19

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.