|
98417 |
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology |
Roberto Velez-Velez |
M . W . . |
12:00-1:20
pm |
HEG
106 |
SSCI |
Cross-listed:
Environmental Studies The purpose
of this course is to provide an introduction to the sociological perspective.
The goal is to illustrate the ways in which different social forces that
impinge on our daily life affect our society. The approach of the course is
that of inquiry, the driving force of the discipline, and will touch on topics
such as: theory and key concepts (socialization, culture, power), difference
(race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality), institutions (state, media,
citizenship), and social change (public sphere, civil society, civic
engagement, social movement).
|
98012 |
SOC 120 Inequality in America |
Yuval Elmelech |
. T . Th . |
10:30-
11:50 am |
OLIN
205 |
SSCI/DIFF |
Cross-listed: American Studies, Gender and
Sexuality Studies, Human Rights, Social
Policy, SRE Why
do some people have more wealth, more power, and receive greater respect than
others? What are the sources of this inequality? Is social inequality
inevitable? Is it undesirable? Through lectures, documentary films and
discussions, this course examines the ways by which socially-defined categories
of persons (e.g., women and men, Blacks and Whites, rich and poor, native- and
foreign-born) are unevenly rewarded for their social contributions.
Sociological theories are used to explain how and why social inequality is
produced and maintained, and how it affects the well being of individuals and
social groups. The course will focus on two general themes. The first deals
with the structure of inequality while studying the unequal distribution of
material and social resources (e.g., prestige, income, occupation). The second
examines the processes that determine the allocation of people to positions in
the stratification system (e.g. education, intelligence, parental wealth,
gender, race).
|
98014 |
SOC 203 History of Sociological Thought |
Michael Donnelly |
M . W . . |
1:30-2:50
pm |
OLIN
201 |
SSCI |
Related
interest: Human Rights This course retraces the origins
of modern social theory in the aftermath of the democratic revolutions in
America and France and the capitalist Industrial Revolution in Britain.
Readings are drawn in particular from the major works of Marx, Weber, Durkheim,
and Simmel. The course thereby
introduces many of the enduring themes of sociology: alienation and anomie;
social disorganization and community; class conflict and solidarity;
secularization and the decline of traditional religion; bureaucracy, division
of labor, and professional expertise.
The course aims to assess both the contributions of classical sociologists
to subsequent social science, and their political or ethical aspirations to
criticize, reform, or revolutionize modern society.
|
98013 |
SOC 205 Introduction to Research Methods |
Yuval Elmelech |
. T . Th . |
1:00-2:20
pm |
RKC
101 or HDRANX
106 |
MATC |
Cross-listed: Environ. Studies, GIS, Human Rights,
Social Policy The
aim of this course is to enable students to understand and use the various
research methods developed in the social sciences, with an emphasis on quantitative
methods. The course will be concerned with the theory and rationale upon which
social research is based, as well as the practical aspects of research and the
problems the researcher is likely to encounter. The course is divided into two
parts. In the first, we will learn how to formulate research questions and
hypotheses, how to choose the appropriate research method for the problem, and
how to maximize chances for valid and reliable findings. In the second part, we
will learn how to perform simple data analysis and how to interpret and present
findings in a written report. For a final paper, students use survey data on
topics such as attitudes toward abortion, sexual attitudes, affirmative action,
racism, sex roles, religiosity, and political affiliation. By the end of the
semester, students will have the necessary skills for designing and conducting
independent research for term papers and senior projects, as well as for
non-academic enterprises. Admission by
permission of the instructor.
|
98415 |
SOC 227 Culture Wars |
Amy Ansell |
M . W . . |
12:00-1:20
pm |
OLIN
204 |
SSCI/DIFF |
Cross-listed:
American Studies, Political Studies Contemporary domestic battles over controversial
issues such as same-sex marriage, abortion and affirmative action have led many
to charge that the Culture Wars of the early 1990s have returned to the
forefront of public attention. This course will examine the most recent
iterations of the Culture Wars as they became manifest during the 2004 election
season. Besides a unit that focuses on the election itself, attention will also
be given to: (1) the historical sources of the moral and cultural conflicts at
issue; (2) empirical debate about the validity of the Culture War thesis
itself; (3) charting of various factions of the contemporary conservative
movement; and (4) survey of a variety of policy arenas targeted by cultural
warriors, including environment, law, science, welfare, education, sexuality,
and public art.
|
98498 |
SOC 257 Media and Society |
Roberto Velez-Velez |
M . W . . |
3:00
– 4:20 pm |
OLINLC 115 |
SSCI |
This course presents a quick overview of the contemporary mass media systems and examines the different factors –historical, economical, political and cultural- that are involved in its development. The design of the course emphasizes a cultural approach towards the role of media venues, content and audiences. The course looks at the industry, the content and effects of different media in our society. It also addresses contemporary debates concerning ownership concentration, civic engagement, access and power.
|
98416 |
SOC 309 Race: Special Topics |
Amy Ansell |
. . . . F |
10:30-
12:50 pm |
OLIN
309 |
SSCI/DIFF |
Cross-listed:
Africana Studies, American Studies, SRE, STS This course surveys a range of special
topics current in the sociological literature on race and ethnicity. The seminar
will be organized on the basis of close readings and critical analysis of works
published in the past several years, chosen for their significance and
potential impact on the future direction of the sub-field. Topics include
multi-racialism, assimilation and
contemporary immigration, black feminism/sexuality, color-blind racism, and the
concept of race in science. Upper-College status or permission of the
instructor required.
|
98495 |
SOC 336 Collective Memory: A Social Process
Perspective |
Roberto Velez-Velez |
. T . . . |
9:30
– 11:50 am |
OLIN
306 |
SSCI |
Cross-listed: LAIS This course is intended to be a seminar that
explores the concept of collective memory as a social process mostly rooted in culture.
Founded on the scholarship of sociology of culture, this course looks at the
processes and practices that contribute to the construction of collective
memories (mnemonic practices) as a significant element in the constitution of
identities, solidarities and political/social/cultural cohesion. Collective
memory is explored as an ongoing social process of meaning making that takes
place through history writing, monument and memorial spaces construction,
holiday calendar assignment, and institutional/political commemoration and
oblivion. Multiple historical cases and subjects are explored: the Holocaust in
Germany, Zionist identity in Israel, Pinochet’s Chile, the Lost Decade of 1990
in Peru, Desaparecidos in Argentina, and the World Trade Center in the US,
among others.
|
98015 |
SOC 338 Welfare States in Comparative Perspective |
Michael Donnelly |
. T . . . |
1:30-3:50
pm |
OLIN
303 |
SSCI |
|
98049 |
SOC / PS 348 Political Representation and Social Differences |
Pierre Ostiguy |
M . . . . |
7:30-9:50
pm |
OLIN
202 |
SSCI/DIFF |
See Political Studies section for description.