Sociology has frightened government regimes on the right and left who have banned sociology from their universities. As sociologists though, we use sociology as a means to step outside of ourselves and looking at how the social world works. We do this so that we can view the social world from our viewpoint of others within the context our own personal experience. In the Spring 1997 course, we have a chance to look at our social worlds through interaction by satellite between Chico and Japan. In doing this, we will combine the experiences of two social worlds which are both similar and very different at the same time.
Sociology is embedded in active participation in social life.
However, for students to analyze this participation, it is necessary for them to step outside their everyday experiences. The best way to do this is by reading widely, integrating ideas by writing, and discussing. Accordingly, the reading and writing assignments in this course are fundamental to introducing sociology as a craft. Students are encouraged to ask questions during class, and also discuss course materials with the instructor and other students. David Mura's book, Turning Japanese , may be reviewed from a sociological standpoint.