SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (4 Credits)

Perspectives on society, culture and social interaction. Topics may include the self, emotions, culture, community, class, race and ethnicity, family, gender and economy. Priority given to first years and sophomores. Open to juniors and seniors with permission of the course director. Enrollment limited to 30. {S}

Fall, Spring

SOC 203 Qualitative Methods (4 Credits)

Qualitative research methods offer a means of gaining insight and understanding into complex perspectives held by people about social practices and social phenomena. Whereas good quantitative research captures scale, good qualitative research reaches the depth of perceptions, views, experiences, behaviors and beliefs. Qualitative research deals with meanings; it seeks to understand not just what people do, but why they choose to do what they do. This course provides students with a theoretical as well as practical grounding in qualitative research including research ethics, research design, practicalities in research, research techniques, data analysis, and theorizing and dissemination of research findings. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Spring

SOC 204 Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods for Sociology (5 Credits)

This project-based course covers the study of statistics for the analysis of sociological data and the study of methods for quantitative sociological research more generally. Topics in statistics include descriptive statistics, probability theory, correlation, deduction and induction, error and bias, confidence intervals and simple linear regression. Topics in research methods will include positivism, research design, measurement, sampling methods and survey design. All students will participate in a lab which emphasizes the use of computer software to analyze real data. Students will design and complete a survey research project over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 40. {M}{S}

Fall

SOC 212 Class and Society (4 Credits)

An introduction to classical and contemporary approaches to class relations, status and social inequality. Topics include contemporary Marxian and Weberian approaches to class; the practice of social mobility in ideology and in social reality, class-consciousness, the social reproduction of class structures and the ways that racial and gender divisions intersect with class relations. Particular attention to the class experience in cultural, social psychological and economic terms within contemporary U.S. society. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 213 Race and National Identity in the United States (4 Credits)

The sociology and history of a multiracial and ethnically stratified society. Comparative examinations of several U.S. racialized and ethnic groups. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 214 Sociology of Hispanic Caribbean Communities in the United States (5 Credits)

This community-based learning course surveys social science research, literary texts and film media on Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican communities in the United States. Historic and contemporary causes and contexts of (im)migration, settlement patterns, labor market experiences, demographic profiles, identity formations and cultural expressions are considered. Special attention is paid to both inter- and intra-group diversity, particularly along the lines of race, gender, sexuality and class. Students are required to dedicate four hours per week to a local community-based organization. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 20.

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 216 Social Movements (4 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth examination of major sociological theories of collective action and social movements. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of social movement dynamics including recruitment and mobilization, strategies and tactic, and movement outcomes. The empirical emphasis is on modern American social movements including student protest, feminist, civil rights and sexual identity movements. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 218 Urban Sociology (4 Credits)

A study of the sociological dimensions of urban life. Main areas of inquiry: the processes of urban change; the city as a locus of various social relationships and cultural forms; urban poverty and social conflict; homelessness; and strategies for urban revitalization. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 220 The Sociology of Culture (4 Credits)

Drawing upon a variety of sociological perspectives and analytical methods, this course considers the place of culture in social life and examines its socially constituted character. Culture, will be viewed along three dimensions: 1) as the customary practices of particular social groups; 2) the expression of symbolic representation in society, and 3) through the practice of artistic and creative expression. Cultural practices will be considered in a range of social, historical and institutional settings and in several forms, including high and popular culture, mass culture, counter culture, and cultures of opposition. The course will consider such matters as the relationship between culture and social inequality, culture and social change, the commoditization of cultural goods, the workings of global cultural markets, and the complex processes by which cultural forms may be used, appropriated and transformed by social groups. Prerequisite: SOC 101.Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 224 Family and Society (4 Credits)

This course examines social structures and meanings that shape contemporary family life. Students look at the ways that race, class and gender shape the ways that family is organized and experienced. Topics include the social construction of family, family care networks, parenthood, family policy, globalization and work. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

SOC 226 Sociological Perspectives on Power and Privilege in American Education (4 Credits)

This course examines the institution of education from a sociological perspective, exploring issues of power and privilege, relationships between education and other social institutions, and the varying purposes of education in society. A recurring theme throughout the course is meritocracy. We consider how merit is defined in education, factors that affect who succeeds in the educational system and whether meritocratic education is a viable goal. Course readings include current empirical research in the sociology of education and both classical and contemporary sociological theories of education. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 229 Sex and Gender in American Society (4 Credits)

An examination of the ways in which the social system creates, maintains and reproduces gender dichotomies with specific attention to the significance of gender in interaction, culture and a number of institutional contexts, including work, politics, families and sexuality. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 230 Sociology of Food (4 Credits)

Using theoretical frameworks from environmental sociology, political and economic sociology, and sociology of culture, this course examines how social structures shape the way food is produced, prepared and consumed. This course investigates political and environmental dynamics that structure food systems and practices and considers inequalities related to food at the local and global levels. Finally, students explore food movements and investigate ideas for creating more equitable and sustainable practices. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 232 World Population (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to environmental, economic, feminist and nationalist perspectives on population growth and decline. The course examines current population trends and processes (fertility, mortality and migration) and considers the social, political, economic and environmental implications of those trends. The course also provides an overview of various sources of demographic data as well as basic demographic methods. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 233 Sociology of Climate Change (4 Credits)

The effects of climate change put great strain on societies, testing the very structures that organize people’s lives and livelihoods. Using sociological frameworks and theories of globalization, inequality, intersectionality, science and technology, policy, migration, sustainability, environmental justice, social movements, and human rights, this course will examine the social, political, and economic impacts of climate change, as well as the ways that local and global groups prepare, mitigate, deny, adapt to, and organize in the face of climate change and its impacts. Prerequisite: SOC 101.Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 236 Beyond Borders: The New Global Political Economy (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to the basic concepts and theories in global political economy. It covers the history of economic restructuring, global division of labor, development, North-South state relations, and modes of resistance from a transnational and feminist perspective. Issues central to migration, borders and security, health, and the environment are central to the course. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 237 Gender and Globalization (4 Credits)

This course engages with the various dimensions of globalization through the lens of gender, race and class relations. We study how gender and race intersect in global manufacturing and supply chains as well as in the transnational politics of representation and access in global media, culture, consumption, fashion, food, water, war and dissenting voices. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 25. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 241 Race, Empire and Discipline (4 Credits)

This course explores the role of the state in the creation of both race and discipline as it exists in the contemporary U.S. Students begin to understand how these apparatuses allow for the creation and expansion of the U.S. empire. In particular, the course looks at the racialization of Muslims to see how race, discipline and empire are all collective processes and have clear examples of how these processes play out. Students look at how discipline itself is racialized and creates the scaffolding for expanding U.S. empire and then they imagine an alternative world, one without racialized discipline and U.S. empire. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

SOC 243 Race, Gender and Mass Incarceration (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to the historical roots of mass incarceration and how it shapes multiple aspects of life and society. Students focus on the particular experiences of currently and formerly incarcerated women, with an emphasis on the overrepresentation of Black women; the major social, political and economic factors that have contributed to the rise of mass incarceration in the United States; the primary ways mass incarceration alters the lives of people and communities; and why eliminating racial oppression cannot be disentangled from eliminating mass incarceration. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 246 Colloquium: The Sociological Imagination (4 Credits)

According to C.W. Mills, the "sociological imagination" allows us "to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society." This course helps students develop their sociological imaginations by reading memoirs written by both U.S. and international authors who’ve published in English, and asking sociological questions of the stories being told. The course moves beyond appreciation for the "troubles [that] occur within the character of the individual and within the range of [their] immediate relations with others" to a recognition and analysis of social facts, geo-political issues and social problems illuminated through these individual stories. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 20. WI {H}{S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 250 Theories of Society (4 Credits)

This course introduces majors to widely used theoretical perspectives that inform the sociological imagination. It focuses on how these perspectives analyze core facets of social life, such as structure and stratification, power and inequality, culture, agency, self and identity. Each topic is surveyed from several major perspectives, providing a comparative view so that students can make assessments of the insights each theory offers. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 40. Priority given to Sociology majors and minors. {S}

Fall

SOC 253 Sociology of Sexuality: Institutions, Identities and Cultures (4 Credits)

This course examines sexuality from a sociological perspective, focusing on how sexuality is constructed by and structures major social institutions. We examine the social construction of individual and collective identities, norms and behaviors, discourses, institutional regulation, and the place of sexuality in the state, education, science and other institutions, and social movements. Consideration of gender, race, class, time and place are integrated throughout. Topics include the social construction of sexual desire and practice, sexuality and labor, reproduction, science, technology, sexuality and the state, sexuality education, globalization, commodification, and social movements for sexual purity, sexual freedom and against sexual violence. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 255 Colloquium: The Bollywood Matinee (4 Credits)

This course engages the world of popular Indian cinema, Bollywood and beyond. We integrate scholarly articles on the subject, lectures, in-depth discussions, and of course, film screenings to explore the history and political economy of India and South Asia. Students analyze how this vital cultural form deals with the politics of gender, class, caste, religion and Indian nationalism. Our discussions simultaneously focus on the role of globalization, migration and the cultural significance of Indian characters on international media; for example, Raj in the popular American sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Students are expected to engage with the readings, bring their reflections and actively participate in class discussions. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 20.

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 270 Media, Technology and Sociology (4 Credits)

The mass media are an important social institution that reflects and shapes norms and values. But the processes governing media production and reception are often taken for granted, immersed as society is in a highly mediated social world where preconceived notions about "the media" and its effects hold sway. This class will challenge conventional wisdom about how media and communication technologies work by critically exploring the history of media institutions, assessing the media's powers of persuasion, focusing on media as an occupation and examining the struggles over media representation by marginalized groups across traditional media and new digital platform. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 307 Seminar: The Racialization of Muslims (4 Credits)

This course takes a deep dive into the process and consequences of the racialization of Muslims. Although the course primarily uses racial formation as a framework for understanding the racialized nature of the experiences of Muslims, particularly after 9/11, the course explores other theoretical frameworks for making sense of the category of racialized Muslims. Discussions include: what racialization entails; the relationship between race and religion; race and Islam; Orientalist framings of Islam and Arabs; the War on Terror; and empire, gendered racialization and the comparative racialized experiences of Black Muslims. This course uses Muslims as a case study to explore larger questions about race, racialization and racial projects. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.(E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 312 Seminar: Women, Criminality and Punishment (4 Credits)

While research on what happens once formerly incarcerated women return to society has attracted more attention among scholars, activists and experts in corrections in recent years, women’s carceral experiences remain understudied. Therefore, this course centers the experiences of women and how gender shapes their experiences with crime and punishment. This course examines why women commit crimes, why feminist theoretical frameworks better inform our understanding of women’s experiences with crime, incarceration and reentry, the major challenges women face after incarceration and the lasting effects incarceration has on the lives of women. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.

Fall, Spring, Variable

SOC 317 Seminar: Inequality in Higher Education (4 Credits)

This course applies a sociological lens to understanding inequality in American higher education. We examine how the conflicting purposes of higher education have led to a highly stratified system of colleges and universities. We also address the question of how students’ social class, race, ethnicity and gender affect their chances of successfully navigating this stratified system of higher education. Finally, we examine selected public policies aimed at minimizing inequality in students’ access to and success in college. Prerequisites: SOC 101 and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 320 Seminar: Sociology of the Arts (4 Credits)

Sociological perspectives on the arts in society, with particular attention to the fine arts (primarily painting), to literature and to theatre, among other forms of cultural expression. Theories of the place of art in society, the social context of artistic production and the social production of the artist, as well as sociological perspectives on the changing nature of arts institutions and audiences, and the social position and aesthetic disposition of the artist. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {A}{S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 323ct Seminar: Topics in Gender and Social Change-Gender, Sexuality and Social Movements in Conservative Times (4 Credits)

This class focuses on challenges to and changes in gender and sexuality during conservative time periods. Focusing on the U.S., we will primarily examine the 1980's and the contemporary period as case studies. We will look how political and other institutions affect gender and sexuality and at social movements addressing gender and sexuality from both the right and the left. We will look at movements including queer, feminist, anti-racist, anti-interventionist movements on the left, and racial supremacist, pro-military intervention, anti-LGBT and conservative evangelical movements on the right.  Theoretical frameworks are drawn from social movements, intersectional feminist and queer theories. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Variable

SOC 325 Seminar: Sociology of Emotions (4 Credits)

Although emotions are often thought of as something universal, authentic and internal, careful study reveals that the conventions concerning emotional expression can change radically over time and vary tremendously from place to place. Emotions can thus be thought of as cultural constructs, determined as much by social norms as human nature. This course explores the roots of emotions like love, fear, anger, shame and empathy, and examines the social construction of mental health and illness. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 327 Seminar: Global Migration in the 21st Century (4 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth engagement with global migration. It covers such areas as theories of migration, the significance of global political economy and state policies across the world in shaping migration patterns and immigrant identities. Questions about imperialism, post-colonial conditions, nation-building/national borders, citizenship and the gendered racialization of immigration intersect as critical contexts for our discussions. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 333 Seminar: Social Justice, the Environment and the Corporation (4 Credits)

Over the last century, the reach of corporations has gradually extended into all facets of life, yet most people rarely stop to think about the corporation as a social entity. This course focuses on the social, economic and legal foundations that both shape its power and provide a dominant logic for its actions. We examine the implications of corporate power and processes for communities, workers and the environment. We also focus on the ways that governments and various social groups have sought to change corporate assumptions and behaviors concerning their social and environmental responsibilities. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 340 Seminar: Sociological Writing for the Public (4 Credits)

How can you explain social inequality to the general public? Sociology gives us a unique lens on race, class, gender, sexuality, and other forms of inequality. Pull together what you have learned in your sociology classes and learn to communicate it to the general public. Students in this Calderwood Seminar will write a variety of pieces that bring sociological expertise to the public, such as summaries of research and data, book reviews, opinion pieces, blog posts, and magazine articles. Students will also hone their skills by reading and editing each other’s writing. This course is designed as a capstone course for sociology majors; sociology minors, students in related majors (other social sciences, SWG, AFR, etc.), or students with substantial sociology coursework are also welcome. Prerequisite: SOC 101. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. WI {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

SOC 350 Seminar: Caribbean Feminisms (4 Credits)

This course will introduce students to the history and sociology of feminisms in the Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean. Course materials will include primary documents, secondary sources and historical fiction in English. However, students who are able to read Spanish will have the option of engaging with texts in that language. Prerequisite: SOC 101, LAS 150 or SWG 150. Enrollment limited to 14. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. (E) {H}{S}

Variable

SOC 400 Special Studies (1-4 Credits)

By permission of the department, for junior and senior majors.

Fall, Spring

SOC 430D Honors Project (4 Credits)

This is a full year course.8 credits for the full-year course; 4 per semester.

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 431 Honors Project (8 Credits)

Fall, Spring, Annually

SOC 432D Honors Project (6-12 Credits)

Requirements: 10 semester courses beyond the introductory course (SOC 101); 1. 250, 201, either 202 or 203, four courses at the 200 or 300 level, and a senior seminar most appropriate to the thesis research; 2. A thesis (430, 432) written during two semesters; or a thesis (431) written during one semester; 3. An oral examination on the thesis.

Fall, Spring, Annually