Mainstream and critical theories of how society shapes the purposes, processes, and organization of schools; current policy issues and sources of national education data, with primary focus on United States elementary and secondary schools.

The causes, nature, and consequences of changes in social structure and institutions.

The relationship between contemporary American punishment and social organization and processes. Topics include historical features of, and justifications for, punishment; the death penalty debate; prisoner rights; and prison conditions.

Offered on a regular basis.

The political economy of global development and its impact on class, gender, race, and ethnicity; the application and relevance of theoretical and methodological paradigms. Topics include agriculture, urbanization, environment, education, health, migration, economic restructuring, and political and collective strategies.

An introduction to the profession of sociology. Faculty members describe their intellectual work and discuss issues of professionalization, including selecting a major professor, preparing for comprehensive exams, writing for publication, and preparing for the job market.
Non-traditional format: The course will consist of weekly one-hour meetings spread out over two semesters.
Offered fall and spring semesters every year. 
Repeatable for maximum 2 hours credit.

Pivotal theories from classic theorists such as Marx, Weber, and Durkheim to the present.

Offered on a regular basis. 

The German theoretical tradition, beginning with Marx and continuing with Wilhelmine-era sociologists, particularly Simmel and Weber; the Weimar and Nazi periods; and postwar critical theorists, notably Habermas.

The social factors that shape behavior and self-concept; theories such as behaviorism, symbolic interactionism, Freudian psychology, cognitive social psychology, and critical approaches. Topics include emotions, human development, and authenticity and sincerity in the postmodern age.

Offered on a regular basis.

Feminist theories and methodologies on gender, with an emphasis on contemporary American society and the intersection of gender, race, and class. Topics include socialization, sexual orientation, reproduction, violence, family and household, work and global restructuring, and politics.

Offered on a regular basis. 

The concepts of community, authority, rank, the sacred, and alienation to examine conflict and consensus, modernity and postmodernity, classical theory, and the problem of meaning. The role of ideas in social integration and change, the problem of legitimation, civil religion in politics, "postmodern" society, and symbolism and moral order.

Offered on a regular basis.