SOC 490: Senior Seminar
This course is the “capstone” to the sociology major, where students are expected to make use of the skills they’ve acquired in their previous courses to complete an original empirical research project from conception to completion.
SOC 345: Intersectionality
Seminar course examining the theoretical and methodological framework of intersectionality, and how multiple forms of inequality shape social identities, interactions, power relations in institutions, and movements for social justice. Offered in alternate years.
SOC 290: History of Social Thought
Social theory is a fascinating, challenging, and continually relevant topic to study. Far from being the armchair hypothesizing of "a bunch of old, dead white guys", it is a field as contested, diverse, and profound as social life itself. In this class we challenge ourselves and each other to consider the foundations of social life, the ways of thinking and the forms of social organization that shape our everyday worlds, and our many responses to them.
SOC 230: Race & Racism
Examines how racial categories are socially constructed, and the impact of race in society - including the relative salience of race and ethnicity. This includes how racism is practiced historically, institutionally, ideologically, and interpersonally, and the intersections between race and other social identities. Emphasis is added on social justice efforts and antiracism.
SOC 101: Introductory Sociology
This course introduces students to sociology: our scientific and intellectual approach, our major lines of inquiry, our biggest themes, and what we call "the promise" -the utility of a sociological analysis for engaging the world around us in meaningful ways.
Gateway 100: What's Race Got To Do With It?
Is the United States really post-Racial? In this course we will look at a variety of institutions (schools, prisons, government, etc.) to see how race continues to influence life experiences and opportunities. We will also examine the history of race and racism in the U.S., and consider how the media perpetuates stereotypes and misconceptions. You will learn about tools that can help you understand yourself and others within the context of race, privilege, and disadvantage. Class sessions will be based around discussion of readings and several documentary films. Writing assignments will focus on conveying clear and developed arguments relative to each unit, with a research paper due at the end.
Gateway 100: Food, Culture, and Society
This is a Gateway course that explores food and its relationship to a wide variety of social and political phenomena. The goal is to develop critical thinking and writing skills as we explore issues related to food politics, the sociology of food, food and social inequalities, and community.