99171

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

Amy Ansell

M . W . .

1:30 -2:50 pm

OLIN 201

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).

99172

SOC 120 Inequality in America

Yuval Elmelech

. T . Th .

10:30 - 11:50 am

OLIN 202

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).

99173

SOC 203 The History of Sociological Thought

Michael Donnelly Writing Lab:

M . W . . . T . . .

3:00 -4:20 pm 4:00 – 5:00 pm

OLIN 310 OLIN 203

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. This is a writing intensive course. The general goals of the writing component of the course are to improve the development, composition, organization, and revision of analytical prose; the use of evidence to support an argument; strategies of interpretation and analysis of texts; and the mechanics of grammar and documentation. Regular short writing assignments will be required. Enrollment limited to 14.

99174

SOC 205 Intro to Research Methods

Yuval Elmelech

. T . Th .

1:00 -2:20 pm

OLIN 101 & 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.

99175

SOC 207 Deviance and Social Control

Michael Donnelly

M . W . .

12:00 -1:20 pm

OLIN 201

SSCI

All societies establish norms, and in all societies there seem to be individuals who violate norms and are sanctioned for doing so. Not all violations of norms, however, are sanctioned. The sociological study of deviance examines how certain people and behaviors come to be defined and labelled “deviant.” The course explores three levels of analysis: who or what defines and identifies deviance? How do the labellers understand or explain the sources and causes of deviance? What are the consequences for deviants of being so identified and treated? Topics will include: mental illness and mental deficiency, opiate addiction, homosexuality and the politics of sexual preference, delinquency, child abuse, hyperactivity in children. Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or permission of the instructor.

99794

SOC 208 Sociology of Whiteness

Amy Ansell

. T . Th .

10:30 -11:50 am

HEG 201

SSCI/DIFF

Cross-listed: American Studies, SRE Is white a color? Is the United States a "white nation"? Does "white skin privilege" still exist? This course aims to answer such questions through a survey of the burgeoning sociological literature on whiteness. Whiteness is often treated as a taken-for-granted norm in the West, an invisibility so pervasive that many whites today consider themselves absolved from race matters. In exploring this idea, special attention will be given to: the unspoken assumptions and distribution of advantages associated with whiteness; the role of whiteness in the making of the American working-class; conceptions of whiteness as a category of racial identification; and conceptions of whiteness as a structural privilege.

99394

SOC / HIST 315 Education and Social Policy in the U.S., 1954 – 2002

Ellen Condliffe Lagemann

. . W . .

1:30 -3:50 pm

OLIN 302

HIST

See History section for description.

99260

PS 348 Political Representation and Social Differences

Pierre Ostiguy

. T . . .

7:30 -9:50 pm

OLIN 202

SSCI/DIFF

See Political Studies for description.