FYSP 191. Social Justice in the US - 4 Credits
4SS, WRi, CD
This course introduces students to theories and sites of social injustice, including education, racial segregation, the growth of low-wage work, and more. Students will analyze these topics from many angles and will find scholarly material that challenges assigned texts, which in turn encourages critical thinking and debate. Students will write regularly on course themes and other topics. They also will have the opportunity to become involved in local social justice organizations. Enrollment limit: 14.
127. Introduction to Sociology: Individuals, Inequality and Institutions - 3 Credits
3SS
The goal of sociology is to offer insights into our social environment, which we often take for granted, to explain the social processes that shape our lives. Sociologists address such questions as why are there inequalities; what role does religion play in our society; how is technology changing our lives; etc. This course introduces students to these and other topics as well as to the dominant theories and methods of the discipline. Enrollment Limit: 40
215. Contemporary Asian American Experience - 3 Credits
3SS, CD
The goal of the course is to introduce you to a range of contemporary issues dealing with Asian Americans and immigrants generally. The focus is less on each ethnic group's differences and more on the trends that many groups face, with a focus on how they experience challenges and claim accomplishments. The course stresses the light that studying Asian Americans sheds on other groups and for the country as a whole, including immigration, identity, religion, family, gender, race relations, and other topics. We will read from a variety of disciplines, with stress on sociology. Prerequisite: One course in sociology. Enrollment Limit: 35
348. Constructing Immigrant Communities - 3 Credits
3SS
The U.S. is currently experiencing its highest rates of immigration ever – both legal and illegal. How are groups building distinct communities and/or assimilating? What is the reaction of the second generation to its minority status? Also, how should the U.S. respond to immigration? Is the discourse of multiculturalism helpful? Taking a comparative approach, we examine why groups immigrate, the kinds of communities they form, and with what effects on themselves, other groups, and the nation. Enrollment Limit: 25
450. Seminar: Beyond Us Vs. Them: How We Manage Contradictory Categories - 3 Credits
3SS, CD
We frame people as divided into competing groups (e.g. poor vs. rich, immigrant vs. American). But this is too simplistic, for we frequently inhabit contradictory categories (e.g. mothers in high-status careers, mixed races, gay Christians). This course advances current theories of group hierarchies and individual agency by examining how people manage conflicting statuses. We incorporate multiple disciplines, not only sociology. Students will research whichever groups interest them for a final project. Consent of the instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 12.
