Anthropology and Sociology
102 Old Library Building
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2556
Dr. Johnston, Chairperson and Graduate Coordinator
Professors [top]
Susan L. Johnston. Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Douglas McConatha, Ph.D., University of Utah
Paul A. Stoller, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Associate Professors
Bonita Freeman-Whitthoft, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
John Leveille, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Heather Wholey, Ph.D., Catholic University of America
Assistant Professor
Léon Arrendondo Ph.D., City University of New York
Valerian DeSousa, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lisa C. Ruchti, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Jacqueline Zalewski, Ph.D., Loyola University, Chicago
The Department of Anthropology and Sociology offers, on a limited basis, graduate courses in anthropology and sociology to graduate students from other areas as well as to advanced undergraduate majors and nonmajors.
Gerontology Certificate
The certificate in gerontology is an interdisciplinary program designed to serve individuals who are now employed or anticipate working in the field of aging. Students will broaden their formal and practical knowledge of the elderly while gaining research and service experience in gerontology. The certificate program provides students with nationally recognized documentation of their academic training in the field.
Curriculum (18 semester hours)
- Certificate core courses (9 semester hours)
SOC 522, 518, 519, or 590 - Electives (9 semester hours)
In addition to the certificate core, three elective courses chosen under advisement with the director of the University Gerontology Center are required. Students should check with their current academic adviser to determine the availability of currently approved electives. Electives may be selected from the following departments:
For further information contact Dr. Douglas McConatha, director of the University Gerontology Center, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, 610-436-3125.
Course Descriptions [top]
Anthropology
Symbol: ANT
512 Ethnographic Studies (3) Intensive survey of a single culture area. Area for study announced in advance.
599 Independent Studies in Anthropology (1-3) PREREQ: Approval of instructor and department chairperson.
Sociology
Symbol: SOC
515 Mental Illness in Social Context (3) A sociological perspective on the cause and treatment of mental disorders, including a critical analysis of public policy on mental health services.
518 Applied Gerontology (3) Design and development of programs to provide services for the aging population in order to assist them to live as independent members of their communities.
519 Geriatrics (3) A detailed discussion of physical and mental disabilities and diseases that often accompany the aging process. Methods of treatment for these disorders will also be presented. Opportunities for short-term placement in long-term care facilities may be available.
522 Gerontology (3) Information on past and present trends concerning services to the elderly. Discussions on contemporary gerontological problems and factors affecting the treatment of the elderly. This broad-based, introductory course is for those interested in the aging population.
532 History of Sociological Theory (3) Development of sociological thought.
590 Independent Studies in Sociology (1-3) PREREQ: Approval of instructor and department chairperson.
