Sociology 125 - Sociology of Everyday Life

Why do we have seven days in a week—not six or eight? Why are women’s pants pockets so much smaller than men’s? Why are everyday items like beds, eating utensils, and coffee pots so different around the world? This course is an introduction to sociology through the familiar, functional, fun, and weird things in our lives—things like calendars, clothes, games, and awkward encounters. No background in sociology is necessary to take this class, only an openness to “seeing the strange in the familiar.” Together, we’ll explore how society shapes the roles we take on during daily activities, and how the roles we play in society shape the trajectories of our lives. By the end of the class, you will have learned core methods and theories for analyzing the social processes that unfold every day right in front of you. Throughout the class, you will practice using sociological reasoning to better understand your everyday life, and strengthen your ability to navigate the social world—on campus, at work, in your hometown, and wherever else life takes you.

Limit of 40 students.  Fall semester.  Visiting Professor Price.

How to handle overenrollment: Prospective (FY, SO) and declared SOCI and ANTH majors have priority for enrollment

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Students will engage in lecture, reading, and discussion-based modes of learning. Students will engage in critical thinking by applying sociological insights to their daily lives to participate in class discussions and to complete assignments. Students will be assessed throughout the course for their participation in classroom discussions, reading reflections, written tests, as well as by completing a project involving basic methods of social scientific data collection and analysis.