3 credits Study of contemporary social theorists and schools of thought, interpretation of theoretical texts, and definition of purposes of social theory. 3 credits Philosophy of social science, research design, measurement, sample selection and data gathering, analysis and interpretation. Specifically this course will address issues involved in designing and conducting field and comparative-historical research, and will explore techniques including interviewing, participant observation, and archival research. 3 credits Design and execution of original research on social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and other issues central to contemporary sociology.
Topics vary from semester to semester.
Emphasis on collective action and urbanism as a way of life. Emphasis placed on cross-cultural comparisons. 3 credits Examines the social construction of masculinity and femininity, relationships between men and women, structure of gender stratification. Particular focus on hierarchical interpersonal dynamics. 3 credits An introduction to the major principles, concepts, theories and methods of sociology.