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Chair: Marian A. Cohen
Professors: Marian A. Cohen, *Henry Tischler
Associate Professor: Ellen Zimmerman
Assistant Professors: Susan Dargan, David Mackey, Jonathan
Martin, Ira Silver
Instructors: Deborah Baiano-Berman, Lucille Lawless
*Sabbatical: Fall 2003
The General Education Requirement
All students must satisfy a
general education requirement
consisting of twelve (12) courses
(see page 34). General Education
Goal 13 (Non-Western Studies) is
covered in courses required of
Sociology majors and is therefore
considered fulfilled through the
major. While majors may take general
education courses from other
departments that fulfill Goal 13,
they are not required to do so.
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)
CONCENTRATIONS IN SOCIOLOGY
Students majoring
in Sociology must select one of the
concentrations offered, which have
requirements in addition to the six
Sociology core courses. The General
Sociology concentration offers the
student an opportunity to explore
the wide range of subdisciplines
within the field. Other
concentrations combine selected
courses within Sociology with
related courses from other specified
departments to give greater depth
and focus to the undergraduate
degree program. 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.
Students majoring
in Sociology choose from one of the
five concentrations listed below:
General
Sociology
Anthropology
Business and Society
Deviance and Social Control
Human Services
GENERAL SOCIOLOGY
(SOG)
The General
Sociology concentration is designed
for students who wish to gain a
broad overview of the discipline. In
addition to the core requirements
for the major, students select the
following courses: eight sociology
electives; a minimum of two (2) must
be at the 300-level or higher.
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. It is
designed to prepare students for
careers involving interaction and
cooperation with people from diverse
cultural, religious, and ethnic
groups. Some examples are
government; international
development; foundation
administration; business
enterprises, especially those with
overseas interests; non-profit
organizations, especially
non-governmental organizations
(NGO’s) with global interests; human
ecology and environmental
consulting. In addition, this
concentration prepares students for
graduate study in anthropology,
sociology, and international
relations.
In addition to completing the
core requirements for the major,
students select the following
courses:
Eight sociology electives, at
least three of which are from the
following list:
52.243 Unity and Diversity in Native
American Cultures*
52.360 Language and Culture*
52.370 Psychological Anthropology*
52.253 Gender Across Cultures
Four of the following related
required courses from outside of the
department: Students must select
courses from at least two different
departments.
21.202 Comparative Mythology
21.203 Global Perspectives in Literature*
22.110 World Regional Geography
22.211 Cultural Geography
22.222 Geographic Perspectives on Globalization
22.225 Population, Food, and Global Development
22.255 Geography of Subsaharan Africa
22.256 Geography of the Middle East
22.257 Geography of Latin America
31.171 World Music Cultures
31.212 Music, Dance, and Ritual in the Pacific
32.155 The Comparative History of World Civilization
32.336 Latin America from the Conquest to the Present*
71.245 Cultural Aspects of Media Representation*
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.
In addition to
completing the core requirements for
the major, students select the
following courses:
Eight sociology
electives, at least four of which
are from the following list:
52.230 Law and Society*
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
*This course has a prerequisite.
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
*This course has a prerequisite.
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 labeled 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.
In addition to
completing the core requirements for
the major, students select the
following courses:
Eight sociology electives, at
least four of which are from the
following list:
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**
*This course has a prerequisite.
**Must be specific and relevant to the concentration and
with approval of the department chairperson.
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
84.420 Drug Addiction
Note: Substitutions may be made with permission of the Sociology Department
Chair.
This
concentration is designed for
students interested in careers in
human services, such as non-profit
agency administration, social work,
counseling, community organizing,
health care policy analysis, and
health care administration.
Additionally, this concentration
offers preparation for graduate
study in social work, health care
administration, law, sociology,
psychology, education, and human
resource management. The Human
Service concentration provides an
in-depth examination of the impact
of social forces on human behavior.
In addition to
completing the core requirements for
the major, students select the
following courses:
Eight sociology electives, at
least four of which are from the
following list:
52.130
Social Problems
52.212 Sociology of the Family*
52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations
52.248 Social Structure and the Self*
52.280 Social Gerontology
52.315 Social Class in America
52.325 Medical Sociology*
52.342 Sociology of Organizations*
52.495 Internship - Community
Social Services**
* Indicates course has a prerequisite.
**Internship must be related to human services.
Related courses (choose four)
(students must select at least one
course from each department listed
below):
Psychology:
42.101 General Psychology
42.212 Adolescent Psychology*
42.215 Psychology of Personality*
42.271 Principles of Behavior Modification*
42.322 Abnormal Psychology*
42.305 Human Relations*
Consumer
Sciences:
34.111 Human Development
34.312 Family and Interpersonal Development*
* Indicates course has a prerequisite.
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.
52.234 Investigating Social Forces in American Society (Gen.Ed. Goal 9)
A hands-on approach to the investigation of social issues in the United States from both contemporary and historical perspectives. After a review of principles of scientific inquiry in the social sciences, students learn how to explore, organize, and present qualitative and quantitative data, using various software packages and the Internet. Students acquire computer skills applicable to many social science careers and/or graduate study. Note: This course is computer intensive. Competency in word processing and presentation software or completion of 63.120 Introduction to Computer Science and Information Technology or 63.151 Personal Computer Fundamentals and Applications is strongly recommended.
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.
52.253 Gender Across Cultures
An investigation of how womanhood and manhood are constituted and practiced in western and non-western cultures. The course addresses questions such as the following: How do we learn how to be men or women? How do ideas of masculinity and femininity differ from ethnic group to ethnic group, culture to culture? How do material conditions and ideologies influence gender roles and ideals? What are some of the issues gender gives rise to in the world?
52.263 Social Stratification (Gen.Ed. Goal 12)
An exploration of the multiple dimensions of social stratification in the United States. Attention is given to how race, gender, and class intersect to produce disparties of power and status in our society.
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.
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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.
52.308 Political Sociology
An examination of power in society. The course adresses questions such as: Who rules a nation? How democratic is the United States, and how democratic should it be? Which social conditions and processes foster democracy, and which obstruct it? How do we explain recent shifts in the balance of socialpolitical power? What future political changes are likely, possible, and desirable?
Prerequisite: 52.101 Principles of Sociology or 52.130 Social Promblems; sophomore standing.
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.
52.490 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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