Professor Sylvester; Associate Professor Kane, Chair; Assistant Professor Duina; Ms. Phillips

The curriculum in sociology is designed to introduce students to a sociological perspective, which explores social structures and their intersections with individual lives. Courses address a wide range of social phenomena, from patterns of everyday interaction to social and political revolutions. Sociology as a discipline focuses on recognizing and analyzing social determinants that shape our lives. That focus offers a unique potential not only for understanding society, but also for social action and social change.

The courses offered in sociology include a variety of 100- and 200-level courses introducing sociology and many of the specific topics and issues addressed by sociologists. Most 200-level courses are open to first-year students and have no prerequisites. The 300-level courses are more specialized, and include the core courses for the major and secondary concentration. These core courses focus on developing the skills and tools necessary for a more advanced application of a sociological perspective.

The methods and substantive areas of sociology provide an excellent background for a wide range of careers in fields such as government, public policy, law, social research, community work, social activism, human services, social work, counseling, education, business, personnel, advertising, and market research, as well as a strong foundation for graduate study in sociology and a variety of applied or related areas (including law, social work, business, public policy and public administration, urban and community planning, health care administration, education, survey research administration, and journalism).

A handbook describing the major and secondary concentration in greater detail, including additional career information, is available from the department chair.

Major Requirements. Students in the classes of 2002 and 2003 majoring in sociology must complete eleven courses: two courses in sociological research methods (Sociology 305 and 306); one course in sociological theory (Sociology 311 or 411); a senior thesis (Sociology 457 or 458); and any seven additional courses in the Department of Sociology (up to two Short Term units in the Department of Sociology may be substituted for up to two of these additional courses; one independent study course can normally be applied to the major).

Students in the classes of 2004 and later majoring in sociology must complete eleven courses: Sociology 204, 205, two junior-senior research seminars (Sociology 395), a senior thesis (Sociology 457 or 458), and any six additional courses in the Department of Sociology (up to two Short Term units in the Department of Sociology may be substituted for up to two of these courses; one independent study course can normally be applied to the major).

In addition, majors in any class year have the option of specializing in a subfield of sociology, by taking at least three of their courses within one of the department's designated subfields (shown below) and completing their senior thesis on a topic related to that subfield. Majors are also welcome to design their own subfield, including at least three courses and the thesis, in consultation with their advisor and with the approval of the department.

Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.

Secondary Concentration. For students in the classes of 2002 and 2003, the requirements for the secondary concentration are: one course in sociological research methods (Sociology 305 or 306); one course in sociological theory (Sociology 311 or 411); and any four additional courses in the Department of Sociology (a Short Term unit in the department may be substituted for one of these courses).

For students in the classes of 2004 and beyond, the requirements for the secondary concentration are: Sociology 204, 205, one junior-senior research seminar (Sociology 395), and any three additional courses in the Department of Sociology (a Short Term unit in the department may be substituted for one of these courses).

Students completing the secondary concentration have the option of specializing in a subfield of sociology, by taking at least three of their courses within one of the department's designated subfields.

Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the secondary concentration.

Designated Subfields. The designated subfields offered by the Department of Sociology represent the teaching and research specialties of its faculty. Majors and secondary concentrators have the option of specializing in one of these subfields, designing their own subfield in consultation with department faculty, or choosing courses from across subfields for a broader overview of the discipline. The subfields currently available are as follows (and information on the courses associated with each is available from the department chair): Child and Family Studies, Criminology and Law, Economic Sociology, Globalization and International Sociology, Political Sociology, Social Inequality, and Social Psychology.

General Education. Any two sociology courses may serve as a department-designated set. Any Short Term unit in the Department of Sociology can be used as a third course in the social science requirement. The quantitative requirement may be satisfied through Sociology 205 or 305.

Courses
101. Principles of Sociology. The course is concerned with social behavior, social institutions, and with the characteristics of sociology as a discipline that studies such behavior and institutions. Students become familiar with the use of such basic concepts in sociology as norms, values, roles, socialization, stratification, power and authority, deviance and control, social conflict, and social change. Enrollment limited to 40. Staff.

120. Race, Gender, Class, and Society. An introduction to the sociological perspective, this course explores the basic concepts of sociology, and some of its major subfields through an examination of social inequalities. Among the topics considered are culture, socialization, social control, social movements, power and authority, the family and education as social institutions, and demography/population studies. All of these are introduced through application to issues related to inequalities of race, class, gender, and sexuality, primarily in the United States but also internationally. Enrollment limited to 40. E. Kane.

150. Social Control and Deviance. The course considers the nature of rules and norms in society, from smaller systems such as taking turns and queuing to state legal systems, and the part each contributes to social control. The course also deals with the consequences of violating norms, including the process by which individuals are defined as deviant. S. Sylvester.

160. Globalization: Sociological Perspectives. Globalization occurs in a series of distinct—though related—arenas, including the economy, politics, culture, the environment, the law, and others. Sociology can offer a unique perspective on the driving causes, means, and consequences of this process. Salient current events and topics, such as the recent World Trade Organization meetings, the role of the United Nations, global warming, the unpredictable flow of international investment capital, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the formation of new nation-states, consumerism, and the Internet, inform this course's exploration of sociological perspectives on globalization. Enrollment limited to 40. F. Duina.

204. Conceptual Foundations of Sociology. Theories of society are used in a variety of ways to make sense of the worlds in which we live. This course examines the evolution of sociological theory, and the history of sociology as a discipline. Major schools of social theory are compared and analyzed, with emphasis on their role as foundations of sociology. Prerequisite(s): one prior course in sociology. Not open to students who have received credit for Sociology 311 or 411. F. Duina, S. Sylvester.

205. Research Methods for Sociology. This course is a practical introduction to the research methods used by sociologists, including survey research, content analysis, participant observation and field research, qualitative interviewing, and comparative historical research. The assumptions of various approaches to social science research are considered, along with application of methods of collection and analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): Sociology 204. Not open to students who have received credit for Sociology 305. E. Kane.

210. Social Psychology. A study of people in social settings. Topics covered include group composition and structure, conformity, self-identity, interpersonal attraction, and attitude formation and change. Theoretical principles are applied to such social phenomena as social conflict, sex-role behavior, competition, and leadership. Prerequisite(s): Psychology 101. This course is the same as Psychology 210. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 50. M. Sargent.

216. Criminology I: The Analysis of Criminal Behavior. The course considers the nature of the criminal act and how some wrongs are defined and prosecuted as crimes by the legal system. It is concerned with the variety of criminal behaviors as products of individual differences and social circumstances, with the techniques available for the description and measurement of crime, and with the nature and validity of the explanations of crime provided by criminological theories. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 60. S. Sylvester.

217. Criminology II: The Treatment of Criminal Offenders. The course considers the social role of police and law enforcement, the criminal justice system and the problems of criminal prosecution, the philosophy and effectiveness of various types of punishment and alternatives to punishment, and the scope of criminological research in testing the effectiveness of criminal policy. Prerequisite(s): Sociology 216. Open to first-year students. S. Sylvester.

220. Family and Society. This course offers an introduction to family sociology, exploring the history and structure of the family as a social institution, primarily in the United States. Attention is given to contemporary patterns of family life (e.g., patterns of marriage, divorce, cohabitation, parenting, and household labor); how the family has changed in response to social and economic change; how race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality shape family structure and ideologies of family; patterns of family violence; and trends in family-related public policy. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 40. E. Kane.

224. Sociology of Law. The course examines law as a system of behavior within a social, cultural, and historical context and as a body of knowledge within the sciences of human behavior. The course considers the relationship between the law and other institutions of contemporary society such as politics, the economy, education, and science. Not open to students who have received credit for Sociology 324. S. Sylvester.

230. Sociology of Health and Illness. This course examines how social and structural forces shape health, illness, and the health care system. Through critical analysis of health and illness in the United States using a sociological lens, the course traces the history of medical sociology and its roots in the sociological tradition. Topics include social factors associated with health and disease, disability, the organization of health care and health care providers and settings, medical ethics, and the relationship between health care and human rights. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level course in sociology. Enrollment is limited to 30. Open to first-year students. H. Chirayath. New course beginning 2002-2003.

241. Anthropological Approaches to the Study of Religion. As human societies change, so do the religious beliefs and practices these societies follow. The course examines the symbolic forms and acts that relate human beings to the ultimate conditions of their existence, against the background of the rise of science. Emphasis is upon both Western and non-Western religions. This course is the same as Anthropology 241 and Religion 262. Open to first-year students. S. Kemper.

242. Race, Cultural Pluralism, and Equality in American Education. Through historical, judicial, and philosophical lenses this course explores the question: What would equal educational opportunity look like in a multicultural society? The course compares divergent approaches to the education of distinct racial/ethnic groups within the United States—namely African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. In light of contextual perspectives in educational thought, the course confronts contemporary debates surrounding how the race/ethnicity of students should affect the composition, curriculum, and teaching methods of schools, colleges, and universities. Specific issues explored include bilingual education, college admissions, curriculum inclusion, desegregation, ebonics, ethnic studies, hiring practices, and tracking. A thirty-hour field experience is required. Recommended background: Education 231. This course is the same as Education 242. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 25. S. Smith.

245. Self and Society. An introduction to the everyday details of how people create, maintain, and respond to social structures and social relationships. Topics considered include the social construction of the self, socialization, social structure and personality, emotions, social interaction, intergroup relations, and the role of social locations in structuring individual consciousness. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level course in sociology. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 40. E. Kane.

260. Economic Sociology. Most, if not all, economic activity—whether it takes place at the level of individuals, organizations, or markets—requires rules, norms, and institutions. Efficiency alone cannot account for the existence and nature of those rules, norms, and institutions. Beliefs, values, power structures, perceptions of self-interest, political structures, history, and numerous additional factors hold explanatory potential as well. This course investigates these factors. In the process, students explore some of the most important theoretical frameworks in sociology and political science, such as rational choice theory, historical institutionalism and statist theory, and some key topics in sociology, such as international development. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. F. Duina.

270. Sociology of Gender. This course focuses on the social construction of gender through a consideration of a series of interrelated social institutions and practices central to gender stratification: family, employment, sexuality, reproduction, and beauty. Emphasis is placed on the ideologies surrounding each of these social institutions/practices and the ways in which those ideologies structure gender relations, as well as on the complex intersections between gender inequality and inequalities of race/ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. Recommended background: one or more courses in the social sciences and/or womens studies. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level sociology course or Women and Gender Studies 100. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 40. E. Kane.

275. The Sociology of Place. From discovery through disaster, people hold intense attachments to place. Using a variety of sociocultural analyses, the course examines the social construction of "place" (particularly though not exclusively in built environments). It explores our attachment to such places as well as what happens when place-attachments are disrupted, prevented, or turned to other cultural uses. Prerequisiate(s): Any 100-level sociology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment is limited to 40. (As of 9/25/01). J. Phillips.

305. Quantitative Research Methods. This course is a practical, "hands-on" introduction to quantitative research methods used by sociologists, especially survey research and quantitative content analysis. Topics addressed include: the assumptions underlying various approaches to social science research; the logic of quantitative research; specific methods of quantitative data collection (including questionnaire construction, sampling, and content analysis); and methods of data analysis for quantitative data (including descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis using contingency tables, and multiple regression). Prerequisite(s): one course in sociology. E. Kane.

306. Qualitative Research Methods. This course is a practical introduction to qualitative research methods used by sociologists, including participant observation and field research, qualitative interviewing, and comparative historical research. The assumptions underlying various approaches to social science research, especially interpretive approaches, are considered. Methods for the analysis of qualitative data are also presented. Prerequisite(s): one course in sociology. F. Duina.

310. Advanced Topics in Social Psychology. This seminar allows students to explore particular areas of social psychology in depth. The primary goal is to help students deepen their understanding of human social behavior, through extensive study of social psychological theory and research, class discussion, and student projects. Topics vary with each offering of the course, but may include the following: the self, stigma, stereotypes, and persuasion. Prerequisite(s): Psychology 210 and either Psychology 261 or 262. Enrollment limited to 20. M. Sargent.

314. Forensic Sociology. The course considers the use of sociological data and their interpretation in decisions made by courts and other agencies of the judicial system and the role of the sociologist as an expert witness. Areas considered may include profiling in law enforcement and corrections, unlawful discrimination, spousal abuse, pornography, toxic torts, and premises liability. Emphasis is given to the relationship between the standards of validity and reliability in sociology and the rules of evidence. S. Sylvester.

318. Markets and Culture: International Perspectives. This course explores the dynamic relationship between markets and culture. How do markets influence culture? How does culture influence markets? To explore these questions, the course first considers the writings of theorists such as Adam Smith, Weber, Marx, and Habermas. The course then turns to several case studies from around the world: nations (such as Japan, the United States, France, England, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil), local trading sites (such as bazaars in Morocco), and supranational trading blocks (such as NAFTA and the E.U.). Recommended background: Some background in economics and social theory. F. Duina.

325. Ethnicity, Nation, and World Community. The course explores the means by which social identities are constructed as ethnicity and nations. It focuses on how representations taken from categories of everyday life—such as "race," religion, gender, and sexuality—are deployed to give these group loyalties the aura of a natural, timeless authority. This inquiry into ethnicity and nation as cultural fabrications allows for exploration of the possibility of global community not simply in its institutional dimensions, but as a condition of consciousness. Prerequisite(s): any course in anthropology, political science, or sociology. This course is the same as Anthropology 325. C. Carnegie.

360. Independent Study. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair is required. Students may register for no more than one independent study per semester. Staff.

365. Special Topics. A course or seminar offered from time to time to small groups of students working on special topics. Written permission of the instructor is required. Staff.

371. Prejudice and Stereotyping. Two issues that have long held the interest of social psychologists and that are of great social importance are prejudice and stereotyping. This course explores traditional and contemporary social psychological research on unconscious and covert forms of prejudice, as well as the relationship between stereotyping and self-esteem. Prerequisite(s): Psychology 261 or 262. This course is the same as Psychology 371. Enrollment limited to 50. M. Sargent.

380. Education, Reform, and Politics. The United States has experienced nearly two centuries of growth and change in the organization of private and public education. The goals of this course are to examine 1) alternative educational philosophies, practices, and pedagogies and 2) contemporary issues and organizational processes in relation to the constituencies of schools, learning, research, legal decisions, planning, and policy. The study of these areas includes K-12, postsecondary, graduate, and vocational schools, as well as home schooling. Examples of specific areas of study are school choice (e.g., charter schools, magnet schools, and vouchers), school funding, standards and assessment, teacher effectiveness and accountability, and parental involvement. A research-based field component is required. Recommended background: one or more courses in education and sociology. This course is the same as Education 380. Enrollment limited to 15. Written permission of the instructor is required. Not open to students who have received credit for African American Studies/Education/Sociology 280. S. Smith.

395. Junior-Senior Research Seminar. These seminars provide advanced coverage of specific topics in sociology. Special attention is paid to the theories and methods adopted by sociologists to investigate these topics. Each seminar requires a substantial research project related to the seminar theme. Prerequisite(s): Sociology 204 and 205.

395A. European Integration: Politics, Society, and Geography. The European Union (E.U.) represents one of the most remarkable achievements of the contemporary world. This seminar first reviews the history and structure of the E.U. It then examines a series of topics related to the political, social, and geographical dimensions of European integration. These topics include the drivers of integration, the transformation of domestic policies and institutions, the demands of E.U. law, the rise of a European identity, the consequences of expansion in Eastern and Central Europe, the salience of regions, and the E.U. on the international scene. Comparisons with South America's Mercosur conclude the seminar. Students are exposed to numerous theoretical tools and methodologies, including institutionalism, rational choice theory, intergovernmentalism, and comparative methods. Prerequisite(s): Sociology 204 and 205. Enrollment limited to 15. F. Duina.

395B. Beliefs About Social Inequality. This seminar focuses on the belief systems surrounding social inequality, particularly race, class, and gender inequality, and inequality based on sexual orientation. Topics include the role of beliefs in structuring social inequality, the nature of beliefs as a social psychological construct, and an examination of the research literature on beliefs about social inequality in the United States. Emphasis is on quantitative public opinion literature, though consideration is given to qualitative studies as well. Theories and methods addressed include theories of ideology, approaches to understanding the sources of social inequality, survey research methods, qualitative interviewing, and content analysis. Prerequisite(s): Sociology 204 and 205. Enrollment limited to 15. E. Kane.

395C. Research Seminar in Criminology. The seminar considers the broad range of contemporary theory that can be applied to patterns of criminal behavior. It also concentrates on the various methods currently available within criminology for producing and analyzing the data of crime. The seminar is intended to advance a students ability to carry out individual research. Prerequisite(s): Sociology 204, 205, and 216. Enrollment limited to 15. S. Sylvester.

395D. Advanced Topics in the Sociology of Gender. This seminar explores current topics and debates within the sociology of gender, including attention to the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality. Theories addressed include a wide range of feminist theories, especially those most commonly used by sociologists. Particular emphasis is placed on qualitative research methods, including participant observation, qualitative interviewing, and qualitative content analysis. Opportunities to explore quantitative and/or comparative approaches are also offered. Recommended background: course work on gender, race, and/or class inequality. Prerequisite(s): Sociology 204 and 205. Enrollment limited to 15. E. Kane.

411. History of Sociological Theory. The development of sociology as a discipline within the context of Western social, political, and intellectual history. Students analyze and compare the major schools of sociological theory. S. Sylvester.

457, 458. Senior Thesis. Individual and group conferences in connection with the writing of the senior thesis. Students register for Sociology 457 in the fall semester and for Sociology 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both 457 and 458. Staff.

Short Term Units
s19. Issues for a United Europe in the Twenty First Century. As European integration deepens, issues related to governance, economic life, and identity emerge. A united Europe requires common political, economic, and cultural systems. Europeans are in the process of establishing those systems. This unit examines the nature, limitations, potential, and legitimacy of those systems, by providing first-hand visits to key institutions, countries, and associations. Students visit the following cities: Brussels, Paris, London, Copenhagen, and Barcelona. Different cities will offer different opportunities to investigate political, economic, or cultural systems. Written permission of the instructor is required. Enrollment is limited to 15. This unit is the same as Economics s19. F. Duinea, M. Oliver. New unit beginning Short Term 2002.

s20. Gender and Childhood. Research has documented that adult observers often perceive gender differences in newborn babies even when no such differences exist. This unit explores the social construction of gender from infancy through the childhood years. The unit examines physical, cognitive, and emotional differences that actually exist between boys and girls but focuses more on differences that are constructed through social interaction and social influences. How does the process of constructing these differences take place? What social institutions and social actors are involved? How do children work to accommodate and resist gendered social expectations? Recommended background: one or more courses in the social sciences and/or womens studies. Open to first-year students. E. Kane.

s21. Sociology of Childhood. Though we were all once children, there are many aspects of childhood that we take for granted or hardly understand. Focusing on children as active interpreters of culture, this unit explores childhood as a socially constructed social form. The unit examines how socio-historical circumstances shape our perceptions of children and childhood; how children are co-constructors of childhood and society, how variations in the experience of childhood are shaped by race, class, gender, place, and ethnicity; and how contemporary childhood is embedded in material and media culture. Enrollment is limited to 20. Open to first-year students. J. Phillips. New unit beginning Short Term 2002.

s22. Race, Gender, Class, and Popular Culture. This unit offers an exploration of popular culture through the lens of race, gender, sexuality, and class. Students are introduced to sociological approaches to these interlocking forms of social identity, as well as to popular culture. After this introduction, the unit focuses on how television—as one particular form of popular culturere—presents, shapes, and is shaped by inequalities of race, gender, sexuality, and class. These issues are explored through readings as well as individual case studies completed by students. Recommended background: at least one course or unit in the social sciences addressing issues of race, class, gender, and/or sexuality. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 20. E. Kane.

s27. Studies in Crime Prevention. Current efforts to deal with crime consist principally of law enforcement and punishment. Punishable offenses increase and punishments become more severe with, some argue, little effect on the overall state of crime. An alternative effort is to prevent crimes. The unit explores the variety of crime prevention practices, from those that direct attention to offenders' behavior to those that—taking into account that most crimes involve not only an offender but also a victim and a situation surrounding both—seek to alter that critical situation. Major topics include community policing, crime analysis, and crime prevention through environmental design. Enrollment limited to 20. S. Sylvester.

s28. Capitalism and Happiness. Thinkers have long proposed that the rise of capitalism prior to the twentieth century and its continued expansion as the dominant form of economic activity thereafter has somehow influenced the happiness of members of society. Arguments have greatly varied in their nature, ranging from very pessimistic to optimistic. To date, few efforts have been made to examine, compare, and contrast the various existing strands in a systematic fashion. The unit undertakes such an exercise. Students study closely selected works by writers such as Chuang-tzu, Aristotle, Adam Smith, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Nietzsche, Freud, Ortega y Gassett, Sartre, Hitler, Habermas, Friedman, Bellah, and others. They examine the assumptions, logic, and implications of their arguments, paying attention to and evaluating the reasonableness of their prescriptive visions. Recommended background: some familiarity with social theory and philosophy. Open to first-year students. F. Duina.

s50. Independent Study. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair is required. Students may register for no more than one independent study during a Short Term. Staff.

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