College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
Anthropology and Sociology
The Department of Anthropology and Sociology 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.
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.
ANT301K • Human Origins and Diversity (spring), 3 credits
Fossil evidence for human origins and development. Human adaptation to the environment, human genetics, and heredity, and comparison of humans to other primates. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course.
ANT305 • Intentional Urban Living I (fall), 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 (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.
ANT312G • Peoples and Cultures of Oceania (fall, even # yrs), 3 credits
Comparative ethnography of Oceania. A study of cultural and social uniformities and differences for this geographical region to develop an understanding of the social structures of Oceania. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
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.
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.
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.
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), 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 (spring), 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.
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. Prerequisite: PSY230M.
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, SCS387, 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, SCS387, 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, SCS387, or SCS389Z. (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; and 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.
SOC303G • Sociology of Development (spring), 3 credits
Focus on the Global South and emerging capitalist nations. Examination of concrete and practical aspects of development policies implemented at different levels and sectors of society. Topics include: poverty, inequality, population growth, urbanization and rural-urban migration, education, human capital, agriculture and rural development, markets, states, civil society, and international trade. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
SOC304G • Sociology of Crime and Deviance (interim, 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.
SOC341G • Economic Development in the Non-Western World (occasionally), 3 credits
Focuses on varying conceptual approaches for analyzing the different models of development in the emerging capitalist regions of the world (Latin America and the Caribbean, Eurasia, East, and Southeast Asia) in relation to the historical experience of Western Europe and North America. Critically explores why Africa lags behind in the global economy. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
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), 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 |
| RES481 | Internship in Reconciliation Studies | 3 |
| RES499 | Senior Seminar in Reconciliation Studies | 4 |
| SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Choose one from: | 3 | |
|
COM314G* |
Gender Communication | |
| GES450P* | Reconciliation in a Racialized Society | |
| PHI/THE263 | Christian Social Ethics | |
| RES207U* | Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Our Multicultural World | |
|
SOC342G* |
Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking | |
|
SOC386G* |
Social Inequality | |
|
SOW327G* |
Minority/Majority Issues in the USA: Power and Privilege | |
| Reconciliation Study Abroad Options | (choose one option) a | 14-19 |
|
South Africa Term (Spring) |
||
| Guatemala Term (Spring) | ||
| Middle East Studies Program of the CCCU (Fall, Spring) | ||
| 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 courses: | 3 | |
| ANT312G* | Peoples and Cultures of Oceania | |
| ANT314G* | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America | |
| HIS204U* | African Civilizations | |
| PSY230M* | Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design | 4 |
| SCS350 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| SCS351 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 |
| SCS361 | Sociocultural Theory | 4 |
| SCS499 | Senior Seminar | 4 |
| Choose one of the following tracks: | 15 | |
| • Urban Track |
|
|
| ANT381G* | Urbanism: A Way of Life | |
| SOC342G* | Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking | |
| SOC380G* | Urbanization: Growth and Development of the Modern City | |
| Six credits from: | ||
|
ANT371G* |
The Urban Church | |
|
BIB307J |
Jerusalem: Earthly City and Spiritual Symbol | |
|
ECO225L |
The Redevelopment of Central City Neighborhoods | |
|
POS220L* |
Growth and Power in American Cities | |
| SCS229U* | Interaction with Urban Life and Systems | |
|
SOC304G* |
Sociology of Crime and Deviance | |
|
SOC386G* |
Social Inequality | |
| • Cross-Cultural Mission Track | ||
| ANT371G* | Christianity in Cross-Cultural Perspective | |
| SCS379G* | Mission in the 21st Century | |
| SOC372G* | Religion in Society | |
| Six credits from: | ||
|
ANT318G* |
The Urban Church | |
| BIB328 | Theology of Mission | |
| LIN300 | Introduction to Linguistics | |
|
SCS385/387Z |
Cross-Cultural Experience | |
| SCS389 | Cross-Cultural Mission Practicum | |
|
SOC342G* |
Race, Ethnicity, and Peacemaking | |
| SOC286G* | Social Inequality | |
| TEL230 | Introduction to TESOL | |
| • Anthropology Track | ||
|
|
ANT200U* (above) 9 credits from 300-level or above ANT courses 6 credits from 300-level or above ANT, SOC, or SCS courses (SOC101 may count as 3 of these credits) |
|
| • Sociology Track | ||
|
SOC101 (above) 9 credits from 300-level or above SOC courses 6 credits from 300-level or above ANT, SOC, or SCS courses (ANT200U* may count as 3 of these 6 credits) |
||
|
Total |
44 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 26-27 | |
| 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 |
| ANT242U* | Peoples and Cultures of the United States | 3 |
| Choose from: | 3 | |
| ANT200U* | Introduction to Anthropology | |
| SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | |
| Choose from: | 3 | |
|
ANT312G* |
Peoples and Cultures of Oceania | |
|
ANT314G* |
Peoples and Cultures of Latin America | |
| HIS204U* | African Civilizations | |
| 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
| SCS202U* | Holistic Ministry and Human Needs | 3 |
| SCS379G* | Mission in the 21st Century | 3 |
| SCS389 | Cross-Cultural Mission Practicum | 4 |
| ANT371G* | Christianity in Cross-Cultural Perspective | 3 |
| BIB328 | Theology of Mission | 3 |
| Choose one from: | 3 | |
| BIB309J* | A Biblical Theology of Poverty | |
| BIB313J* | A Biblical Theology of Justice | |
| BIB316J* | A Biblical Theology of Ministry | |
| REL225L* | New Religious Movements | |
| 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 | |
| TEL230 | Introduction to TESOL | |
| (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 | |
|
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 | |
|
SPA301U |
Hispanic Cultures | |
| Choose from: | 3 | |
|
BIB309J* |
A Biblical Theology of Poverty | |
|
BIB312J* |
Female and Male in Biblical Perspective | |
|
BIB313J* |
A Biblical Theology of Justice | |
| COM314G* |
Gender Communication |
|
| HIS245L* |
History of Women in America |
|
| PHI/THE263 | Christian Social Ethics | |
| 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.