This course will examine current debates about the nature of globalization, that is, the changing nature of the world economy and its impact on political, social, and cultural arrangements around the world, with special emphasis on the Third World and some attention to the United States.

Topics course. Sociological perspectives on the arts in society, with particular attention to the fine arts (primarily painting), to literature, and to theatre, among other forms of cultural expression. Theories of the place of art in society, the social context of artistic production and the social production of the artist, as well as sociological perspectives on the changing nature of arts institutions and audiences, and the social position and aesthetic disposition of the artist. Permission of the instructor.

Laboratory course to be taken concurrently with SOC 308. Time will be arranged individually by the instructor.

This community-based learning course will train students in identifying and researching social problems in Holyoke, MA and collaborating as a research team. Weekly work with a community-based organization, utilization of quantitative and/or qualitative sociological methods, and a consideration of both primary and secondary sources on the community will be expected. Prerequisites: SOC 101, 201, 202 or 203. Enrollment limited to 14. SOC 309 must be taken concurrently.

This course examines sexuality from a sociological perspective, focusing on how sexuality is constructed by and structures major social institutions. We will examine the social construction of individual and collective identities, norms and behaviors, discourses, institutional regulation, and the place of sexuality in the state, education, science, and other institutions, and social movements. Consideration of gender, race, class, time, and place will be integrated throughout.

This course will introduce students to environmental, economic, feminist, and nationalist perspectives on population growth and decline. We will examine current population trends and processes (fertility, mortality, and migration) and consider the social, political, economic, and environmental implications of those trends. The course will also provide an overview of various sources of demographic data as well as basic demographic methods. Cross-listed with Environmental Science and Policy. Enrollment limited to 35.

This course provides an in-depth examination of major sociological theories of collective action and social movements. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of social movement dynamics including recruitment and mobilization, strategies and tactic, and movement outcomes. The empirical emphasis will be on modern American social movements including student protest, feminist, civil rights, and sexual identity movements. Enrollment limited to 35.

The sociology of a multiracial and ethnically diverse society. Comparative examinations of several American groups and subcultures. Enrollment limited to 35.

An introduction to classical and contemporary approaches to class relations, status, and social inequality. Topics include Marxian and Weberian analysis, social mobility, class consciousness, class reproduction, and the place of race and gender in the class order. Enrollment limited to 35.

This course offers a basic explanation of qualitative research methods with a focus on the practical elements of ethnographic analysis. Organized in a workshop format, it includes research design, the art of observation, interviewing techniques, the analysis of visual data, and multi-method approaches. The relationship between and theory and practice and the necessity of ethical considerations in sociological researched will be stressed throughout. Prerequisite: 201.