Current Semester Courses
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
SPRING 2013 COURSES
We have an interest in providing experience that permits students to examine social forms of life, and at the same time explore their values and beliefs. One of our interests is to help students begin to participate in the public domain. We will do this by assisting students in identifying coursework, internships, research, and other intentional experiments that can provide the fundamental theoretical and research tools for roles in intervention.
SOCI 10100-01 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY LA SS 1
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Sweet, Muller 107, ext. 4-3910, ssweet@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 120 students
PREREQUISITE: None
STUDENTS: Anyone will be welcome
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Sociologists examine how social arrangements shape human experience and how people create order and conflict. Introduction to Sociology offers students foundational understandings of central sociological approaches, including terminology, theory, and methods that sociologists use to understand life worlds, social order, social conflict, and social change. The goal of this course is to open students to an awareness of sociological insights that transcend individualistic explanations of social behavior and organization (i.e., crime is not simply caused by bad people). When students leave this course, they will have a general understanding of what sociologists do, the methodologies of examining social issues, and how to view the world through sociological perspectives. This course satisfies Self and Society Focused Curricular Choice.
COURSE FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture/discussion on Tuesday and Thursday, small discussion groups led by student discussion facilitators.
SOCI 10100-02, 03 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (THEME: POWER & JUSTICE) LA SS 1
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Belisa Gonzalez, Muller 112, Ext. 4-3921, bgonzalez@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 students per section
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: To understand the relations between our personal lives (biography) and history through the exploration of the sociological imagination. To see the ways our lives and history intersect within a society and have different consequences depending on our position within that society. This kind of study has been called "a terrible and a magnificent lesson." By looking at the development of and the major theoretical perspectives within sociology, we will focus these "lessons" on various forms of oppression, crime, race/ethnicity, work, war, intimacy, gender, inequality, health, families and "deviance."
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture/discussion on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Your grade will be based upon your papers, examinations and participation.
SOCI 20300-01 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Laskowitz, Muller 327, Ext. 4-3520, jlaskowi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200
STUDENTS: Those in social sciences, other disciplines and areas of related interest, i.e., PreLaw/Counseling/Psychology/ Sociology/Youthwork/Education/Human Services
COURSE DESCRIPTION: We study juvenile delinquency as intimately connected to the social, political, and economic shape of society. Our critical analysis suggests that juvenile delinquency is a process involving both the behavior of youths and responses of official state and federal agents (i.e., the law, police, courts) who administer social services and punishment.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Discussion/participation, student-led analyses, films and guest discussants.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Participation in class discussions and doing all the reading. Analytic essay, mid-term and final examinations. In-class student-led analysis. You have three unexcused absences in our 14 weeks together; on the fourth absence you will be dropped from our class. Grading is based upon participation, exams and analysis: quality not quantity.
SOCI 20800-01 SOCIAL CHANGE SS 1 H LA
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Alicia Swords, Muller 109, Ext. 4-1209, aswords@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200
STUDENTS: This is a sociology foundations course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: How do societies change? This course studies social changes in historical context, examining industrialization, urbanization, innovation and technology, colonialism, the creation of wealth and poverty, demands for rights, international development, global health epidemics, and protest. We examine debates about social change through case studies, historical accounts, biographies, ethnographies and film. We reflect on the possibilities and limitations on our own involvement in making changes.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, discussion, in-class interactive exercises, films, and guests.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/GRADING: A-F, only 3 absences allowed.
SOC 21300-01 SOCIOLOGY OF SEXUALITIES LA SS 1
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Plante, Muller 110, Ext. 4-3311, rplante@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: One course in sociology or sophomore standing
STUDENTS: Curious, hard-working, engaged social science and women’s studies students will benefit most.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Sexuality fascinates and vexes most of us, whether we are scholars, students, or scientists. Regardless of sexual orientation, preferences, and activities, it impacts us throughout our lives. This course will give students a unique opportunity to explore social scientific frameworks, analyses, and theories. We will examine how individuals are socially contextualized and how something as seemingly personal and individual as sexuality has a much broader framework to consider. We focus on North America, and race, class, gender, and ethnicity are woven throughout.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, structured discussions, in-class activities.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Class participation and attendance, exams, brief analytical papers, critical thinking quizzes. Regular reading is crucial.
SOCI 21400-01 DEFINITIONS OF NORMALITY SS LA 1b
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Kim Baker, Muller 113, Ext. 4-5122, kmbaker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Have you ever wondered why some people try hard to fit in while other people seem to do everything they can to stand out? Have you ever been unsure about how to interact with someone who is missing a limb or has a noticeable scar/birthmark? Do you want to know why some groups organize and try to pass laws that restrict the choices we make (like who to love or when to have children) while other groups want to eliminate these kinds of laws? All of these issues are connected because they all revolve around our ideas about how people should think, feel and behave. In this class we will seek to uncover how living in society affects both the ways that we act and react to other people. Three primary areas of inquiry will draw from your 3 textbooks: individuals trying to fit in (Passing by Brooke Kroeger); groups - often referred to as “cults” - who demand extreme conformity from their members (Escape by Carolyn Jessop); and social control and government surveillance of marginal groups (Overseers of the Poor by John Gilliom).
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture - discussion.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING Readings, tests, papers, projects, and facilitate discussions. Tests, papers, projects, group discussion.
SOCI 21600-01 ALTERNATIVE CULTURE LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Julian Euell, Muller 114, ext. 4-3522, euell@ithaca.edu<mailto:euell@ithaca.edu>
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: One course in the social sciences or sophomore standing
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is about shifts in the ways of thinking about life, and lifestyle. Essentially we ask about alternatives to social practices of production, consumption, education, and relating to each other, and to other life forms. This course will offer an opportunity for you to examine alternative social forms. The intention of the course is to help you imagine alternatives to our present society. The central questions are these: What is the need to create community? What is community anyway? What are we doing when we reinvent alternative values, ideas of being in the world-to become a cultural creative, to create resistance through different ideas of human and social development? What does it mean to be a social artist?
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Weekly discussion papers and 4 or 5 book reviews.
SOCI 21700-01 MENTAL HEALTH IN HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Williams 119H, Ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or PSYC 10300
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Explores the historical and contemporary contexts of mental health and distress from both sociological and psychological perspectives. Examination of the social construction of mental health through time, and consideration of how social and cultural factors such as race, class, and gender intersect with diagnostic paradigms and clinical treatment models employed by practitioners. Cross listed as PSYC 21700. Students may not receive credit for PSYC 21700 and SOCI 21700.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, structured discussions, in-class activities.
SOCI 21800-01 INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY LA SS 1
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Rothenberg, Muller 108, Ext. 4-1251, rothenbe@ithaca.edu.
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: One course in the social sciences or sophomore standing
STUDENTS: Students interested in exploring micro-sociological issues and in examining the relationship how various institutions affect the lives of individuals.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course we will explore the dynamic relationship between the individual and society. Beginning with the fundamental and age-old question, "How is social order possible?" We will examine the ways groups form and elaborate distinctive codes -- norms, roles, and values -- as well as the ways groups exert control over members' behavior. This leads to a second set of related questions, "What is Human Nature" and "How are individuals trained (i.e. socialized) for participation in society and for different positions in society?" We will see that childhood socialization can be powerful and yet can be overwhelmed by situational forces and by various forms of immediate social influence. We also will take a look at interaction in everyday life by focusing on a perspective that sees individuals playing an active role in managing their behavior and their emotions. Finally, we study how people individually and collectively, influence and change society.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, discussion, exercises and films.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: 1. Attendance and participation. 2. Regularly assigned readings. 3. Papers and exams. Based on papers, exams and participation.
SOCI 23800-01 SELECTED TOPICS: JAZZ CULTURE: SOCIOLOGY OF ART LA SS
INSTRUCTOR: Julian Euell, Muller 114, Ext. 4-3522, euell@ithaca.edu<mailto:euell@ithaca.edu>
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: One social science course
COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will inquire about ‘the way of jazz’ influences American culture. We will work towards an expanded vision of human development and explore Jazz as a way of knowing, inquiry and synthesizing by juxtaposing the objective, the subjective and intersubjective dimensions. Jazz is an idiom in which musicians improvise, compose, arrange and perform as well as explores theory, history and aesthetics. We will explore the possibilities of incorporation of ‘the way of jazz’ in your life.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: We will attempt to embrace a methodology of listening and practice. We will read, investigate the intersection of creativity and transpersonality in group expression and thinking. There will be practical exercises, artful exercises, and we will have guest lecturers to help us to directly explore ‘the way of jazz’.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: You will have short paper/projects that will be kept in a portfolio.
SOCI 23801-01 ST: GLOBAL SEXUALITIES LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Lai Sze Tso, Muller 115, Ext. 4-1651, ltso@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: one social science course
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Global Sexualities, we apply key sociological concepts to help students begin understanding how cultures outside the United States construct hetero-normative male sexualities and constrain the sexual lives of women, minorities, and LGBTQ groups. We will pay particular attention to how these subordinate groups content with dominant domestic and international pressures to conform to narratives and expectations predicated on inequalities gender, race, class, sexual orientation, and nationality. Thematically, we focus on major cross-cultural events of the Stonewall-Gay Liberation movement; the lasting impact of American and Japanese militarization and the emergence of “Comfort Women” and the rise of Amerasian phenomena since WWII; the advent and global spread of HIV/AIDS; the international sex trade, sexual tourism, and sex slavery; the double edged sword of migration opportunities that create new social spaces for people to explore extra-normative sexual experiences that facilitate the rapid spread of STDs amongst these new sexual networks; how immigration of people from other cultures into the United States affects sexual identities for these new-American men and women in Diaspora communities here and in their original cultures.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Course content and materials consist of readings, documentaries, web-site explorations, and viewing of extra-campus exhibits. These materials are designed to guide students with familiarity and basic working knowledge of key sociological concepts of the dynamics and dimensions of inequality based on gender, class, race, sexuality; power, social structures and organization; and culture, symbols, construction of reality and its real consequences, ethnocentrism and cultural relativity.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Majority of assignments consist of writing assignments prepared before small group and whole-class discussions. Students will demonstrate their acquisition of key concepts, themes, and course content making an in-class presentation and submitting a final research paper or 20-25 minute documentary about sexuality trends and inequality dynamics on a country or non-US culture of their choice.
SOCI 24001-01 ST: SOCIOLOGY OF OVERCROWDING SS 1b
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Armando Lara-Millan, Muller 119, Ext. 4-3639
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: One social science course
COURSE DESCRIPTION: How do large institutions, like prisons and hospitals, grapple with the social problem of institutional overcrowding? This course is designed to introduce students to the politics of institutional scarcity and the sociology of "people-processing institutions.” What is distinctive of a number of such institutions is that they change the official status of the population or clientele who come within their jurisdiction. Thus, Hasenfeld (1972) has pointed to a number of common features of "people-processing institutions," including criminal courts which designate "criminals" and "delinquents," welfare agencies which decide on clients' eligibility for benefits, HMOs which determine the appropriateness of medical procedures, etc. These institutions, for example, carry out their fundamental work tasks by creating cases and moving these cases through to different institutional outcomes. This course will examine the functioning and significance of a variety of people processing institutions facing the problem of resource scarcity and review the theoretical foundations of sociological analyses of people-processing institutions.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lectures, discussion, films and in class exercises.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: One mid-term and a final exam; 2 short assignments; attendance and participation expected. Average of all grades.
SOCI 24601-01 SELECTED TOPICS: INTRODUCTION TO GLOBALIZATION: MISSING LINKS IN COMMODITY CHAINS LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Bhavani Arabandi, Muller 111, Ext. 4-7024, barabandi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: One social science course
COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will begin by understanding some concepts, theories, and processes of globalization such as development, colonization, dependency theory, modernization theory, world systems theory, the Bretton Woods project, and the Washington Consensus. We will then examine questions such as: What is globalization? Have transnational corporations superseded nation-states? Is there space for global governance? Does globalization destabilize or strengthen democratic institutions and processes? With the spread of Western style consumerism around the world, is there a global culture in the making? If yes, is it constructing a homogenous or hybrid culture? Is the “local” being subsumed by the “global?” And finally, what is the role of resistance movements and what can we learn from them? The goal of this class is to give you the theoretical and analytic tools necessary to make sense of the world around us, and become informed global citizens.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lectures, discussions, readings, films, and videos.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Grades are determined through papers, exams, group work, participation in class discussions, and a final project.
SOCI 30900-01 GROUP COUNSELING LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Keba Rogers
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in sociology and/or political science and/or psychology
STUDENTS: Students who intend to enter some "helping" or public service profession, students engaged in para-professional or volunteer work in "helping" organizations, and/or people interested in personal and professional growth.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course presents an introduction to the practice and experience of group counseling and helping groups in general. Students will gain a cognitive and experiential understanding of group dynamics, their own behavior in groups, and how to function as an effective group leader. Students will begin to learn how and when different kinds of helping groups are applicable to different kinds of human problems and experiences, so as to plan and prepare for successful group practice. Students will also begin to develop awareness of how specific aspects of human diversity may impact both their own behavior in groups and group dynamics overall.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Moderate amount of straight lecturing. Moderate amount of small group activity, role-plays and other experiential activities, as well as student-led discussions. Experiential/integrative student papers/homework assignments are a dominant activity in course. Occasional movie and/or guest lecturer.
SOCI 31100-01 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Plante, Muller 110, Ext. 4-3311, rplante@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200 and three courses in the social sciences
STUDENTS: Sociology majors and minors only
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Who are we? How did we get here? (quoting the band The Talking Heads). In this course we address the fundamentally human process of asking questions about ourselves and our social world. We will explore how we theorize and wonder and speculate and ponder. Our focus will be Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Mead, the primary theorists of our field. What is the general nature of society, the individual, and the relationship between the two? How do we find ourselves within our bigger contexts, and how do we create good lives?
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture and discussion.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Regular readings (primary and secondary texts); active participation, attendance, and preparation; critical thinking exercises; application papers and written work.
SOCI 31500-01 PRACTICUM IN SOCIAL CHANGE II NLA
2 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Belisa Gonzalez, Muller 112, Ext. 4-3921, bgonzalez@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 30500; sophomore standing
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Practicum in Social Change II: Urban Mentorship Initiative is an academic mentorship program that offers students the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary, coursework and field-based service-learning aimed at supporting urban youth’s pursuit of higher education. Grades will be assigned based on a series of reflection papers and a final group project.
SOCI 31600-01 WOMEN AND HEALTH: FROM HYSTERIA TO CYBERMOMS LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Nina Cummings, Ext. 4-3153
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in the social sciences
STUDENTS: The course is open to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will foster awareness of the political, social, cultural and environmental factors that influence the social construction of women’s health and illness. Particular women’s health concerns will be highlighted by the analysis of women as patients, health care providers, and lay and alternative healers. The course will critically examine and evaluate particular health policies, as well as legal and ethical issues pertaining to women’s health. There will be an emphasis on the disparities of health care provision as it affects disadvantaged and vulnerable women in the U.S. Included is an examination of the women's health care movement and women’s health advocacy within a historical, political, social and feminist framework.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: The course includes lecture, discussion, guest speakers and films.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: A great deal of reading is required, as is participation in class discussions. Each student must complete minor writing assignments, quizzes and a final group project.
SOCI 32200-01 FORMS OF PUNISHMENT SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Laskowitz, Muller 327, Ext. 4-3520, jlaskowi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 20300
STUDENTS: This is a course recommended to those who are interested in the study of law, criminal and juvenile justice, counseling, social work and history. It is also for those of you who never liked being 'sent to your room', 'docked' and/or 'hit'.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: We make less mysterious the origins of punishment by linking ideas about punishment to the social, political, and economic "moments" out of which they emerge. We are curious about the public spectacle of early forms of punishment: asylums, poor-houses, jails, prisons, and other non-voluntary forms of "treatment." We do not remain restricted to the study of stone walls and iron bars as the architecture of power, control, and punishment takes many surprising forms.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Discussion/lecture/student facilitation.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Lots of reading, 3 analytic essays and a final research paper. Based on quality of work and participation.
SOCI 32600-01 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Alicia Swords, Muller 109, Ext. 4-1209, aswords@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200; two courses in the social sciences
STUDENTS: This course is designed for students who wish to understand the impacts of collective efforts to change society.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines the causes and consequences of a range of social movements, from hate movements to human rights movements. We consider historical and contemporary efforts for social change led by students, women, indigenous people, poor people, and workers. We study sociological theories and analyze movement formation, participation and decline, strategies and tactics, successes and failures. Texts include the writings of movement leaders, participants, theorists and critics. By the end of the course, students develop skills to describe, research and analyze social movements in social historical context.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Discussion, lecture, readings, films and in-class exercises.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Attendance and participation; reading reflections; midterm essay; final research paper.
SOCI 32700-01 WORK AND THE FAMILY LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Sweet, Muller 107, Ext. 4-3910, ssweet@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 and two additional courses in the social sciences
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines the interlocking relationships between two key institutions in society: the workplace and the family. We consider three core questions: First, how do jobs and workplaces affect family life? Second, how do family commitments influence the behaviors or workers and their ability to contribute to the economy? Third, to what extent do existing policies meet the needs of working families? Our approach will focus on issues of history, gender, class inequality, the life course, career development, organizational practices, and government policy.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lectures, films, group discussions.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/GRADING: Class participation, 3 research papers, group presentation and paper, readings. Grading: A-F, based on requirements.
SOCI 33603-01 SELECTED TOPICS: OUTSOURCED: GLOBAL DYNAMICS OF WORK AND DEVELOPMENT LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Bhavani Arabandi, Muller 111, Ext. 4-7024, barabandi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200; two additional social science courses
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will begin with a brief examination of the history of work in the U.S., neo-liberalism, and a discussion of the origins of outsourcing. We will then explore the deep socioeconomic and political implications of the outsourcing of work to other countries, examining issues that confront workers, how they negotiate both opportunities and constraints, as they situate themselves within the global economy.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Readings, seminar-style discussion, films, and some lecture.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Grades will be assigned based on short papers, leading discussion on assigned topics, and a final project.
SOCI 34000-01 ESSENTIAL ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Williams 119H, Ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 21700 or PSYC 21700
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A theoretical approach to counseling and treatment in long-term therapeutic settings. The prevalence and causes of issues such as substance and sexual abuse, trauma and family violence, and eating disorders, are explored, and treatment modalities are considered with attention to social and cultural diversity and ethical concerns.
SOCI 35300-01 RESEARCH METHODS I LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Baker, Muller 113, Ext. 4-5122, kmbaker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200, and two other sociology courses
STUDENTS: Primarily sociology majors; others who need an equivalent research course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduces students to the research methods used by sociologists. Topics include theories about causation; quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analyzing data; and the ethics and politics of social science research. Students conduct several small research projects to practice each of the methods introduced in the course. They also review basic statistical and quantitative analysis. Students take the first steps in conducting an original research project by formulating a research question and reviewing the relevant literature.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, small group exercises, projects applying the various methods (content analysis, observation, interviews, and quantitative analysis) and library research. Each student will carry out the first stages of an original research project, to be completed in the second semester of the course sequence.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Quizzes, application projects, and papers.
SOCI 35400-01, 02 RESEARCH METHODS II LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Rothenberg, Muller 108, Ext. 4-1251, rothenbe@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15 in each section
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 35300
STUDENTS: Primarily sociology majors; others who need an equivalent research course
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The second half of a two-semester sequence, this course involves collecting and analyzing data from both qualitative and quantitative sources. A major part of the course is the student’s individual research project involving a proposal, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of research results. After completing this course a student will be able to:
• Analyze existing survey data, using a computer statistical package.
• Prepare a research plan including protection of human subjects, instrument design, and sampling plan.
• Collect original data, probably using an anonymous paper and pencil survey.
• Analyze original data, including frequencies, percentage tables, correlations, and statistical tests.
• Write a formal research report and present in a public symposium using slides and tables.
• Demonstrate the ability to manipulate data by recoding, constructing scales or indexes, and performing bivariate and multivariate analysis.
• Understand the theory and application of probability sampling and tests of statistical significance.
• Understand the logic and be able to demonstrate data analysis using linear and logistic regression and the elaboration model.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: The course meets in a computer lab and part of the time is spent on the individual student research projects. In addition, students learn theory and practice and carry out a qualitative study and learn to analyze quantitative data in a more sophisticated way than in their own projects.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Workbook exercises, applications projects, three papers including a major research report, and a symposium presentation.
SOCI 40800-01 COUNSELING METHODS NLA
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Williams 119H, Ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 30800 or PSYC 34100
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Counseling Methods will help students who have a basic knowledge of counseling advance their skills by creating a conceptual framework while clarifying theoretical orientations. They will develop an integrative approach that pays attention to what clients are thinking, feeling and doing. Combining these three dimensions will be the basis for exploring counseling practice. The student will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the four primary areas of counseling: Establishing an effective therapeutic relationship, understanding assessment and goal setting, the selection and implementation of treatment strategies and evaluating the counseling process prior to termination. A balance of theory, evidence based practice, clinical instruction and engagement activities will create an optimal experience for learning.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lectures, discussions, readings, films, and videos.
SOCI 41500-01 SEMINAR: THE POLICE LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Laskowitz, Muller 327, ext. 4-3520, jlaskowi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 and three upper division sociology courses
STUDENTS: This is a 400 level seminar for those whose interests are in politics, philosophy, law, human services and criminal justice studies.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Police and policing are studied as a ‘window’ that reveals our culture and its arrangements and a ‘mirror’ that reflects our lives inside our social order.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminar. Reading, research and discussion. Analytic essays, student led classes and a research paper.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Quality of written work and participation.
SOCI 42400-01 GLOBAL SOCIOLOGY LA SS g
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Alicia Swords, Muller 109, Ext. 4-1209, aswords@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200; three courses in the social sciences with at least one at level 3; junior standing or above
STUDENTS: This course is designed for students who are interested in learning about global issues and realities and how these forces shape our society, our lives, and the future.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course aims for students to develop knowledge and skills for global sociological analysis. To do so, students study the social processes of colonialism, development and globalization. They identify, apply, compare and critically analyze theories of global development and change. Readings focus on the development of global political, economic, and social institutions, and their social consequences. Throughout the course, students will examine examples of resistance to global forces and consider possibilities for changing current global social dynamics.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: This class is as an upper level seminar based primarily on discussion of readings. Students have considerable responsibility for class discussion. Films and in-class exercises supplement readings.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Attendance and participation; reading assignments; weekly discussion questions; midterm take-home exam and research paper.
SOCI 43601-01 SELECTED TOPICS: GLOBALIZATION OF FOOD LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Bhavani Arabandi, Muller 111, Ext. 4-7024, barabandi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200; three social science courses with at least one at level 3; junior standing or above
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Food shapes our culture, and us, and we in turn shape food. And yet, one of the paradoxes that we are confronted with today is that hunger, malnutrition, food riots, and food insecurity are persistent problems despite the fact that farmers today produce far more than they have ever produced. In this course, we will examine the global commodity chain of food, from production to consumption, and take a socio-historical perspective to address its impact on the lives of farmers, agricultural workers, and consumers; key to this discussion is the interplay of power between nation-states and corporations in determining policy and food futures. The course will also examine central debates about production, unequal access to food, identity and nationalism, and food activism.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Readings, student-led discussion, films, and some lecture.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Grades will be assigned based on short papers, leading discussion on assigned topics, and a final project.
SOCI 43801-01 ST: GENDER, SEXUALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS LA SS
3 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Plante, Muller 110, Ext. 4-3311, rplante@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200; three social science courses with at least one at level 3; junior standing or above
STUDENTS: Curious, hard-working, engaged sociology/social science and women’s studies students will benefit most. Caution: this class will be quite rigorous in both reading and writing workload; the prerequisites are vital.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This upper-level seminar is designed to further students' existing academic knowledge of genders and sexualities. Together we will analyze theories and empirical studies of gender and sexual diversity, relationships, and sexualities; content will address trans/gender, intersex/uality, hegemony, cisgender, power, queer sexualities, and hetero/sex. Our focus will be North American but there will be significant cross-cultural material and we will weave race/ethnicity and class throughout our coursework. The course is intended to challenge and engage students, inspire socio-structural analyses, and further advanced students' analytical skills.
COURSE FORMAT/ STYLE: Seminar style, reliant on full participation from ALL members. Discussion and analysis-heavy. Preparation is crucial: reading, writing, and thinking prior to class and every week.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Brief and longer papers; weekly critical thinking exercises; reading-heavy, writing-heavy. There are no exams. Participation, engagement, and attendance count a lot as well.
SOCI 49801-01 INTERNSHIP IN SOCIOLOGY COURSE NLA
2-6 credits
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Williams 119H, Ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: Sociology majors or minors who have completed three-quarters of the major or minor and permission of instructor
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in this course arrange for internships in local agencies. Students meet as a group each week to share their experiences and report on their progress. Students meet individually with the course professor on a regular basis to discuss their work.