Course |
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology |
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Professor |
Amy Ansell |
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|
CRN |
15012 |
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|
Schedule |
Mon Wed 10:00 - 11:20 am OLIN 203 |
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Distribution |
OLD: A / C
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NEW: Social
Science
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Cross listed: American Studies, Environmental Studies
The purpose of this course is to provide an
introduction to the sociological perspective. Its goal is to illuminate the way
in which social forces impinge on our individual lives and affect human
society. The course is organized into four main parts. In the first, key
sociological concepts and methods will be introduced via the study of the
‘fathers’ of sociology: Durkheim, Weber, and Marx. In the second part, we will
examine the significance of various forms of social inequality, particularly
those based on class, race, and gender. We will then survey several important
social institutions: the family, the economic order, and education. The fourth
and final part of the course will focus on the inter-related issues of social
movements and social change.
Course |
SOC 120 Inequality in America |
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Professor |
Yuval Elmelech |
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CRN |
15013 |
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Schedule |
Tu Th 11:30 - 12:50 pm OLIN 201 |
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Distribution |
OLD: C / E
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NEW: Social
Science / Rethinking Difference
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Cross-listed: American Studies, Gender Studies, Human Rights, 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).
Course |
SOC 203 The History of Sociological Thought |
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Professor |
Michael Donnelly |
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CRN |
15014 |
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Schedule |
Mon Wed 11:30 - 12:50 pm OLIN 202 |
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Distribution |
OLD: A / C
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NEW: Social
Science
|
Cross-listed: 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.
Course |
SOC 205 Introduction to Research Methods |
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Professor |
Yuval Elmelech |
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CRN |
15015 |
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Schedule |
Tu Th 3:00 -4:20 pm OLIN 205 |
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Distribution |
OLD: E / G / Q
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NEW: Social
Science
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Cross-listed: Environmental Studies, Human Rights
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.
Course |
SOC 227 Culture Wars |
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Professor |
Amy Ansell |
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CRN |
15485 |
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Schedule |
Mon Wed 1:30 -2:50 pm OLIN 202 |
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Distribution |
OLD: A / C
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NEW: Social
Science / Rethinking Difference
|
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 theybecame 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.
Course |
SOC 309 Race: Special Topics |
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|
Professor |
Amy Ansell |
|
|
CRN |
15486 |
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|
Schedule |
Th 1:30 -3:50 pm OLIN 303 |
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|
Distribution |
OLD: A / C
|
NEW: Social
Science / Rethinking Difference
|
Cross-listed: SRE, American Studies
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.
Course |
SOC 338 Welfare States in Comparative Perspective |
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Professor |
Michael Donnelly |
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CRN |
15018 |
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Schedule |
Tu 1:30 -3:50 pm OLIN 303 |
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Distribution |
OLD: C
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NEW: Social
Science
|
PIE
CORE COURSE
“The era of big government is over.” Is it? If so, with what consequences? This
course retraces the main lines of development of the welfare state, examining
the social demands and political conflicts out of which “welfare” emerged, and
the values and principles which have subsequently informed welfare
policies. The course proceeds,
secondly, to consider debates and conflicts over the scope and aims of welfare
states during the last two decades. It
ends, finally, by considering innovative policy ideas to reform the welfare
state or bring it into line with changing realities. Case studies will be drawn from Sweden, Germany, Britain, Italy,
and the USA; comparison of the limited, piecemeal approach of the US with more
comprehensive European social democracy will be a consistent focus. The policy arenas to be discussed will
include youth unemployment and job sharing; equal opportunity for women; the
social integration of marginalized groups; flexible time regimes; and the
challenge of an aging population.