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Chair: Marian A. Cohen
Professors: Marian A. Cohen, Marcene Marcoux, Henry Tischler
Associate Professor: Ellen Zimmerman
Assistant Professors: Spencer Blakeslee, Susan Dargan, David Mackey, Jonathan
Martin, Ira Silver
Instructors: Deborah Baiano-Berman, Lucille Lawless
The General Education Requirement
All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of twelve
(12) courses (see page 33 of the College catalog).
SOCIOLOGY MAJOR
Departmental Requirements for Major in Sociology
Six (6) core Sociology courses:
52.101 Principles of Sociology
52.161 Introduction to Cultural
Anthropology
52.301 Sociological Theory
52.302 Research Methods in Sociology
I
52.303 Research Methods in Sociology
II
52.401 Seminar in Sociology
Related Required Course:
43.117 Introductory Statistics
(Gen.Ed. Goal 2)
Additional requirements for Sociology major without a concentration (SOG):
Eight (8) electives in sociology from among courses currently offered, plus
approved sociology courses from other institutions.
Additional requirements for Sociology major with concentration:
a. Eight (8) electives in Sociology, a minimum of four from among the Sociology
electives listed under the selected concentration.
b. Four-five (4-5) electives in disciplines other than Sociology from among
related courses (see list under the selected concentration.)
CONCENTRATIONS IN SOCIOLOGY
Students majoring in Sociology are encouraged but not required to select one
of the concentrations offered. Concentrations are special groupings of elective
courses beyond the basic major core. Each concentration combines selected courses
within Sociology with related courses from specified other departments to give
greater depth and focus to undergraduate degree programs. A cohesive sequence
of courses in important subfields enables students to strengthen their knowledge
for either immediate employment opportunities upon graduation or for advanced
post-graduate training.
There are six concentrations in Sociology:
Human Services
Aging and Health
Deviance and Social Control
Community Life
Social Analysis
Anthropology
Theory and Research
Business and Society
AGING AND HEALTH (SOH)
This concentration views aging as a developmental process spanning the entire
life cycle. It is recognized that this process is affected by many factors.
Therefore, aging will be explored on two interrelated levels: the individual
and the structural. On the individual level, analysis will include study of
the effects of family and work relationships on aging. On the structural level,
analysis will focus on organizations and social movements as they affect aging.
Further, because physical and mental health are essential to well-being at
any age, there will be a strong emphasis on examining the roles of health and
the health delivery system in the aging process. The concentration is
particularly suitable for those interested in gerontology and/or a health field
in the areas on counseling, administration, community planning, social work, and
public health.
Concentration core (choose four):
52.212 Sociology of the Family
52.248 Social Structure and the
Self
52.280 Social Gerontology
52.315 Social Class in American
Society
52.325 Medical Sociology
52.342 Sociology of Organizations
52.370 Psychological Anthropology
52.440 Seminar in Social Gerontology
52.490 Independent Study
52.495 Internship - Community Social
Services
52.498 Field Experience in the Social
Dynamics of Business
Additional Sociology electives (four)
Related courses (choose four):
12.230 Urban Economics
12.260 Labor Economics
23.101 Biological Concepts
23.142 Introduction to Human Biology
34.111 Human Development
42.231 Psychology of Adulthood and
Aging
34.101 Personal and Community Health
62.326 Political Parties and Interest
Groups
62.329 Public Policy Analysis
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL (SOD)
A focus on deviance and social control implies taking a careful look at how
forms of social and personal behavior which violate mainstream norms arise,
and at how mainstreamers and mainstream social institutions regard and respond
to such behavior. We will be looking at behavioral styles called "crime", "delinquency",
"immorality", "non-conformity", and so forth. How do such modes of behavior
arise and how do they become labelled as deviant styles by the society and its
mainstream enforcers? How do deviants assess their own behavior and how is it
viewed by others? How does it affect their relationships with others? What do
"insider- outsider" relations consist of? What does the society as a whole define
as order? How do various social institutions and groupings (the legal and medical
establishments, the upholders of public morality, etc.) respond to what they
view to be disorder? How does society punish transgressors and enforce rules
and impose sanctions? This concentration is particularly suitable for those
interested in the practice of law and law enforcement, politics, public administration,
mental health, and social work.
Concentration core (choose four):
52.130 Social Problems
52.224 Juvenile Delinquency
52.225 Genocide and Violence: Sociological
Perspectives
52.230 Law and Society
52.248 Social Structure and the
Self
52.267 Sociology of Subcultures
52.270 Sociology of Deviance
52.271 Criminology
52.490 Independent Study*
52.495 Internship-Community Social
Services*
52.498 Field Experience in the Social
Dynamics of Business*
*Must be specific and relevant to the concentration and
with approval of the department chairperson.
Additional Sociology electives (four)
Related courses (choose four):
41.105
Introduction to Political and Social Philosophy
42.212 Adolescent Psychology
42.224 Social Psychology
42.271 Principles of Behavior Modification
42.273 Environmental Psychology
42.322 Abnormal Psychology
62.211 Political Theory: Justice,
Law, and Order
62.250
American Legal Systems
62.315 Judicial Politics and Policy
62.316 U.S. Constitutional Law and
Politics
23.201 The Brain and Behavior
84.420 Drug Addiction
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
COMMUNITY LIFE (SOC)
Community Life involves the analysis of community social structure and demography:
population groups, activities, locations, and communal organizations. The processes
of growth, development, and change, and the major institutional influences on
these factors, are the main focus of the community concentration. It is designed
for students who intend to go into community planning, real estate, journalism,
local government, transportation, recreation direction, welfare, and similar
fields.
Concentration core (choose four):
52.130 Social Problems
52.212 Sociology of the Family
52.225 Genocide and Violence: Sociological
Perspectives
52.230 Law and Society
52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations
52.246 African-American Social Thought
and Action
52.251 Urban Sociology
52.252 Suburban Lifestyles
52.267 Sociology of Subcultures
52.282 Sociology of the Future
52.315 Social Class in America
52.340 Sociology of Work
52.342 Sociology of Organizations
52.490 Independent Study
52.495 Internship - Community Social
Services
52.498 Field Experience in the Social
Dynamics of Business
Additional Sociology electives (four)
Related courses (choose four):
11.388 19th and 20th-Century Architecture
12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics
12.102 Principles of Microeconomics
12.230 Urban Economics
21.286 Professional Writing
22.201 Economic Geography
22.260 Introduction to Urban Studies
and Planning
32.321 Immigrants, Ethnics, and
Racial Minorities in United States History
34.332 Consumer Housing
62.324 Urban Politics
71.220 Principles of Mass Communication
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
ANTHROPOLOGY (SOA)
The Anthropology concentration focuses on the understanding of culture, the
various adaptive styles human beings have devised and the ways in which they
have become diversified. Central to anthropology is the question of "human nature,"
To what extent are we determined by our biology; to what degree are we shaped
by our social and environmental circumstances? How are cultural ideas (ideas
about how social life should be lived) related to society (the way social life
is actually organized and conducted)? How do comparative perspectives derived
from a study of non-Western cultures help to illuminate understandings of our
nature? How do the biological and non-biological dimensions of human experience
interact? What does communication consist of and how do symbols function to
effect communication? The Anthropology concentration is particularly suitable
for those with interests in language, religion and ideology, non-Western societies,
human biology and evolution, and for those with career interests that may bring
them overseas or in contact with different cultures, in community development
and planning, in public health, and so forth.
Concentration core (choose four):
52.225 Genocide and Violence:
Sociological Perspectives
52.243 Unity and Diversity in Native
American Cultures
52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations
52.267 Sociology of Subcultures
52.270 Sociology of Deviance
52.360 Language and Culture
52.370 Psychological Anthropology
52.368 Religion and Ritual
52.490 Independent Study
52.495 Internship - Community Social
Services
52.498 Field Experience in the Social
Dynamics of Business
Additional Sociology electives (four)
Related courses (choose four):
11.151 Art and Social Values
21.201 Mythology and Folklore
21.202 Comparative Mythology
21.207 The Language of Film
21.260 American Ethnic Literature
22.110 World Regional Geography
22.211 Cultural Geography
22.255 Geography of Subsaharan Africa
22.256 Geography of the Middle East
22.257 Geography of Latin America
23.301 Genetics
23.339 Psychobiology
42.273 Environmental Psychology
71.250 Media/Society/Self
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
THEORY AND RESEARCH (SOR)
This concentration is intended for those students interested in pursuing a
career in sociology. It prepares students for graduate work in the various fields
of sociology with an emphasis on either theoretical thought or research methods.
Concentration core (choose four):
52.248 Social Structure and the
Self
52.251 Urban Sociology
52.252 Suburban Lifestyles
52.270 Sociology of Deviance
52.282 Sociology of the Future
52.304 Modern Social Thought
52.315 Social Class in American
Society
52.370 Psychological Anthropology
52.368 Religion and Ritual
52.490 Independent Study
52.495 Internship-Community Social
Service
52.498 Field Experience in the Social
Dynamics of Business
Additional Sociology electives (four)
Related courses (choose four):
21.286 Professional Writing
41.105 Introduction to Political
and Social Philosophy
42.224 Social Psychology
42.342 Group Dynamics
43.307 Intermediate Statistics
43.308 Applied Statistical Data
Processing
62.211 Political Theory: Justice,
Law, and Order
62.212 Political Theory: Age of
Ideology
62.313 American Political Thought
63.151 Personal Computer (PC) Fundamentals
and Applications
63.152 Computer Science I Using
C
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
BUSINESS AND SOCIETY (SOB)
This concentration is for students interested in professional and business
careers. The focus is on various models of work systems in American enterprise,
social regulation of business, the character of the global economy, and markets
as systems of social exchange relating to families, work organizations, and
the state. Fieldwork is encouraged for students through our field experience
course.
Concentration core (choose four):
52.230 Law and Society
52.232 The Social Implications of
Computers
52.282 Sociology of the Future:
Post-Industrial Society
52.315 Social Class in American
Society
52.340 Sociology of Work - Occupations
and Professions
52.342 Sociology of Organizations
52.490 Independent Study
52.498 Field Experience in the Social
Dynamics of Business
Additional Sociology electives (four)
Related required courses (two):
12.100
Contemporary Economic Problems and Issues and
12.105 An Introduction to the
United States Economy or
12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics and
12.102 Principles of Microeconomics
Related courses (choose two):
21.286
Professional Writing or 21.471
Business Writing
71.240 Leadership in Meetings
12.215 Legal Environment of Business
12.230 Urban Economics
12.260 Labor Economics
12.272 Management Principles
12.280 Applied Organizational Theory
and Management
32.240 Industrial and Labor History
of the United States
42.334
Organizational Behavior
62.325 Public Management
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY (5 courses)
52.101 Principles of Sociology
and four (4) additional approved courses in sociology. The electives must be
selected from a minimum of two major areas such as: anthropology, criminal justice,
family, medical sociology, and urban sociology.
Sociology Courses Appropriate for General Education
(Gen.Ed.)
52.101 Principles of Sociology (Gen.Ed. Goal 9)
An introduction to sociological thinking. Emphasis is placed on mastery of the basic concepts and processes required to analyze group interaction and social institutions in both simple and complex societies. Special attention is given to American society and its institutions.
52.130 Social Problems (Gen.Ed. Goals 9, 12)
An analysis of selected problems affecting society such as discrimination, family violence, inequality and poverty, addictions, population, and the environment. Note: Students may not receive credit for both 52.130 and 52.123 Contemporary Social Problems in Urban Society.
52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Gen.Ed. Goals 9, 13)
A systematic study of cultural forms of behavior as represented in Western and non-Western societies with particular emphasis on the diversity present in human behavior.
52.212 Sociology of the Family (Gen.Ed. Goal 12)
A study of marriage and family institutions in terms of their development, contemporary structure, and relation to other institutions in American society. Various models for learning about family structures and face-to-face interaction of family members are considered.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.224 Juvenile Delinquency (Gen.Ed. Goal 14)
An analysis of juvenile conduct and causes of delinquency; police and probation procedures in juvenile cases; current training, research, and rehabilitation programs in the field of juvenile delinquency with emphasis on the programs in Massachusetts.
52.225 Genocide and Violence: Sociological Perspectives (Gen.Ed. Goal 14)
An exploration of the perplexing and disturbing reality of widespread genocide throughout the world - particularly during the 20th Century. The course considers causes, what constitutes genocide, how genocide is rationalized and allowed to continue, and what ends genocide.
52.230 Law and Society (Gen.Ed. Goal 10)
A consideration of law as a tool used by governments and various groups in society as well as by individuals who want to have their demands met. Particular focus is on the U.S. legal system. The following topics are included: the nature and function of law in various social contexts; the role of law in maintaining or preventing free expression and action; the relations between law and morality; and the law as an instrument of social reform.
Prerequisite: A course in sociology, political science or history, or permission of the instructor.
52.232 The Social Implications of Computers
A nontechnical study considering some of the ways in which the computer changes our environment and our lives. Using the writings of computer specialists as well as sociologists and other social scientists, we focus on the impact of the computer on individuals; on business, education, science, and government; and finally on the effects from a socioeconomic perspective.
52.243 Unity and Diversity in Native American Cultures (Gen.Ed. Goals 12,13)
An investigation of several Native American cultures from an anthropological perspective. The diversity of beliefs and practices among these groups is examined, with attention to differences in environment, economic system, and tribal tradition. The unifying forces in the commonalities of Native American historical and political experience are investigated. Events from the seventeenth century through the present are examined through the lens of this Native American experience.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology, or 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, or permission of instructor.
52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations (Gen.Ed. Goals 9, 12)
An examination of the cultures of various racial and ethnic groups from an international and historical perspective; an overview of the theories relevant for an understanding of the outcomes of intergroup contact. Note: Students may not receive credit for both 52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations and 52.245 Ethnicity, Culture, and Society.
52.246 African-American Social Thought and Action (Gen.Ed. Goal 12)
An analysis of ideological and social change including the urban Black rebellion of the sixties and Black Liberation struggles. Focus is on causes and conditions underlying these movements, and relations between them and global forces.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or permission of the instructor.
52.248 Social Structure and the Self (Gen.Ed. Goal 12)
The exploration of the relationships between individuals and society in an attempt to address the problem of social order, i.e., how is society possible given the inherent diversity of individuals? Attention is directed to such topics as self and identity, roles and society, social perception, and social influences on the individual.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or permission of instructor.
52.251 Urban Sociology
The study of the causes, characteristics, and effects of urbanization in modern society. Special emphasis is given to the social organization of metropolitan areas in the United States.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.252 Suburban Lifestyles
A delineation of definitions of suburbs and different types of suburbs. Effects of suburban social milieus on individuals and groups (family, community, neighborhood, and special-interest) are traced and related to components of various life-styles. Consideration of pro-and anti- suburban views as well as myths about suburbia are discussed in relation to suburban futures. The course deals principally with the rich literature of sociological research on suburban communities.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or 52.251 Urban Sociology or 12.230 Urban Economics or 22.201 Economic Geography or 62.105 Urban Politics.
52.267 Sociology of Subcultures (Gen.Ed. Goal 14)
A comparative approach to the study of subcultures examining the beliefs and practices of various religious, ethnic, occupational, and political subcultures throughout the world, for example the gay and lesbian. Focus is on the relationship of such subcultures to the dominant culture. Note: Students may not receive credit for both 52.267 and 52.242 American Sub-Cultures.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.270 Sociology of Deviance
An examination of society's rules regarding what constitutes appropriate and permissible behavior. Culture generates values which specify what are legitimate and illegitimate moral outlooks. What happens when these rules and values are violated and deviant behavior and opinion results? In this course theories of deviance are explored and several models for becoming deviant are examined. Examples of deviant patterns of behavior are drawn from both Western and non-Western societies in an attempt to show how widely cross-cultural patterns of deviance differ.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or 52.130 Social Problems or 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.
52.271 Criminology
Analysis of the types, causes, and consequences of criminal behavior in modern society. Street crime, organized crime, and white-collar crime are related to the norms and values of American culture. Specific attention is paid to the victims of crime as well as to punishment and its effectiveness.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.280 Social Gerontology (Gen.Ed. Goal 14)
An analysis of the impact of an aging population on community and society, government, and the economy through the study of research on aging. The research focuses on the area of health, income, work, leisure, family, and intergenerational relationships. Note: Students may not receive credit for both 52.280 and 52.240 Introduction to Social Gerontology.
52.282 Sociology of the Future: Post-Industrial Society
Theories of social change and analysis of major transformations in social structure predicted for the next fifty years. Assessment of the social and cultural components of future social systems; values and norms, roles, groups, organizations, and institutions. Introduction to the means and methods of informed speculation and scientific social forecasting.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.301 Sociological Theory
An examination of sociological thought through detailed analysis of important works which represent various approaches to social analysis. The approaches are: positivism, functionalism, conflict theory, interactionism, Marxism, and structuralism.
`
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology; and recommended: at least two other courses in sociology. Majors only.
52.302 Research Methods in Sociology I
An introduction to all aspects of sociological research from initial problem formulation, through data collection, to data analysis, to evaluation and report of findings. The course includes basic quantitative and qualitative measurement techniques of the social sciences. At the end of the course each student will have designed a problem to be investigated in the second semester (52.303).
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology, 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, a course in statistics (may be taken concurrently), and junior standing. Majors only.
52.303 Research Methods in Sociology II
Culmination of the original quantitative and/or qualitative research project designed in 52.302. The course format consists of class work and frequent individual consultations. This course includes the applications of the analytical procedures most useful for the social sciences. Students learn use of the computer for purposes of data analysis.
Prerequisite: 52.302 Research Methods in Sociology I. Majors only.
52.304 Modern Social Thought
An analysis of the contemporary state of sociology as a discipline. Special attention is given to models, theories, and ideas affecting contemporary perspectives in sociology. Focus is on theories and schools at the leading edge of sociology, such as enthnomethodology, phenomenology, critical theory, and structuralism. Note: Can be used to satisfy theory requirement with permission of Department Chair.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology, and recommended: at least two other sociology courses.
52.315 Social Class in American Society (Gen.Ed. Goal 12)
An exploration of the structure of social inequality in the United States and the consequences of class division. Who has wealth? What difference does it make to be without materials or symbolic rewards? This course not only focuses on empirical research but also is an exercise in applied sociology.
52.325 Medical Sociology
An introduction to selected topics in the field of medical sociology. Covers current research and substantive findings in the sociological study of health, illness, and medical practice. Particular reference to the incidence and prevalence of illness, organization of treatment institutions, and the doctor-patient relationship. It is offered from a perspective which construes human health as a topic both of inherent theoretical interest and of pragmatic importance.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or permission of instructor.
52.340 Sociology of Work -Occupations and Professions
An examination of the impact of work on American society through a detailed study of the contrasting opportunities and life styles among blue collar, white collar, and professional workers. Attention is given to such topics as the nature of bureaucracies, hazardous working conditions, leisure time, and occupational sex-typing. The goal is to analyze the institutional factors that render work meaningless and alienating, as well as to identify the social conditions that contribute to satisfying and creative work.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.342 Sociology of Organizations
An analysis of the patterned relationships found in both formal and informal organizations through examination of organizational theories and results of empirical studies. Attention is directed to topics such as organizational goals, control, leadership, the role of professionals in bureaucratic organizations, and relationships between organizations and their clients, including interorganizational relations.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology.
52.360 Language and Culture (Gen.Ed. Goals 12, 13)
An investigation of the structured relationship between language and culture involving aspects of linguistic anthropology. The course looks at the connections between underlying cultural models and the structure of language used in both Western and non-Western speech communities. It also deals with variations in language which are related to social categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, and social class.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or permission of instructor.
52.368 Religion and Ritual (Gen.Ed. Goal 13)
A study of the nature of religious experience, myth, and ritual within an anthropological perspective. Attention is given to such topics as the function of witchcraft and sorcery, the various types of religious movements, charisma, and the role of shamans and mystics as technicians of the sacred. Some of the specific cultures examined are the Eskimo, Pygmy, Navajo, and Hopi. Careful study is also given to the specific problems social scientists face when they attempt to research and analyze religion scientifically.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or permission of instructor.
52.370 Psychological Anthropology (Gen.Ed. Goal 13)
An exploration of the relationships among cultural patterns, ideas of the "person", family structures, child rearing practices, and personality, with a primary focus on non-Western cultures. The student is asked to integrate concepts from both psychology and anthropology, in order to gain an understanding of the ways in which the theories and methods of each discipline intersect in the study of motivation, emotion, perception, cognition, learning, personality development, behavioral patterns, and conceptualization and treatment of mental illness.
Prerequisite: 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology or 42.101 General Psychology.
52.401 Seminar in Sociology
An exploration of major sociological concepts and rethinking of significant issues in sociology. The seminar is designed as a culminating experience for a Sociology major.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, 52.301 Sociological Theory, 52.302 Research Methods in Sociology I, and 52.303 Research Methods in Sociology II. Majors only.
52.440 Seminar in Social Gerontology
An advanced seminar offering in-depth examination of selected issues in gerontology. In addition to topics assigned by the instructor, students are expected to research and present written and oral reports on topics of personal interest. Topics vary from semester to semester and may include health, income, work and leisure, housing, or social and family relationships as they relate to aging and old age. The course is designed for students who desire to pursue careers in gerontology.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology and 52.280 Social Gerontology and junior standing.
52.490 Independent Study in Sociology
An in-depth investigation in a specific topic relating to the student's interest in sociology. The selection is made by the student with written approval of the faculty advisor. Oral presentation and final written report required. Limited enrollment.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology, junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor.
52.492 Topics in Sociology
Selected special subjects in sociology and anthropology to be given from time to time at the discretion of the Department. Topics presented here are on a one-time-only basis and will not be a permanent part of the curriculum.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology and 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.
52.495 Internship-Community Social Services
An analysis of community social services through direct work experience in organizations dealing with community function and problems. Emphasis is on applied sociology and its emerging professional and para-professional roles. Students select specialized readings and field placements in accordance with their particular interests. Class work, frequent individual consultations, and eight hours of field work weekly are required for one course credit. Students may earn two course credits in internship experience under exceptional circumstances.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology, junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
52.498 Field Experience in the Social Dynamics of Business
A class in which the sociology of business and the sociology of formal organizations are explored via readings and lectures. The course also requires a field placement in which the student is asked to spend a minimum of six hours a week participating in and observing the dynamics of a profit-oriented company. In this setting the student observes the formal and informal patterns of interaction among the employees, as well as communication between employees and management.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status and one of the following courses: 42.334 Organizational Behavior; 52.342 Sociology of Organizations; 52.340 Sociology of Work; 12.272 Management Principles; or permission of instructor.
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