Chair:  Marian A. Cohen

Professors:  Marian A. Cohen, Henry Tischler

Associate Professors:  David Mackey, Ellen Zimmerman

Assistant Professors:  Benjamin Alberti, **Susan Dargan Jonathan Martin, Ira Silver

Instructors:  Deborah Baiano-Berman, Lucille Lawless        

**Sabbatical: Spring 2006

The General Education Requirement

All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of eleven (11) courses outside of the major department (see page 58). The General Education Goal 11 (Non-Western Studies) requirement is satisfied through the completion of the Sociology major.

Course Prerequisites

Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite requirements.

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR

Departmental Requirements for Major in Sociology

Six (6) core Sociology courses:

            52.101             Introduction to Sociology

            52.161             Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

            52.243             Investigating Social Forces in American Society

            52.301             Sociological Theory

            52.302             Research Methods in Sociology I

            52.303             Research Methods in Sociology II

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 six concentrations listed below:

            General Sociology

            Anthropology

            Business and Society

            Deviance and Social Control

            Human Services

            Social Justice

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

            52.253             Gender Across Cultures

            52.360             Language and Culture

            52.370             Psychological Anthropology

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 Sub-Saharan 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 Civilizations

            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

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 U.S.

            42.334             Organizational Behavior

            62.325             Public Management

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

*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.

Human Services (SOS)

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 American Society

            52.325             Medical Sociology

            52.342             Sociology of Organizations

            52.495             Internship - Community Social Services*

*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

            42.258             Human Relations

            42.271             Principles of Behavior Modification

            42.322             Abnormal Psychology

Consumer Sciences:

            34.111             Human Development

            34.312             Family and Interpersonal Development

SOCIAL JUSTICE (SOJ)

A focus on the study of social inequalities and the struggle to achieve a more equitable society and world. The concentration examines class, race, ethnic, national, and gender divisions and their connections to major social and political problems. It also considers possible solutions and related strategies of social change. This concentration is suitable for students interested in political activism, government service, social work, teaching, law, and graduate work in the social sciences.

Eight sociology electives, at least four of which are from the following list:

            52.130             Social Problems

            52.225             Genocide and Violence

            52.243             Unity and Diversity in Native American Cultures

            52.245             Race and Ethnic Relations

            52.253             Gender Across Culture

            52.263             Social Stratification

            52.308             Political Sociology

            52.315             Social Class in American Society

Four of the following related courses, from a minimum of two departments:

English

            21.260             American Ethnic Literature

            21.273             Recent Narratives by American Women

Geography

            22.180             Native Americans: A Geographical and Legal Perspective

            22.206             Political Geography

            22.222             Geographic Perspectives on Globalization

            22.225             Population, Food, and Global Development

            22.257             Geography of Latin America

History

            32.312             America in Crisis

            32.321             Immigrants, Ethnics, & Racial Minorities in United States History

            32.326             Women in American History

            32.336             Latin America from Conquest to the Present

            32.340             Industrial and Labor History of the United States

            32.384             India in the Age of Empire

            32.387             History of South Africa

MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY (5 courses)

52.101 Introduction to 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.)         

Course Descriptions

52.101 Introduction to Sociology (Gen. Ed. Goals 9, 12)

An exploration of relationships and processes in the social world. Emphasis is placed on similarities and divisions based on race, class, gender, and culture. Major concepts, theories, principles, and research methods used by sociologists are reviewed. An examination of the role of major institutions, such as family, work, religion, politics, and education is provided.

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, 11)

A systematic study of cultural forms of thought and behavior as represented in Western and non-Western societies, with particular emphasis on the diversity present among human cultural systems.

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 Introduction to Sociology

52.224 Juvenile Delinquency

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

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 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 11,12)

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 geography, tribal tradition, and contact experience. In addition, underlying unities in culture, as well as the shared experience of cultural domination, are examined from a Native American cultural perspective.

Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to 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

An analysis of ideological and social change inlcuding the urban Black rebellion of the 1960’s and Black Liberation struggles. Focus is on causes and conditions underlying these movement, and relations between them and global forces.

Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to 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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to Sociology or 52.251 Urban Sociology or 12.230 Urban Economics or 22.201 Economic Geography.

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?

52.258 Critical Approaches to Men and Masculinities (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)

A critical examination of the cultural imperatives that drive males to assume particular masculine identities. The roles and expectations associated with local masculinities are examined critically with an emphasis on cross-cultural alternatives. Students learn about the social and cultural forces that shape variations in the experience of being a man, including race/ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation. The course concludes by focusing on contemporary issues men face, such as violence, sex/gender diversity, and men’s resistance to dominant forms of masculinities.

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 disparities of power and status in our society.

52.267 Sociology of Subcultures

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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to Sociology.

52.280 Social Gerontology

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 Introduction to Sociology.

52.301 Sociological Theory

An examination of influential explanations regarding key patterns, processes, relationships and problems in contemporary society. Theories discussed may focus on some of the following enduring sociological concerns: the evolution of capitalism, the meaning of “progress,” the role of social institutions, the nature of social inequalities, the sources of moral and spiritual crisis, and the roots of global conflict.

Prerequisites: Sociology Majors only; 52.101 Introduction to Sociology. Completion of at least two other courses in sociology is recommended.

52.302 Research Methods in Sociology I

Application of techniques learned in 52.234 Investigating Social Forces in American Society. Students apply qualitative and /or quantitive concepts and measurements to develop original research projects. Student deisgn research problems to be invested in 52.303 Research Methods in Sociology II.

Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology, 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, 52.234 Investigating Social Forces in American Society, a course in statistics (may be taken concurrently), and junior standing. Majors only. Permission of instructor required.

52.303 Research Methods in Sociology II

A continuation of original research projects designed in 52.302 Research Methods in Sociology I. The course format consists of class work, group work, and frequent individual consultations. Students engage in data collection and analysis and presentation of findings in written and oral formats.

Prerequisite: 52.302 Research Methods in Sociology I. Majors only. Permission of instructor required.

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 Introduction to Sociology, and recommended: at least two other sociology courses.

52.308 Political Sociology

An examination of power in society. The course addresses 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 sociopolitical power? What future political changes are likely, possible, and desirable?

Prerequisites: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or 52.130 Social Problems; sophomore standing.

52.315 Social Class in American Society

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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to Sociology.

52.360 Language and Culture

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: 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology or permission of instructor.

52.368 Religion and Ritual

An investigation of the ways in which religion is manifested in Western and non-Western cultures in ritual, prayer, music, and other practices. Of particular interest are the relationships and interconnections between people’s religious traditions and doctrines and other aspects of their society, such as social life, the media, politics, and the arts.

Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or permission of instructor.

52.370 Psychological Anthropology

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. Cross-cultural perspectives on the conceptualization and treatment of mental illness are also addressed.

Prerequisite: 52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology or 42.101 General Psychology.

52.450 Senior Seminar in Sociology

An exploration of key issues and concepts in the fields of sociology and/or anthropology. The course is a sustained examination of one theme central to current debate, the topic of which changes by semester. An emphasis is placed on the development of critical reading and thinking skills through focused discussion of key questions. Throughout the course, students develop critical writing skills through writing-intensive assignments.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing and permission of the instructor.

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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to 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 Introduction to 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.