A schedule of topics and readings is attached. The course will combine lectures, discussions, group exercises, etc., depending on the topic under discussion and the goals of the particular class period. Students should expect to participate actively. The readings are the core of this course and should not be considered supplemental. Several text books will be available for purchase at the book store as will a packet of readings.
All readings are on reserve, and range from articles in sociology journals to excerpts from books.
While the readings are designed to be accessible to students with no previous exposure to sociology students should anticipate spending a fair amount of time mastering the readings in preparation for class. While all readings are available on reserve students should make every effort to purchase both the text books and the reading packet as we will make repeated reference to assigned readings in class and students will benefit from having the reading at hand. The first exam will assess students' initial mastery of the sociological perspective as introduced in the first unit of the course. The weekly in-class writing assignments will pertain directly to the readings and will involve either a straightforward summary of key points, student reaction to the readings, or both. The purpose of these assignments is to assure student mastery of the readings, to help focus class discussions, and to provide students with an on-going barometer of their standing in the course.