Generation Z has been called the most progressive generation since the 1960s. This course takes an in-depth sociologically informed look at what makes the generation of young Americans born between 1997 and 2012 different from previous generations. We ask what Gen Z has in store for American society and culture, and for sociological theory. In Part I, we establish what sociologists mean by Gen Z and this generation?s culture.

Analysis of: 1) historical and cross-cultural variation in positions and relationships of women and men; 2) contemporary creation and internalization of gender and maintenance of gender differences in adult life; 3) recent social movements to transform or maintain "traditional" positions of women and men. Prerequisite: 100-level Sociology course.

Interpretations of social life developed by symbolic interactionists. Topics include the interactionist approach to language, the self, deviance, social relationships, social structure and collective behavior. (Gen.Ed. SB, DU)

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)

A social-historical approach to race relations in the U.S. Analysis of contemporary race relations links to major social issues in American society. (Gen.Ed. SB, DU)

This course examines who, why, and how different groups immigrate to the U.S. and what happens once they arrive -- how they are received by mainstream society and how they perceive their experience in a new country. Specific topics include entry, immigration controls, education, identity, discrimination, employment, language, legal status, belonging, settlement, trans-nationalism, political participation, and examples of efforts to reform U.S. immigration laws. (Gen.Ed. SB)

Aspects of drugs (alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, psychedelics, depressants, opiates): historical and cross-cultural perspectives; behavioral effects; social and cultural factors affecting use; addiction (including alcoholism); political economy of drugs; drugs and social reality. (Gen.Ed. SB)

Introduction to the study of criminology, definitions of crime, criminals and delinquents, demographics of crime and criminals, the work of the courts, law, police, and punishment in the production and administration of crime and criminals, society and crime, problems of prevention and control.

Introduction to the study of criminology, definitions of crime, criminals and delinquents, demographics of crime and criminals, the work of the courts, law, police, and punishment in the production and administration of crime and criminals, society and crime, problems of prevention and control.

Explores histories, cultures, and issues that shape the Asian American experience. Using readings, class discussions, film/video screenings, and student-designed projects, the course explores the commonalities and diversity among Asian Americans. (Gen.Ed. SB, DU)