Lisa Maya Knauer, PhD

A survey of various social problems in the contemporary world. Special emphasis is placed upon analysis of social problems in American society.

An introduction to the basic concepts of social and cultural anthropology. Readings emphasize the comparative study of societies at different levels of socio-cultural integration and from different areas of the world. This may include a brief introduction to physical anthropology and archaeology.

Exploration of how understandings of the past are shaped by present-day politics. Students investigate how collective memories are represented and contested in public spaces such as memorials, museums and schools while honing research and writing skills. Why do we celebrate some aspects of a nation's past, while ignoring or suppressing others? Case studies include controversial events from around the world.

Exploration of how understandings of the past are shaped by present-day politics. Students investigate how collective memories are represented and contested in public spaces such as memorials, museums and schools while honing research and writing skills. Why do we celebrate some aspects of a nation's past, while ignoring or suppressing others? Case studies include controversial events from around the world.

An introduction to theories of, and movements for, environmental justice. We will use historical and cross cultural perspectives to examine how environmental inequalities have affected communities across the globe, and those communities' responses. Readings will highlight the voices and experiences of peoples affected by environmental injustices. There will be opportunities for service learning and engagement with local environmental justice organizations.

An exploration of the social, cultural, and political dynamics of transnational migration which takes the U.S. as a case study. Specific questions include: why people leave their homes; how they establish new ways of life, identities, and communities; and what kinds of challenges they face along the way. We will also examine the impact immigration has had on U.S. society and develop a critical understanding of current controversies and policy debates around immigration in the U.S. This course is an upper-level elective for majors and open to non-majors.

Research problem formulation, study design, and the gathering and analysis of data in Sociology and Anthropology, with primary emphasis upon field work. In addition to reading and seminar discussions, each student will participate throughout the seminar in supervised field inquiry. Interested students should talk with the instructor about field work possibilities and arrangements. Upon the approval of the instructor, students may register for 407 and 408 in a single semester or three semester hours in each of two successive semesters.

Internships in community-based, social service, cultural or other relevant organizations. Work will be supervised by an on-site sponsor as well as the seminar instructor. Students are responsible for securing their own placements, and are encouraged to consult the list of potential placements on the department website. All placements must be approved by the instructor. Students are required to attend several seminar meetings during the scheduled class time, keep a journal and write a final paper.