SOCI 10100-01-13 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SS 1 LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Laskowitz, Muller 327, Ext. 4-3520, jlaskowi@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 240 students. SECTIONS 01-06 FRESHMEN ONLY.
PREREQUISITE: None.
OBJECTIVES: To understand the relations between our personal lives (biography) and history. To see the ways our lives and history intersect within a society. This kind of study has been called "a terrible and a magnificent lesson." Our "lessons" connecting biography and history will focus on sexual oppression, crime, racial oppression, work, war, intimacy, problems of living, health, families and "deviance."
STUDENTS: Anyone will be welcome.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture/discussion on Tuesday and Thursday, small discussion groups led by student discussion facilitators.
GRADING: Your grade will be based upon your papers, examinations and participation in your group.
SOCI 10100-14 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SS 1 LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Kim Baker, Muller 113, Ext. 4-5122, kmbaker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 100 per section.
PREREQUISITE: None
OBJECTIVES: Sociology is the study of human interaction, and sociologists aim to describe, explain and predict human behavior. The sociological approach takes a step back from the limitations of individual experience to pose broader questions about social and cultural influences upon human activities and world-views. This course offers an introduction to the theories, methodologies, vocabulary, and themes of the discipline of sociology. Major themes of the course revolve around learning how societies are organized, how culture influences our daily lives, how we learn to become members of a society, and how systems of inequality (like class, race, gender and sexuality) affect individual resources and life chances.
At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Articulate the unique perspective of sociologists (as opposed to other disciplines), particularly (1) the types of questions sociologists ask and (2) the ways that sociologists answer those questions; Understand the differences between evidence-based claims and personal opinions/beliefs; Describe and examine social phenomena such as culture, the self, social structure, and inequality; Apply sociological insights to your own lived experience and the world around you.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture.
GRADING: Based upon assignments, exams and participation
SOCI 20100-01 HUMAN SERVICES SS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Muller 115, ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 each section.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100.
OBJECTIVES: Students will study the historical and contemporary contexts of human services, with insights into the overall social welfare field, and concrete descriptions of human services areas. Topics covered will include: Rape or sexual assault crisis centers, suicide prevention, domestic violence, runaway and homeless youth programs, low-income people, persons in crises, youth services, family reconciliation and preservation.
FORMAT & STYLE: Lectures, discussions, readings, films, and videos.
SOCI 20400-01 SOCIOLOGY OF SIGNS, SYMBOLS, AND COLLECTIVE BELIEFS SS 1 LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Julian Euell, Muller 108, Ext. 4-3522, euell@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100.
OBJECTIVES: In this course we seek the transformational power of signs and symbols. We will examine the mythical themes about self, the body, black, white, man, woman, and the potential of human life suggested by collective representatives. This course is a journey through our private and personal images. The basis for this journey is our biographies as well as cultural artifacts such as advertisements, comic books, fashion, heroes, criminals, and sex symbols.
STUDENTS: Students interested in social science, policy analysis, health and human services, politics. Course would be useful to those who plan to work in the areas of health care delivery, health planning and administration, and research pertinent to health and health services.
REQUIREMENTS: (1) Public-private image, intensive journal; (2) review papers of topic areas: what were the important ideas and how I used them to understand; (3) a final summary paper: the meaning of my journey in this course.
SOCI 20700-01, 02 RACE AND ETHNICITY SS 1 H LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Belisa Gonzalez
ENROLLMENT: 30 per section.
PREREQUISITE: SOCI 10100.
OBJECTIVES: This course will provide an introduction to concepts, theories, and current research on race & ethnicity on the United States. We will approach the subject through various perspectives including assimilations and pluralist. Race & ethnicity will be examined as dimensions of social stratification and social control. We will examine and analyze (and challenge) concepts, such as: prejudice, discrimination, institutional racism, internal colonization and ethnic identity.
STUDENTS: Individuals who are serious about the subject matter of this course, and who want an increased awareness about living in a multicultural society.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture, discussions, films, guests.
SOCI 21000-01 WOMEN'S LIVES SS LA 1
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Judith Barker, Muller 111, Ext. 4-1212, barker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30.
PREREQUISITE: One course in the social sciences.
OBJECTIVES: To understand women's experiences in our society from a sociological and feminist perspective as well as recognizing the differences among women by age, class, race, and sexual orientation. Areas covered include social construction of gender; gender and culture; sexuality; work; health and reproduction; religion; crime and deviance; power and politics; social reform; and new directions.
FORMAT: Lectures and discussions.
SOCI 21200-01, 02 SOCIOLOGY OF WORK SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Sweet, Muller 115, ext. 4-3910, ssweet@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 per section.
PREREQUISITE: One course in the social sciences.
OBJECTIVES: To understand the historical transformation of work and the resulting social implications. Special emphasis will be placed on the role that technology and bureaucracy have in the shaping of work in modern society.
STUDENTS: People who can get interested in work, want to develop their skills of social
FORMAT AND STYLE: We will investigate work through a number of different media-lectures, films, student reports, discussions, guest speakers.
REQUIREMENTS: Regular attendance and participation, papers, group presentations, and exams.
GRADING: Based on above requirements.
SOCI 21400-01, 02 DEFINITIONS OF NORMALITY SS LA 1
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Kim Baker, Muller 113, Ext. 4-5122, kmbaker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 29 per section.
PREREQUISITE: SOCI 10100.
OBJECTIVES: 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).
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture - discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Readings, tests, papers, projects, and facilitate discussions.
GRADING: Tests, papers, projects, group discussion.
SOCI 21600-01 ALTERNATIVE CULTURE SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Julian Euell, Muller 114, ext. 4-3522, euell@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30.
PREREQUISITE: SOCI 10100.
OBJECTIVES: 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?
REQUIREMENTS: Weekly discussion papers and 4 or 5 book reviews.
SOCI 21800-01 INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY SS LA 1
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Rothenberg, Muller 301, Ext. 4-1251, rothenbe@ithaca.edu.
ENROLLMENT: 30.
PREREQUISITE: One course in the social sciences or sophomore standing.
OBJECTIVES: 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.
STUDENTS: Students interested in exploring micro-sociological issues and in examining the relationship how various institutions affect the lives of individuals.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture, discussion, exercises and films.
REQUIREMENTS: 1) Attendance and participation. 2) Regularly assigned readings. 3) Papers and exams.
GRADING: Based on papers, exams and participation.
SOCI 30900-01 GROUP COUNSELING SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Pam Johnson, Hammond Health Ctr, ext. 4-3136, pjohnson@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in sociology and/or political science and/or psychology.
OBJECTIVES: To gain both a cognitive and experiential understanding of the functioning of "help groups." Students will have an opportunity to experience how different kinds of "helping groups" are appropriate for different objectives while gaining understanding of the range of skills and knowledge needed in order to be a competent group leader.
STUDENTS: Students who intend to enter some "helping" or public service profession students engaged in para-professional or volunteer work in "helping" organizations, people interested in personal and professional growth.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Little straight lecturing. Fair amount of student-led discussions. Group projects are dominant activity in course. Occasional movie and/or guest lecturer.
SOCI 31100-02 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Rothenberg, Muller 301, ext. 4-1251, rothenbe@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITES: Sociology majors or minors, SOCI 10100.
OBJECTIVES: In this course we will study the major theoretical traditions in Sociology. Among others, we will examine the ideas of Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and G. H. Mead, the primary theorists on which these traditions are based. We will pose several basic questions about each approach: According to each thinker, what is the general nature of society, the individual, and the relationship between the two? What role do ideas have in shaping society? What are the prospects for human freedom and happiness? We will conclude the course with a look at current theoretical trends, including a brief examination of feminist theories.
STUDENTS: Sociology majors and minors.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture and discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Quizzes and papers.
SOCI 31200-01 CULTURE AND SOCIETY: AN INTERNATIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE SS G LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Alicia Swords, Muller 109, ext. 4-1209, aswords@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITE: This course is especially prepared for juniors and seniors. An introductory course in the social sciences or permission of instructor.
OBJECTIVES: Students learn about contemporary and historical political and economic processes in the Dominican Republic, analyzing social conflicts, and the sociology of race, class, gender, sexuality, as preparation for a three-week trip following the semester. The experience in the Dominican Republic combines class instruction and field experience. Topics include race relations, human rights, sustainability, colonial and neocolonial relations, and the experience of immigrants to the United States. Activities in the host country include class instruction, visits with organizations involved in social change efforts, student-defined exploration as well as excursions to locations of contemporary and historical interest, including museums, colonial areas, and urban and rural sectors. Students are required to pay all travel and trip-related expenses.
FORMAT AND STYLE: During the spring semester students will be assigned reading material for discussion and will attend seminars in preparation for the Caribbean experience. Seminar will include films, lectures, guests, and (sometimes) food and music.
REQUIREMENTS: Students expected to attend all scheduled meetings. Each student will keep an intellectual journal during the trip in the summer, and will submit a final term essay based upon the total experience.
GRADING: Grades will be based on full participation and cooperation, as well as on the quality of the term paper.
SOCI 31300-01 SOCIAL INEQUALITY SS LA 1
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Belisa Gonzalez, Muller 112, Ext. 4-3921, bgonzalez@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100, and three courses in the social sciences.
OBJECTIVES: To identity, analyze and understand more fully the dynamics of inequality in American society. To identify historical and contemporary patterns of inequality and their consequences. To critically examine several major theories of social inequality including those of Marx, Weber, DuBois, Cox, David/Moore, Massey and Denton, Oliver and Shapiro and others. To explore the interconnections and costs of privilege and oppression and gender, racial and class inequalities. To understand more clearly the connection between social inequality and life chances, including our own.
STUDENTS: Students who are willing to examine patterns of inequality in both the abstract and applied realms.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, discussion, films and in class exercises.
REQUIREMENTS: One mid-term and a final exam; one term research report; attendance and participation expected.
GRADING: Average of all grades.
SOCI-31600-01 WOMEN AND HEALTH SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Nina Cummings, ext. 4-3153
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in the social sciences.
OBJECTIVES: The course will critically analyze the experience of women as consumers and providers of health care. Students will become familiar with the specific health care needs of women and examine current controversies in the women's health field. Topics will include the history of women and medicine, cultural influences on patients and providers, social and personal health issues, alternative health care treatments, and the politics of women's health.
STUDENTS: The course is open to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
FORMAT AND STYLE: The course includes lecture, discussion, guest speakers and films.
REQUIREMENTS: A great deal of reading is required, as is participation in class discussions. Each student must complete minor writing assignments, a research project and a final exam.
SOCI-32500-01 RACE, CLASS AND GENDER SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Judith Barker, Muller 111, ext. 4-1212, barker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 and two additional courses in the social sciences.
OBJECTIVES: This course will help students to develop the ability to examine and analyze the economic, social, political and cultural roles of members of our society focusing on the intersection of race, class and gender.
STUDENTS: Students interested in issues related to race or class or gender or a combination of any of the two (or all three).
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, documentaries, guest speakers, discussions and student presentations.
REQUIREMENTS: Class attendance, and participation; reading and discussing books and articles, individual and group projects, exams.
GRADING: Letter grading is based on participation, class attendance (only 3 absences allowed), 2 exams, final research paper.
SOCI 34700-01 SUPERVISED FIELDWORK SS NLA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Muller 301, ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25.
PREREQUISITE: To be taken concurrently with SOCI 34600.
OBJECTIVES: To provide students with supervised experience in a social service agency; increase skills as a provider; develop understanding of agency operation, program planning, interventions and effective provider-client relationships.
STUDENTS: Students enrolled in SOCI 34600.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Students devote semester to agency-based internship with a commitment of at least ten hours a week at agency, developing some level of activity with client population, and maintaining a journal, and submitting a written, final internship assessment.
GRADING: A-F: Based on agency supervisor's assessment, quality of written work, evidence of accomplishing student's personal learning objectives.
SOCI 40200-01 SOCIETY AND NATURE SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Julian Euell, Muller 114, Ext. 4-3522, euell@ithaca.edu
STUDENTS: 15.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100 and three courses in the social sciences with at least one at level 3.
OBJECTIVES: Explores the assertion that the central activity of the individual and collectivities of individuals must be ecologically 'knowing.' What does it mean to define our relationships to the places in which we live? Where is this place? What is relationship? What does it mean to 'know' or to experience ecologically?
FORMAT AND STYLE: Student led-discussions, straight lecturing, exercises.
SOCI 40400-01 CRISIS INTERVENTION SS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Muller 115, ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 30800.
OBJECTIVES: This course provides students with the opportunity to learn both theory and practical skills in crisis intervention. Experiential learning through role-playing and group exercises supplement lecture and class discussion. Students taking this course need to be prepared to practice the crisis intervention skills and techniques taught each week in small group role-play situations.
GRADING: Based on papers, class participation, final project, experiential-learning group.
SOCI 42400-01 GLOBAL SOCIOLOGY SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Alicia Swords, Muller 109, ext. 4-1209, aswords@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100, three other sociology classes and junior standing
OBJECTIVES: To develop a global and international sociological analysis. To understand those global/international forces and institutions that are shaping both our society and other societies. To examine the interrelationship between global structures and local cultures. To analyze our own society in the context of a more international/global knowledge. To think about the future in a sociological way.
STUDENTS: This course is designed for students with an interest in learning about international/global issues and realities, and how these forces are shaping our society, our lives, and the future.
FORMAT AND STYLE: This class is designed as an upper level seminar based primarily on discussion of the readings. I will occasionally give short ‘lectures’ but students will have considerable responsibility for class discussion. Movies may be used where helpful.
REQUIREMENTS: This is a new class and I intend to make final decisions about requirements with students during the first two weeks of class. What follows, therefore, may change. Attendance and participation; weekly reading assignments; a research paper base on a sociological analysis of another society; and an analytical paper on one aspect of globalization.
SOCI 42800-01 SIMULATING SOCIAL PROCESSES SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS: Jim Rothenberg, Muller 301, Ext. 4-1251, rothenbe@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30.
PREREQUISITES: SOCI 10100, and either three upper-level sociology courses or three upper-level courses in one other social science major.
OBJECTIVES: (1) To use simulations to examine several key social issues and processes including stratification, power, racism, sexism, policy planning, and implications, and organizing for social change. (2) To design, run and debrief social simulations. (3) To understand the theory behind gaming and simulation. (4) To explore applications of simulations in teaching, research, policy planning, and sensitivity training. (5) For each student to design a simulation that will examine a basic social process or structure. In doing so, a student will be required to reach a detailed and sophisticated understanding of the topic around which the simulation is built.
STUDENTS: Upper-level students interested in exploring experiential learning.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Active simulations and discussion.
SOCI 43000-01 SELECTED TOPICS IN CLINICAL SOCIOLOGY: COUNSELING METHODS SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Terry Garahan, Muller 301, ext. 4-3834, tgarahan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITE: SOCI-10100; three social science courses with at least one at level 3.
OBJECTIVES: 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.
FORMAT & STYLE: Lectures, discussions, readings, films, and videos.
SOCI 43300 SOCIOLOGY OF AND BY WOMEN OF COLOR SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Belisa Gonzalez Muller 112, Ext. 4-3921, bgonzalez@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15.
PREREQUISITES: By permission of the instructor.
OBJECTIVES: To examine the ways in which women of color as subjects and scholars have been included in and excluded from the Foundations of Sociology. To think critically about what it means to be inclusive of alternative sources and forms of knowledge. To examine what it means to have diversity in Sociology. To better understand the complexities of contemporary issues in general and from the perspective of various women of color more specifically. To understand the role of one’s positionality in all of these conversations.
STUDENTS: The ideal student for this course is one who has already begun to think critically about interlocking systems of oppression and the impact those systems have on the development of disciplines like, but not limited to, Sociology.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Discussion based
REQUIREMENTS: 7 reflection papers; several small assignments building up to a final term paper. Attendance and participation expected.
GRADING: Average of all grades.
SOCI 43600-01 SELECTED TOPICS IN SOCIAL CHANGE: ECOFEMINISM SS LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Judith Barker, Muller 111, Ext. 4-1212, barker@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15.
PREREQUISITE: SOCI 10100 or SOCI 10200; junior standing or above
OBJECTIVES: In this seminar we will work together to understand ecofeminist theory, issues and activism. We will read a broad range of ecofeminist theory. Some of the themes we will cover are: nature, animals and male power; fertility and male power; spirituality and ecology; food production; globalization and the military; race and class and pollution; and women’s environmental activism. After registration I will contact students so that we can do the final shaping of the class together.
STUDENTS: This course is designed for students with an interest in learning about ecofeminism and ready to do the serious work of a 400 level seminar.
FORMAT AND STYLE: This class is designed as an upper level seminar based primarily on discussion of the readings. I will occasionally give short "lectures,” but students will have considerable responsibility for class discussions.
REQUIREMENTS: Attendance and participation; several short papers based on reactions to readings and assignments geared toward ensuring that the reading is done on time and a final assignment to be determined by the class as a whole. For this final assignment students can do a traditional library research paper, but we can as a group discuss alternative assignments.
