Soc 10106 Introduction to Sociology
Sociology explores the intersection of biography and history. How do culture, class, race, sex, family, medicine, business, religion, education, and government affect our lives? Special attention is paid to the impact of society on self.
Soc 30104 Urban Structure and Process
Dr Omar McRoberts
This course reviews competing theories of urban development, especially their ability to explain the changing nature of cities under the impact of advanced industrialism. Analysis includes a consideration of emerging metropolitan regions, the microstructure of local neighborhoods, and the limitations of the past American experience as a way of developing urban policy both in this country and elsewhere.
Soc 30146 Culture and Politics
Dr Terry Clark
This course explores how cultural activities such as hip-hop, punk, and martial arts can mobilize and legitimate political constituencies (e.g. Black Power, homosexuals). Political leaders frame and spin images through music and talk shows. Culture and politics blend in post-industrial society, which is increasingly driven by knowledge and consumption. Personal acts defining identity (eating vegan) can grow into social movements (eco-protest). New cultural groups conflict with each other and transform the dynamics of class, party, interest groups, and clientelism. We examine U.S. and global examples with a focus on subcultural and regional transformations.