Sociology programs

An introduction to the study of humanity across time and space, comparing societies and cultures to identify likenesses and differences. The study of anthropology develops an appreciation for the diverse ways human beings have approached universal situations: relationships between individuals and groups, adaptations to physical and economic environments, approaches to the infinite. Western and non-Western cultures are studied, ethnographic fieldwork goals and techniques discussed, and problems of ethnocentrism and culture change addressed.(4 credits)

An overview of ethnographic methods, goals, and the theoretical assumptions underlying them. Ethnography, the description and analysis of human life or culture, is based on qualitative fieldwork. The goal is to understand the "native's'' point of view, to learn from people rather than study them. Students will have an opportunity to practice fieldwork methods and write a brief ethnography. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits)

To paraphrase Salman Rushdie, the Empire has written back. The last half of the 20th century has produced a number of literary texts written in English by authors from the recently independent nations of the Old British Empire. These texts have proved so rich in both literary value and cultural context that their authors, Wole Soyinka, Derek Walcott, Chinua Achebe, and Rushdie himself, have won the most prestigious literary prizes available. We will be reading and appreciating these books, both as ripping good yarns, and as significant cultural documents that teach us much of how members of other societies think, feel, and act.Prerequisite: ENG220.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

America is home to a variety of peoples and literatures; this course focuses on the development of literatures produced by those outside the Anglo-European tradition whose experiences tell a different story about America. The goal of the course is to enrich students' views of the content of American Literature and to familiarize them with a culture or cultures with which they may not be conversant. The course may be taught as African American, Native American, Asian American, or Hispanic American literature. Alternatively, the instructor may choose to focus on literatures in contact and conflict with one another, for example, the turbulent confluence of Native American, Anglo, and Hispanic Literatures of Nueva España. Prerequisite: ENG220. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Intermediate-level instruction in German language and culture. Study of primary sources such as short stories, newspapers, songs and movies to explore German culture and increase linguistic ability. Special emphasis on conversation, reading and idiomatic expression.Prerequisite: GER201, or placement by the foreign language placement exam.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course is designed specifically for students planning to engage in an approved cross-cultural experience of at least six weeks duration during the following summer. The course is an introduction to the dynamics of culture and of communication between persons of different cultures and an overview of the structures of cultures in general. Students will do research on the specific people group among which they plan to live during the summer and prepare a paper on this people group.(1-4 credits; may be repeated; non-yearly, consult department)

Northwestern College offers a variety of off-campus opportunities with Northwestern faculty in various countries around the world. These courses offer a unique opportunity for students to make the world their classroom, going beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to, language, politics, religion, business, education, music, history, and literature. Students are given an opportunity to examine a particular culture through various experiences, such as home stays, ethnographic observation/research, and placement in various social institutions. Past programs have taken students to China, the Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Ecuador, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Oman, Romania, Russia, South Africa and Taiwan.(2-6 credits; summer; may be repeated)

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A cross-cultural comparison of the interrelationship of sport and society. The primary emphasis will be to compare American sport with sport in selected cultures, while attempting to develop a Christian worldview of sport.Prerequisite: sophomore class standing.(4 credits)

World Musics provides an overview of world music traditions and serves as an introduction to the field of ethnomusicology, giving special attention to the use of ethnomusicology in missions and the use of world musics in worship.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course introduces the study of political, physical and cultural features of space and place around the world. Familiarity with major physical and political features of the world's regions will be stressed. In addition, the course will raise various issues connected with the cultural aspect of geography, e.g., perceptions of place, changes in space over time, the interactions of human communities, the natural environment and patterns of human presence on the land. (4 credits)

The major religions of India, East Asia and the Middle East are examined in the light of the Christian faith. This course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a view to cross-cultural understanding. In-depth research into a specific culture and religion is required.(4 credits)

A study of racial and cultural minority groups in the United States and other societies emphasizing value systems, power relationships, forms of social organization, and cultural contributions. This course helps students develop an understanding of, appreciation for, and capacity to relate effectively with minority groups. Appreciation for heterogeneity is stressed. In-depth treatment of Hispanics and Hispanic culture in the United States. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits)

This course surveys the historical development of American Indian peoples, particularly during the period of contact and conquest by Euro-Americans and particularly in the trans-Mississippi West region of what became the U.S. Topics include pre-contact life, oral literature, Indian accommodation and selective adaptation to Euro-American societies, Spanish, French and U.S. Indian policies, Native American religion, Christian mission work among American Indians, activism by and on behalf of American Indians, and reservation life. Prerequisite: recommend general education writing requirement. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Combined study of intermediate language and culture. Study of primary sources in print, audio and visual forms to develop appreciation for the ways culture in general and the language's culture in particular shape a variety of social contexts. Building on previously acquired ability in Spanish, continued study of language in a communicative context with considerable emphasis upon precision and expansion of linguistic skills.Prerequisite: SPA201, or placement by the foreign language placement exam.(3 credits)

A study of peninsular Spanish literature from El Cid to the present. Emphasis upon major literary movements and their representative masterpieces. Prerequisite: SPA314 or permission of instructor. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of Spanish Latin-American literature from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis upon major literary movements and their representative masterpieces. Prerequisite: SPA314 or permission of instructor. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)