20438 - SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

The core objective of this course is the articulation of theories and methods of sociological research. Given its focus on a broad range of questions regarding the group- and temporal-nature of social life, sociology constantly innovates in issues of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This course evaluates such efforts through the examination of the key social questions of modern society. A secondary objective is to expose students to the broad theoretical approaches in sociological research that articulate the foundational concepts that drive sociological explanations.

Sociological Analysis is organized around two broad issues. First, we examine key issues, debates or questions about modern society. Second, we learn the foundations of sociological tools, how they work, and critically examine how they have been used to formulate answers to such issues. Some topics to be covered in the course include:

• population growth and the demographic future of humanity,
• human behavior and environmental impacts,
• the future of the family,
• stratification, mobility, and the foundation of economic life chances,
• migration and its social consequences,
• the sources of criminal and violent behavior,
• religion and spirituality in modern society,
• aging, health, and life expectancy,
• globalization in culture and economics, and
• inequality and its role in modern society

Assessment is based on two exams and a written project. The exam involves short-answer, essay, and calculation-based questions. The written project involves original research on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the professor(s).

There is no textbook. Instead, each topic covered includes a small (i.e., two-three) selection of readings that speak to specific sides of an issue or debate.

There are no formal prerequisites, but students would benefit from having a working knowledge of basic mathematics and introductory statistics.