This course presents a history of the great adventure of social theory through the close study of the original writings of many of the most influential sociologists and anthropologists, from the mid-19th century to the present. The seminar explores the ways in which different paradigms have addressed the big issues concerned with understanding the human experience: power, social and cultural change, gender and other forms of identity, the relationship between agency and structure, the relationship between culture, society, and the environment and forms of subsistence, and the nature of our emerging global society. This course is offered every fall, and Sociology and Anthropology majors are urged to take it during their junior years, but may take it their senior year, if necessary. Prerequisites: SOC 1000 Introduction to Sociology and ANT 2000 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, and junior standing, or permission of instructor.