Phone: 703-993-1440
Web: sociology.gmu.edu
anthropology.gmu.edu
Emeritus faculty: Black, Dumont, Golomb (anthropology)
Professors: Gusterson, Lancaster, Seligmann, Williams (anthropology); Dennis, Scimecca, Vallas (chair) (sociology)
Associate professors: Haines, Palkovich, Snead, Trencher (anthropology); Best, Guagnano, Hanrahan, Jacobs, Rader, Rosenblum (sociology)
Assistant professors: Benitez (anthropology); Bickford, Bryant (anthropology); Bockman, Dale, Davis, Samara (sociology)
Term associate professor: Masters (sociology)
Term assistant professors and instructors: Arabandi, Zimmerman (sociology)
Affiliate professors: Avruch (anthropology); Bainbridge, Dopkins, Goldstone, Johnson, Levine (sociology)
Adjuncts: Mashayekhi, Minnich, Nambiar, Pearlman, Sandole-Staroste
This department offers all course work designated ANTH, SOAN, and SOCI in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.
BA-ANTH
Anthropology is the study of human beings and their cultures. It draws broadly from the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Anthropology is thus an ideal undergraduate major, providing sound interdisciplinary preparation for a variety of careers.
In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements and requirements for the BA degree in CHSS, students pursuing this degree must complete 36 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00 distributed as follows:
See an advisor to learn how anthropology majors may fulfill university-wide requirements in global understanding, information technology, and synthesis, as well as the CHSS requirement in non-Western culture.
Students wishing to pursue careers in anthropology should consider including ANTH 492 (or subfield specialty equivalents, such as ANTH 420, 450, 495, or 496) as an elective in their program of study.
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in anthropology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ANTH 490.
Anthropology majors who wish to pursue the honors program in anthropology must meet the following criteria: a minimum GPA of 3.50, 60 credits, completion of ENGL 302 for the social sciences, 3.75 GPA in anthropology courses, and 15 credits of anthropology (ANTH 114, 120, and 135, and two additional courses).
Candidates for honors in anthropology are expected to earn 6 credits in one of two possible sequences of special honors sections: ANTH 492 (for those focusing on sociocultural anthropology) or ANTH 420 (for those interested in archaeology or biological anthropology). All honors candidates will undertake additional research leading to the completion of an honors thesis in ANTH 499. For more information, contact the anthropology coordinator at 703-993-1334.
Students pursuing this minor must complete 21 credits in anthropology with a minimum GPA of 2.00 distributed as follows:
In accordance with university policy, at least 8 credits must be applied only to the minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student’s major, concentration, or another minor. For policies governing all minors, see Minors under the Undergraduate Academic Program section in the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog.
BA-SOCI
Sociology involves the systematic study of social structures, cultural patterns, and human relationships. The sociological imagination combines rigorous methods with theory and observation, yielding insights that challenge commonly held assumptions about the social world. Sociology also informs the practice of social and public service, aiding efforts to address important social problems. Majoring in sociology positions students so they can pursue a varied set of career paths, ranging from teaching, human service, and human resource occupations to positions in the criminal justice system, marketing, and social research. The sociology major is excellent preparation for students considering law school or graduate training in the social and behavioral sciences.
In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements and requirements for the BA degree in CHSS, students pursuing this degree must complete 35 credits of sociology courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00 distributed as follows:
Of the required 35 credits in sociology, no more than 6 credits of courses with unsatisfactory grades (C- or D) may be applied toward the degree, none of which can be core courses.
In completing the 18 credits of study beyond the core sociology courses, students are strongly encouraged to select a concentration to suit their interests and career objectives. Students who are invited to participate in the sociology honors program may apply 3 credits of honors course work (480, 481, or 482) to their selected concentration.
This concentration focuses on the changing social realities, experiences, and identities of children and youth as they are formed in different social and historical contexts. It emphasizes children in peer groups, youth subcultural activities, youth and children and the media, schools, families, social movements, social policy, and the welfare state. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in working directly with children and youth or in organizations serving them in a broad range of fields, such as educational counseling, teaching, policy, advocacy or clinical work, family and community services, social work, early child development, and juvenile justice.
Students pursuing this concentration must complete 12 credits distributed as follows:
This concentration focuses on the social and institutional forces that shape religion, the arts, language, gender, and cultural norms and tastes. It is appropriate for students interested in the media, the arts and popular culture, identity, multiculturalism, and the problems of cultural difference, religion, education, and the construction of knowledge in contemporary societies. Cross-cultural work in this field is encouraged.
Students pursuing this concentration must complete 12 credits distributed as follows:
This concentration focuses on the social, legal, and political systems that underpin social control in Western societies and beyond. The emphasis is on how norms, values, and common sense regulate human action and the social forces that produce deviant behavior and societal responses to it. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in the criminal justice system and the law.
Students pursuing this concentration must complete 12 credits distributed as follows:
This concentration focuses on global interconnectedness and its effect on the nature of societies around the world. It emphasizes new technologies and social processes, migration, transnational communities, global cities, and social movements working across state borders. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in pursuing internationally oriented careers in social change, political reform, and international development.
Students pursuing this concentration must complete 12 credits distributed as follows:
The focus is on inequalities, such as those of race, class, and sex, and on the manner in which such inequalities become structurally rooted in a society. The emphasis is on understanding the rise of the struggle for human rights, democracy, and various social movements that have sought to reverse these inequalities through protests, demonstrations, counter-organizations, and the ballot. This concentration is appropriate for students who seek careers in social justice organizations, social services, or teaching, and those who wish to participate in social and political movements.
Students pursuing this concentration must complete 12 credits distributed as follows:
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in sociology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing SOCI 412.
Sociology majors who have completed 75 credits (with a minimum of 15 credits in sociology, 6 of which must have been taken at Mason) and have a 3.50 GPA overall and a 3.50 GPA in sociology may apply for admission to the honors program in sociology. To graduate with honors in sociology, students must complete SOCI 480 and 481 with a minimum GPA of 3.50 overall and in sociology courses presented for graduation. The 6 credits of honors courses may be counted toward the major requirement in sociology. For more information or application procedures, contact the department.
Students pursuing this minor must complete 21 credits in sociology with a minimum GPA of 2.00 distributed as follows:
Students may select a focus to their minor from one of the five concentrations offered by the department.
Academically strong undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply to the accelerated master’s program after they complete 90 credits. Applicants should have a 3.25 GPA, with a 3.50 in sociology courses. If not, they may submit two letters of reference from faculty in the department. For more information, see the sociology graduate coordinator.
In accordance with university policy, at least 8 credits must be applied only to the minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student’s major, concentration, or another minor.
The department coordinates the interdisciplinary minor in immigration studies. See the Interdisciplinary Minors section of this chapter for more information.
Students who plan to seek teacher licensure and become K–12 teachers should consult the College of Education and Human Development chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.
Highly qualified undergraduates may apply to the accelerated master’s degree program and obtain both a BA and an MA in sociology following satisfactory completion of 144 credits. Well-prepared undergraduates are encouraged to apply as they near completion of 90 credits. Admitted students are able to use up to 6 graduate credits in partial fulfillment of requirements for the undergraduate degree. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree with satisfactory graduate-level performance (3.00 in each course, grade of B or better) in graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master’s program. All other master’s degree requirements must be met.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, with a 3.50 in sociology courses, or submit two letters of reference from faculty in the department. Interested students should contact the department for details about the application process.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a limited number of merit-based graduate assistantships.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers a limited number of graduate assistantships. For more information, call 703-993-1440.
MA-ANTH
The master’s degree program in anthropology prepares students for advanced work in anthropology through courses focusing on the study of culture. Students learn how to use participant-observation field work methods, as well as comparative and holistic knowledge and research methods. Areas of emphasis are advanced training in sociocultural anthropology; culture, health and bioethics; and transnational and global issues. Regional area coverage includes Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. Course work progresses from core courses to more advanced courses and culminates in a thesis.
Students with a 3.00 or above who do not wish to pursue a degree may enroll as nondegree students. Nondegree students may later apply for admission to the degree program, and up to 9 credits earned in non degree status may be applied to the master’s degree, subject to the approval of the program director and dean.
In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study at Mason, applicants for this degree must submit:
Students must successfully complete 36 credits distributed as follows:
Students have the option of completing an internship (ANTH 690). An internship can serve as a primary field research site for the thesis, if appropriate. Courses in archaeology and biological anthropology may not be used to meet any requirements for the MA in anthropology.
MA-SOCI
Students pursuing a master’s degree in sociology may choose an emphasis in general sociology; sex and gender; crime, delinquency, and corrections; race and ethnicity; cultural studies; or conflict analysis and management. The general sociology emphasis allows maximum flexibility in the application of sociological knowledge to the analysis of social processes and systems. All emphases are appropriate for those anticipating further graduate study leading to the PhD in sociology.
The department provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in a variety of areas, including applied methods, community, conflict analysis and management, development and social change, deviance, environmental sociology, gerontology, medical sociology, occupations and professions, policy analysis, race and ethnicity, sociology of science and technology, cultural studies, and survey research.
In addition to meeting general admissions requirements for graduate study, applicants must present the following:
Students with a 3.00 or above who do not wish to pursue a degree may enroll as nondegree students. Nondegree students may later apply for admission to the degree program, and up to 12 credits earned in non degree status may be applied to the master’s degree, subject to the approval of the program director or dean.
Students are required to complete 33 credits distributed as follows:
Additional sociology electives
9 credits in sex and gender (SOCI 505, 525, and 696)
9 credits in the sociology of conflict and conflict management
9 credits in race and ethnicity
9 credits in crime, delinquency, and corrections (SOCI 607, 608, and 609)
A degree with this emphasis prepares students for the doctoral program in cultural studies. It requires SOCI 614; a 3-credit master’s-level course that also serves as an introduction to a cultural studies feeder program in a department other than Sociology and Anthropology; and CULT 802.
A master’s thesis is required to demonstrate capacity to carry out independent research. The thesis consists of a substantial sociological research or theoretical project that will contribute to sociological knowledge.
PHD-SOCI
The PhD in sociology provides rigorous training in public and applied social research, including skills in research design, data analysis, and substantive areas that are pertinent to various sectors in the Washington, D.C., area. Successful students have the theoretical, analytical, and professional skills that allow them to transition into academic positions in teaching or research. They are also well-qualified for nonacademic positions in the many settings that look to sociologists, such as human service agencies, marketing research firms, educational systems, nonprofit foundations, and law enforcement agencies.
See the Application for Graduate Study for admission deadlines. In addition to materials required of all applicants for graduate study at Mason, applicants to the PhD in sociology should submit the following:
To receive the PhD, students must complete a minimum 72 credits including foundation courses in theory and methods, course work in a specialization, and electives. Following completion of all required course work and passing a candidacy exam, students are advanced to candidacy by the dean and complete a dissertation, an original and independent research project. Students with a master’s degree may be allowed a reduction of credit up to a maximum of 30 credits, subject to the approval of the program director and the dean.
Once enrolled in SOCI 998, students must maintain continuous registration for at least 1 credit; once enrolled in 999 students must follow the university continuous registration policy.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods prior to taking the qualifying exams for candidacy. Proficiency is determined by satisfactory course work or an exam. Students in the specialization in sociology of globalization must also demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language at an advanced level of reading and comprehension.
To advance to candidacy, doctoral students must complete all course work required on their approved program of study. Students must also successfully pass two written qualifying examinations. One examination is in the foundations of sociological inquiry, linking research methods and sociological theory to public concerns. The second examination is in the student’s area of specialization, administered by a faculty committee appointed by the graduate program director.
In addition, students must have a dissertation committee appointed by the Dean’s Office as well as have an approved dissertation proposal. Evidence of the approved proposal must be on file in the Dean’s Office before a student can be advanced to candidacy.