This course explores the many and varied aspects of aging from a sociological perspective. The physiological, psychological, and social changes associated with the aging process are examined, as well as society's response to these changes in various cultural contexts. This course analyzes the nature and functions of American social class and community life. The primary focus is on patterns of social inequality and resulting systems of stratification, both of which are evaluated in terms of their consequences for the individual and the community. The debate of rights verses responsibilities forms the basis of inquiry into the individual-community relationship.
Students study various racial and ethnic groups in the broad context of American society.
Attention is given to the concept of race as the history of an idea, and as it relates to prejudices, discrimination, and segregation in contemporary life. Ethnic and racial stratification and inequality are analyzed. This course examines basic social welfare theory and methods in order to understand the structure and function of public and private welfare in American society. Social welfare is examined as part of the larger American social structure, reflecting cultural values as well as political and economic processes. Attention is given to several areas of social welfare in which specialization has occurred, including work with the elderly, the chemically dependent, and battered children and adults.