Writing in Sociology & Anthropology

Catalog description

This junior-level writing composition course provides writing instruction combined with consideration of substantive topics in sociology and anthropology research. The course addresses the disciplinary conventions that guide formatting, organization, and stylistic choices appropriate for the fields of sociology and anthropology. The course emphasizes the context and purpose of various genres of anthropological and sociological writing, with special attention to the politics and praxis of social science representation, argumentation, citation, and credibility. Students practice various styles of social science writing, including data analysis, field notes, abstracts, essays, grant proposals, position papers, and social media. Through a focus on written communication, students improve their academic writing while also reflecting on how and why sociologists and anthropologists tell their stories about the world in the way that they do.