It is designed to prepare students to do theoretically informed empirical studies of the social dimensions of our thinking.
Social interaction is made possible, in large measure, by the existence of cultural symbols.
During the semester, we will examine a variety of symbol systems, exploring the social foundations of these systems, the character of the symbols themselves, and the various ways in which social actors project and manipulate symbols. We also will explore the differing effects that certain symbols and social interaction styles can have on the structure of social life. At the same time, we will probe the ways in which social structure and technological innovation influence the face of social interaction. Part one of the course will highlight symbolic communication within micro-level interaction. Class discussions will unfold the role these systems play in the establishment of meaning within interpersonal encounters.