Introduction to Sociology: Perspectives on Society and the Individual

DOWNLOAD FULL SYLLABUS HERE:

soci s-11. syllabus.doc

Guidelines for Short Paper Here:

Short Paper Guidelines.docx 

SOCI S-11

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY:

Perspectives on Society and the Individual

Harvard Summer School

Summer 2017

(Beginning Class 1: June 19th; End Class 14: August 2nd)

Meeting Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30 am

Meeting Place: Boylston Hall (Fong Auditorium) [map here]

Professor: Dr. Danilo Mandic

==> Instructor Evaluation 2016, 2017: 4.7.

Office Hours: Monday 12:00-14:00* in 604 William James Hall.

*Including University Holidays, feel free to drop by.

Syllabus: [right here]

Teaching Fellows: Gregory Clines

Course Description:

What is society? How can we understand it? What is the role of the individual in society, and how does society affect individual lives? This course introduces students to the field of sociology. By surveying social theory as well as empirical studies, students acquire what C. Wright Mills calls the "sociological imagination": the ability to think beyond our personal lives and to connect the experiences of individuals with large social structures. The course introduces students to classical theoretical traditions of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Simmel, as well as their contemporary heirs. Readings include prominent empirical investigations into family dynamics, class inequalities, organizations, the nation-state, capitalism, democracy, and globalization. We examine common-sense assumptions about culture, politics, history, and psychology, and empower students to replace them with evidence-based reasoning. By emphasizing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, this course helps students build the foundation for a deeper understanding of theory and methods in the social sciences.

No previous knowledge or training required. All are welcome!

Lecture slides will be uploaded weekly under "Files" in the readings' folders.

Image result for sociology wordcloud

PART I. FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOLOGY

Class 1. Introduction

Class 2: Theoretical Inspirations

Class 3: Conceptualizing Power, Culture & Society

PART II. THE NATION-STATE AND ITS CHALLENGERS

Class 4: The State and Social Cohesion

Class 5: Nationalism, Race and Ethnic Identity

Class 6: Social Movements

PART III. CAPITALISM

Class 7: Ideology, Network and Embeddedness

Class 8: Welfare States & Migration

PART IV. DEMOCRACY

Class 9: Inequality and Stratification

Class 10: Discrimination and Exclusion

PART V. THE BIG PICTURE: GLOBAL PROCESSES

Class 11: World System and World Society

Class 12: Globalization and its Discontents 

PART VI. CONCLUSIONS

Class 13: Looking Forward

Class 14: Conclusion

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due