Introduction to discipline-specific forms of argumentation through the in-depth exploration of questions about the social and cultural world. Specific topics will vary from course to course, but all sections focus on the development of students' informational literacy, writing, and analytic skills relevant to sociological and anthropological inquiry. This course is required for Sociology/Anthropology majors and may be taken before or concurrently with SOC 200. It meets the University Studies Intermediate Writing Requirement.

Empirical observation as the basis for anthropological and sociological analysis. What we see and hear - and by extension, what we overlook or choose to ignore - guides our understanding of social life. Fundamental to anthropology and sociology is therefore the systematic design, collection and analysis of direct and indirect observations, which become data for developing new concepts and theories about the social world. The course covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research design and analysis with the ultimate goal of helping students become competent at conducting and critiquing social research.

An examination of ecological, equity, social, and cultural issues in urban environments. We will pay close attention to sustainable systems and how socioeconomic factors such as disenfranchisement, corporate power, and environmental policies inform these dilemmas. We will look at case studies from around the world to explore a range of topics including the challenges of climate related natural disasters; water disputes and crises; food deserts as well as just solutions such as spatial justice initiatives; carbon descent plans; urban gardens, and the list goes on. The course is an upper-level elective.