Sociology of Medicine

Literature on health and illness from three sociological perspectives: 1) epidemiological: focus on social and psychological factors as causes of disease; 2) illness-behavior perspectives: focus on variation between persons and groups in their evaluation and response to pain and symptoms; and 3) organizational: emphasis on problems in organization and delivery of medical services. Prerequisite: 100-level SOCIOL course.

Communities & Crime

Crime is not equally distributed amongst cities and neighborhoods. In this course, we will examine how, where and why crime is unequally distributed. Particular attention will be focused on locations, such as public housing development, where crime is perceived to be heightened. Theories of social disorganization, collective efficacy and broken windows will be explored.

Self,Soc&Inter Rel

Introduction to sociology and social psychology. Topics reviewed include social perception, socialization, concepts of self, personal and gender identity, expressions of emotion, social roles, group formation and power, prejudice, racism, sexism, and other topics relevant to studies in social psychology. (Gen.Ed. SB, DU)

Seminar on Race and Racism

Though biologically untenable, race continues to structure virtually every aspect of social life, from life expectancies at birth to death penalty executions. Topics to be covered in this course include the historical origins and evolution of race and racism, gender and class dynamics of race, antiracist movements, poverty, higher education, migration, incarceration, and nationalism. Considering and critiquing various theoretical approaches, this course reaches beyond the Black-white binary and, though focusing on the United States, also examines race and racism in other contexts.

Population Studies

Introduction to demography. Population size, distribution, and composition; their change through fertility, mortality, and migration. The social and economic determinants and consequences of population trends. (Gen. Ed. R2)

Sexuality & Society

The many ways in which social factors shape sexuality. Focus on cultural diversity, including such factors as race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity in organizing sexuality in both individuals and social groups. Prerequisite: 100-level Sociology course. (Gen.Ed. SB, DU)

Next Steps: Life After UMass

This course is designed to help prepare students for life after college. The first part of the course asks students to explore their interests, skills, and values to better understand themselves and to begin to consider the kinds of careers they might wish to pursue. We then develop a set of tools and skills for applying for employment or graduate school, and for adjusting to life after college.

Soc Of Law

This course has two main objectives: 1) to provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for the sociological study of law, legal institutions, and legal actors and 2) to enhance critical thinking about the role of law and legal institutions in social life.
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