On-Campus SOC 1001.10 (41197) TR 4:45-6:00pm Prof. Dameon Alexander – or – SOC 1001.11 (43918) MW 4:45-6:00pm Prof. Lauren Ross

On-Line SOC 1001.DE (45906) M 7:00-9:00pm Prof. Lynette Osborne

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SPRING 2015: ON-CAMPUS OR ON-LINE!!!

SOCIOLOGY is the scientific study of human society and social interaction. From a sociological perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of our own experiences, as well as those of others, and begin to see society and human behavior in a more comprehensive way. This survey course addresses how social factors greatly affect opportunities, goals, values, actions, thoughts, and emotions. Students will be challenged to understand world events in terms of social structure and historical content, and to more effectively envision one’s own impact on the world.

SOC 1001: Introduction to Sociology introduces the basic tools, techniques, and theories used to analyze the social world. Key topics of discussion include the history of sociology, research methods, culture, socialization, social structure, stratification, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, family, and intimate relationships. Note: Intro to Sociology (SOC 1001) and The Sociological Imagination (SOC 1002) are equivalent courses, you cannot earn credit for both. For Spring 2015, SOC 1002 (44639) is offered TR 12:45-2:00pm with Prof. Daniel Martínez.

The George Washington University, Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

This course examines major themes in the sociology of family life. What is a family? Why are families universal and how have they changed through time? What is the significance of communication, culture, and society in understanding family dynamics? This course touches on topics that affect our lives in myriad ways: childhood, couplehood, sex, marriage, parenting, and friendship. From a sociological perspective, we will explore how families are impacted by history, politics, economics, culture, class, sex, and gender.

Instructor contact: Katrina Pariera, klp@gwu.edu

The George Washington University, Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

Sociology of the Family SOC 2162.10 (47261)

SP15—TR 12:45-2:00pm Prof. Katrina Pariera

Class & Inequality in the U.S.

SOC 2170.10 (46991) SP15—MW 3:45-5:00pm

Prof. Camille Solá

Do the poor have the same access to opportunity as others? Is being born poor a life sentence or a temporary setback for those willing to work hard?

This course will explore the intersection between class and inequality, historically and today. Students will learn theoretical perspectives that inform contemporary sociological topics in the U.S. related to class, inequality, poverty, labor markets, and the economy. We will consider how all of these factors affect socioeconomic groups, and the quantitative and qualitative dimensions that inform any analysis of class and inequality.

Instructor contact: Camille Sola, solac@gwu.edu The George Washington University

Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

Mass Media in America

SOC 2181.11 (42769) SP15—TUE 8:00-10:30am

Prof. Neil Shister

Much of what we believe to be true comes via mass media. Media messages surround us 24-7, influencing our consciousness as a society and our psychology as individuals. Widely accepted cultural narratives about idealized personal relationships, admirable social behavior, and democracy are all very much influenced by media content. It both reflects and shapes American society.

We will examine the origins and economics of American mass media, discussing its implications as profit-making business. We will identify archetypal images, story lines, and entertainments through the analysis of print, television, movies, and advertising. We will look at how media can change history as evidenced in the civil rights movement. We will speculate about the role of media in the spread of narcissism. This course will teach students to be more aware of the media's language of subtexts and subliminal messages.

Instructor contact: Neil Shister, shister@gwu.edu

The George Washington University, Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

Institutional Racism: Policies & Prescriptions

SOC 2181.10 (42768) SP15—TR 3:45-5:00pm Prof. Michael Wenger

This course explores institutional policies and practices in the U.S. that yield racially disparate outcomes. These policies and practices may or may not have a racist intent, but they nonetheless create barriers to success for Americans of color that do not exist for white Americans. After exploring their ramifications, we will examine potential changes to these policies and practices that can create a more equitable playing field for all Americans. We then consider how such changes can be achieved and what role each of us can play in achieving them.

Instructor contact: Michael Wenger, mwenger@gwu.edu The George Washington University, Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

Apartheid Black Economic Empowerment

Crime & the Constitutional Court Democracy Education

Freedom Charter Gold & Group Areas

HIV/AIDS Inequality

Justice Kwaito & Kwela

Land Mining

Nelson Mandela & Nadine Gordimer Opposition

Poverty & Prison Qunu & Queers

Repression & Resistance Safaris & Soccer

Truth & Reconciliation Commission Unemployment

Violence & Vuvuzelas Wine & Workers

Xenophobia & Xhosas Youth Zulus

South Africa: A Political Sociology

SOC 2181.12 (47712) SP15—TR 11:10-12:25pm

Prof. Fran Buntman

From A to Z, South Africa is a large and diverse country with a fascinating, disturbing, and inspiring past, present, and future. This class will examine South African society and political sociology and its profound lessons in racism, reconciliation, local-global dynamics, and social change.

Instructor contact: Fran Buntman, fbuntman@gwu.edu The George Washington University

Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

Sociology of the Holocaust & Genocide

SOC 2181W.10 (46992) SP15—MW 2:20-3:35pm

Prof. Michelle Kelso

While sociologists study crime and the motivations behind crime, they rarely look at the most heinous form of mass killing – genocide. This course provides a sociological perspective with which to consider the mechanisms of race, power, and social status that intersect in genocide. We will explore genocides of past centuries for a deeper understanding of the crimes and their aftermaths. We will examine international laws and institutions, such as the International Criminal Court which deals with current perpetrators. We will also discuss societal relations in post-genocidal countries.

Instructor contact: Michelle Kelso, mkelso@gwu.edu

The George Washington University, Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

College Students and the Law

SOC 2189.11 (47150) SP15—MON 7:10-9:40pm

Prof. Lester Joseph & Prof. Shanlon Wu

This course will examine how colleges dispense law and discipline. How do student rights and responsibilities, and other college disciplinary systems work? Are college disciplinary systems really criminal courts in disguise? What rights do students have in cases that involve issues related to:

Sexual Assault Fake ID Hazing Drug & Alcohol Violations Title IX

This course will be co-taught by two former Justice Department attorneys. Guest speakers will include former federal prosecutors and federal agents.

Instructor contact: Lester Joseph

lester.m.joseph@wellsfargo.com Shanlon Wu

swu@dcwhitecollar.com The George Washington University

Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu

Alternatives to Imprisonment

SOC 2189.10 (44141) SP15—MW 4:45-6:00pm

Prof. Mark Motivans

The U.S. prison population has increased to record high levels topping 1.5 million persons. This course examines the use of incarceration as a prominent feature of formal social control over the past 30 years, as well as the reasons for this upsurge, and its social, economic, and cultural consequences.

Historical efforts to reform the U.S. prison system and to promote penal moderation will be considered, including the abolishment of prisons altogether. Specific alternatives to imprisonment are surveyed via opportunities for and obstacles to reducing reliance on imprisonment. These include state budget constraints, the influence of prison labor unions and for-profit prison corporations, changing public opinion, and variable crime rates. The course also reviews recent evaluation studies of promising front- and back-end strategies aimed to reduce reliance on imprisonment.

Instructor contact: Mark Motivans, motivans@gwu.edu

The George Washington University Department of Sociology, soc@gwu.edu