SO100/SO113-Thinking Sociologically/Racial
Inequality
SO100/SO235-Thinking Sociologically/Sociology of Family
EV128/SO130/EV161-Introduction to Global Climate Change/Environmental
Sociology
Block 1: Kathy Giuffre, SO 100, Thinking Sociologically
Meets one unit of Social Science divisional credit.
Block II: Sandra Wong, SO113, Racial Inequality
Meets one unit of Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques.
The first block will explore sociological thinking in general, with a focus on understanding inequality. Basic theory, methods, and an introduction to the terminology and themes in the field will be covered, culminating in a final paper summarizing original student research involving data collection and sociological analysis.
The second block examines the meaning and social significance
of race in U.S. society. We will apply concepts and ideas critical to thinking
sociologically. We will also study patterns of social and economic inequality,
the impact of prejudice, discrimination and policies on individual opportunities
and group relations, the experiences of racial and ethnic groups in historical
and contemporary contexts, and the construction of racial and ethnic identities
over time.
A set of linked one-block courses that must be taken together, with a single
instructor; separate grades will be given for each block.
Block I: Gail Murphy-Geiss, SO100, Thinking Sociologically
Meets one unit of Social Science divisional credit.
Block II: Gail Murphy-Geiss, SO235, Sociology of Family
Meets one unit of Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques.
Family and Social Change
This course will look at family structures and relationships over time and
across cultures with continued focus on the wider social contexts, especially
industrialization, feminism, race, class, sexual orientation, and technology.
What is family? How have our definitions changed? What social factors influence
those changes? What are the current issues related to family and what lies
ahead? Is the family in decline or undergoing social change?
The first block will explore sociological thinking in general, including basic theory, methods, and an introduction to the terminology and themes in the field. The goal will be to provide the tools and set the context for deeper sociological analysis.
The second block will focus specifically on sociology of family, especially the cutting edge issues of our time, such as same-sex marriage, surrogate motherhood/sperm & egg donation, and international adoption. There will also be significant attention to domestic violence. Assignments will include classic and contemporary readings, debates over controversial issues, as well as data collection in local family courts.
A set of linked one-block courses that must be taken together,
with a single instructor; separate grades will be given for each block.
EV 128, Introduction to Global Climate Change, Howard Drossman
Fulfills one unit of Critical perspectives: Scientific Investigation
SO 130/EV 161, Environmental Sociology, Wade Roberts
The first block will be a mathematical and science-based introduction to the
contemporary Earth climate system and evidence of near-future changes, focusing
on the role of the atmosphere, oceans and land surface. This course includes
the use of mathematical models to describe complex systems. Fieldwork will
include measurements of carbon cycling and radiation balance. Field and laboratory
data analysis and an introduction into complex systems modeling will enhance
student analytical skills.
The second block provides an introduction to the sociological perspective
on environmental issues, focusing on the social, political, and institutional
factors that produce environmental disruption, shape the distribution of impacts,
and forestall mitigating reforms. The historical and contemporary forms, strategies,
and impacts of environmental movements are also considered.
Topics from both the linked classes will include the role of policy, economics
and ethics in mitigating the human impact. The two courses will include the
use of geospatial modeling and statistical analysis to explore patterns of
environmental inequality. Close reading of scientific articles and texts will
be used in a critical examination of popular and peer-reviewed literature.
The linked courses will include a substantial writing component consisting
of critical reviews of natural and social scientific literature on topics
relating to environmental justice and climate change research.
Block I and II satisfy requirements for the Integrated Environmental Science
and Environmental Policy majors but not towards the Environmental Chemistry
or Environmental Physics majors.
A set of linked one-block courses that must be taken together, with one instructor
in each block; separate grades will be given for each block.