Great Books in Sociology

Catalog description

This course focuses on close readings of contemporary classics in sociology, analytical writing and intensive seminar-type discussion. The course examines theoretical perspectives and methodological issues in sociology such that students are able to investigate, analyze and present research findings in written form. Research is always an inherently collaborative process and thus the course will utilize seminar-style discussions to formulate and examine ideas. The seminar will focus on topics germane to a critical reading of books that inform our understanding of large and small group processes as well as individual experiences. Students will be introduced to the sociological imagination as an overarching frame work to examine groundbreaking classical and contemporary books on topics such as health and aging, gender, work and family, social inequality and crime and delinquency, guided by the instructor of record. Readings will provide a sociological perspective for understanding and assessing macro- and micro-level interactions as well as encourage and stimulate critical thinking.