Course Descriptions
52.101 Introduction to Sociology (Gen. Ed. Goals 9, 12)
An introduction to the basic concepts, research, and theories sociologists use to increase our understanding of social behavior and human societies. Students discuss such topics as culture, social interaction, social inequality, crime, class, race and ethnic relations, and family, as well as various social problems in modern society.
52.121 Criminology (formerly 52.271)
An analysis of the types, causes, and consequences of criminal behavior, including street crime, organized crime, and white collar crime. Emphasis is placed on the links among theory, research, and policy. Note: Students cannot receive credit for both 52.121 Criminology and 52.271 Criminology.
52.130 Social Problems (Gen. Ed. Goals 10, 12 )
An analysis of selected social problems affecting society, such as racism, sexism, class inequality, poverty, drug abuse, crime, and environmental destruction. Special attention is given to the social, economic, and political forces that cause these problems in the United States, and to their possible solutions. Note: Students may not receive credit for both 52.130 Social Problems and 52.123 Contemporary Social Problems in Urban Society.
52.161 Cultural Anthropology (Gen. Ed. Goals 9, 11)
An exploration of how culture influences us to believe, think, and act. The course presents cross-cultural perspectives on aspects of human life, which may include how we get the things we need to survive, what sort of family life is desirable, and how we govern ourselves and maintain social order. Both Western and non-Western ideas and practices are explored. Students are introduced to the methods used by anthropologists in the study of culture.
52.172 Interpreting the Past: Archaeological Perspectives (Gen. Ed. Goals 9,11)
An exploration of past Western and non-Western social worlds through the examination of their material remains. The course investigates past beliefs and practices, including those involving treatment of the dead, power and prestige, art, architecture, and gender. Students learn how archaeologists use techniques such as excavation, survey, and interpretation to study past behavior.
52.212 Sociology of the Family (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)
An examination of what constitutes a family historically and culturally, so as to understand the current state of families. Topics may include dating practices, marriage rituals, reproductive technologies, and family crises such as violence, death, and divorce. There is an emphasis on the influence of gender, race, and class on family life.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology.
52.218 Women in Society (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)
An examination of the changing status of women in the United States in terms of gender, race, and social class. Students study the origins of attitudes towards women, and look at larger institutional, cultural, and social psychological forces that influence the experiences of women in society.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.220 Sport in Society (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)
An application of various sociological perspectives to the topic of amateur and professional sport in North America. The dynamic relationship between sport as a social institution and hierarchies of race, ethnicity, social class, and gender is explored extensively. The institution of sport is examined as a cultural phenomenon and a powerful socialization tool.
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 process used by societies to accomplish social control to expedite rational dispute settlement, and to provide for social change. Focusing on the United States, the course examines the interrelationships among the law, history, technology, religion, the economy, and political activities.
Prerequisite: A course from the Sociology or Government Department, or permission of 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. Students learn how to explore, organize, and present data, using various software packages and the Internet. Note: This course is computer intensive. Competency in word processing and presentation software or completion of 63.120 Introduction to Information Technology is strongly recommended.
52.243 Native American Cultures (Gen. Ed. Goals 11,12)
An investigation of the lifeways and histories of several Native American cultures from an anthropological perspective. Issues of gender, class, and race, as they affect Native Americans, are an important focus of this course.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or 52.161 Cultural Anthropology or permission of instructor.
52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations (Gen. Ed. Goals 12)
An examination of the cultures of various social and ethnic groups from national, international, and historical perspectives; 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.
52.248 Social Structure and the Self (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)
An exploration of the relationships between individuals and society with the goal of addressing how society is 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 Cities and Communities
An examination of the effects of urbanization and suburbanization on individuals and groups. The course explores how people create and sustain their physical environments, and how social planning, changing demographics, politics, and social relationships shape the definition of community.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.253 Gender Across Cultures (Gen. Ed. Goals 11,12)
An investigation of how womanhood and manhood are thought of and practiced in Western and non-Western cultures. The course addresses questions such as the following: How do we learn to be men or women? How do ideas of masculinity and femininity differ depending upon culture, race/ethnicity, and social class?
52.258 Critical Approaches to Men and Masculinities (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)
An examination of the cultural forces that drive men to assume particular masculine identities, with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural alternatives. Students also learn about the social and cultural forces that shape a person’s experience of being a man, including race/ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, and ideas about gender. The course addresses contemporary issues men face.
52.263 Social Inequality (Gen. Ed. Goal 12)
An exploration of how gender, class, and race intersect to produce disparities of power and status in the United States.
52.267 Sociology of Subcultures
A comparative examination of the beliefs and practices of various subcultures throughout the world and of their relationship to the dominant culture with which they exist. This may include occupational, ethnic, political, or religious subcultures. Note: Students may not receive credit for 52.267 Sociology of Subcultures and 52.242 American Subcultures.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.280 Aging in Society (Gen. Ed. Goal 10)
An examination of the impact of an aging population on social relationships, politics, and the economy in the United States. The course includes study of theory and research in the areas of health, income, work, leisure, family, and intergenerational relationships. Note: Students may not receive credit for either 52.240 Introduction to Social Gerontology and 52.280 Aging in Society.
52.282 Society, Technology, and the Future (Gen. Ed. Goal 10)
An investigation of the role that technology plays in contemporary societies, with particular emphasis on the United States. This course investigates the social consequences that reliance on technology may have in the future. Topics may include technology-based learning, space exploration, genetic engineering, and advances in reproductive technology.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.301 Sociological Theory
An examination of influential explanations regarding the workings of modern society. The course considers enduring concerns such as what drives “progress,” what creates social order or crisis, why social divisions exist, and how social forces and individual attitudes and actions influence one another.
Prerequisites: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology. Completion of at least two other course in sociology is recommended. Permission of instructor required.
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 quantitative concepts and measurements to develop original research projects. Students design research problems to be investigated 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, 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.
52.308 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.
52.312 Sociology of Childhood and Adolescence
An exploration of sociological issues, theories, and research on childhood and adolescence. The course examines the social worlds provided for and created by children and adolescents. Changing definitions of and socialization patterns in childhood and adolescence over time and across cultures are discussed.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or 52.161 Cultural Anthropology.
52.315 Social Class
An exploration of class division in the United States. The course considers questions such as: What are the major social classes in our society? To which class do we belong? How likely is it that we will change our class over time? How does the unequal distribution of wealth affect our life chances, quality of life, power, status, and beliefs? Is the current class system fair, and what are the alternatives?
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.325 Health and Illness
An examination of sociological research in the study of health, illness, and medical practice. Particular attention is given to social definitions and experiences of health and illness, the incidence and prevalence of illness, the physician-patient relationship, and the organization of health care.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or permission of instructor.
52.329 Social Deviance
An examination of what is involved in the creation of deviant categories and the consequences of being deviant. A variety of deviant behaviors and conditions is investigated, such as criminal behavior, illness, or genius. Note: Students may not receive credit for both 52.270 Sociology of Deviance and 52.329 Social Deviance.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or 52.161 Cultural Anthropology.
52.333 Society and the Mentally Ill
A sociological exploration of the relationship between society and the mentally ill. The course examines the history and current status of medical knowledge and treatment, social attitudes toward those with psychiatric disorders, the experience of illness from the patient’s perspective, and the legal and economic issues associated with psychiatric illness.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or permission of instructor.
51.366 Death and Dying
An exploration of the various ways that people understand and respond to the realities of death and dying. These topics are considered within the context of American society as well as cross-culturally and across religious traditions.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology or 52.161 Cultural Anthropology or permission of the instructor.
52.340 Sociology of Work
An investigation of the varieties of work and its role in people’s lives. Students examine how gender, social class, and historical forces influence entrance into various occupations as well as the timing and sequencing of work and career-related events. In addition, students address issues such as sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions, and worker satisfaction.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.342 People and Organizations
An investigative analysis of large organizations. Emphasis is placed on the values, beliefs, and behaviors that define an organization’s culture.
Prerequisite: 52.101 Introduction to Sociology
52.360 Language and Culture
An examination of language and culture from an anthropological perspective. The course investigates how language shapes our perceptions, and how language is controlled by powerful groups, such as politicians and the media, to influence our ideas and behaviors. It poses the question: Why do women and men, members of different racial/ethnic groups, and people of different social classes speak the same languages differently?
Prerequisite: 52.161 Cultural Anthropology or permission of instructor.
52.370 Psychological Anthropology
An investigation of how culture shapes our perceptions, motivations, and ways of thinking and learning. The course also explores ideas of the “person” in Western and non-Western societies, and how these ideas affect beliefs and practices surrounding child rearing, mental illness and its treatment, and the question of whether the individual or the group should come first.
Prerequisite: 52.161 Cultural Anthropology or permission of instructor.
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 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 paraprofessional 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.
