This introductory course, developed for first and second year students, provides an overview of sociology as a discipline, including emphases on sociological concepts, methods, perspectives, and selected areas of substantive concern. Given time constraints, we cover only a selective few substantive topics, even though we study a considerable amount of material. Throughout the course we focus on the sociological perspective, the social construction of reality, the relationship between society and self, social interactions and dynamics, social structures and institutions, and systems of social stratification. Two evening lectures are scheduled and your attendance is required. Come to class prepared to discuss assigned readings.
Sociology is rich with written material, both theoretically and empirically oriented.
You are encouraged to raise questions and topics for class discussion from any and all of the readings. Only genuine and verified health or family crises will be granted the status of excused absences. Please respect this policy. Four or more unexcused absences results in the failure of the course, no exceptions. Please do not ask for an exception as I intend to implement this policy fairly and universally to all students in the course.