Students will use case studies to evaluate historical and current theoretical debates as to why people join and participate in social movements. Special emphasis will be placed on evaluation of the challenges students face in social movement participation. Offered alternate years. This course studies changes in social and cultural organization at the macrosociological level in historical and cross-cultural perspective. Students learn about contending theories of how societies change and the methods by which sociologists measure change.
Students also consider the policy implications of planned social change and dependence.
Offered alternate years. This course is an analysis of the structure and dynamics of systems of social stratification. Other special topics may also be considered. Offered alternate years. This course develops the social and cultural sources of our hopes, values, and fears toward dying and death.