Courses
Sociology
Check back on December 15th for Summer 2010 courses.
Courses in: | College of Arts and Sciences | Metropolitan College |College of Arts and Sciences
Principles in Sociology
CAS SO 100
An introduction to the major theories and basic principles of sociological analysis. Subjects include methods of social research and investigation; role of individuals in groups, organizations, and society; socialization and education; stratification; race and ethnicity; science, culture, and religion; formal and informal organization; and economic and political systems. 4 cr.
Introduction to Sociological Theories
CAS SO 203
Required of concentrators and minor concentrators. Prereq: An introductory course or consent of instructor. Introduction to founding sociological theories. Topics include the social character of money, the dynamics and possible demise of capitalism, the relationship between the individual and society, the social origins of religion, the causes of suicide, and the religious origins of capitalism. 4 cr.
Summer 1 (May 20-June 24):
A1 Mon./Wed. 1-4:30 p.m.
James McQuaid
The American Family
CAS SO 205
Nature of the American family and its ethnic and class variants. Social changes affecting courtship, mate selection, sexual behavior, reproduction, marital stability, and divorce through the life cycle. Social policies affecting family life. Interrelations of family with economy, state, religion, and other institutions. 4 cr.
Introduction to Ethnic, Race, and Minority Relations
CAS SO 207
A critical exploration of racial and ethnic diversity in American society and its relationship to changes in the rest of the world. Examines the experiences of major minority groups in the United States using basic concepts such as assimilation, pluralism, integration, and separatism. Alternative patterns of inter-group relations, drawn from societies like South Africa, Brazil, Canada and Northern Ireland, provide the context in which to evaluate "American Exceptionalism." The course concludes with a consideration of the interplay between democracy, diversity, and the future of group conflict in an increasingly globalized world. Meets with CAS AA 207. 4 cr.
Patients, Professionals, and Health Care
CAS SO 215
Social, cultural, and intercultural factors in health and illness. Training and socialization of medical professionals, roots of medical power and authority, organization and operation of health care facilities. U.S. healthcare system and its main problems. Comparison of health care systems in the U.S. and in other countries. 4 cr.
Sexuality and Social Life
CAS SO 240
Introduction to sociological perspectives on gender and sexuality. Historical and global comparative analysis of sexuality, with a focus on the social, cultural, political, and economic institutions and processes that shape sexuality in the contemporary social world. 4 cr.
Boston's People and Neighborhoods
CAS SO 306
Walking and talking through the city and its history, students explore important themes in the development of the city through a sociological perspective. Among the topics considered are ethnicity, education, neighborhood development and politics. 4 cr.
Seminar: The Workplace
CAS SO 333
Prereq: an introductory course in sociology, economics, or management. Studies job experience, role performance and productivity, power and influence of occupations, structure of workplace, individual career lines, and future job markets. 4 cr.
Film and Society
CAS SO 345
Prereq: an introductory sociology course or consent of instructor. Several film styles (ethnographic, documentary, social commentary, and narrative) are examined using sociological perspectives drawing from social phenomenology, social construction, ethnomethodology, and semiotics. Students undertake critical commentary and analysis of selected films. 4 cr.
Metropolitan College
Contemporary Social Problems
MET SO 204
Relationship between individual and society in the postindustrial world. Problems in areas of work, education, cities, inequality, sexism, medicine, and law. Broad coverage of concepts dealing with alienation, institutional malaise, and societal ills. 4 cr.
Sociology of Gender
MET SO 208
A survey of changes in the role of men and women in American society. 4 cr.
Business and the Social Environment
MET SO 310
How businesses are organized and relate to the larger world around them. 4 cr.
Sociology of Medicine
MET SO 533
Research and substantive findings in the sociology and social psychology of health, disease, and medical practice; particular reference to institutional provision for health. 4 cr.
