Cults, communes, and conspiracies are unusual social and ideological organizations. How should we understand their origins, structure, and functioning? In our First-Year Seminar, we will assess the value of alternative explanatory concepts from the social sciences, such as charismatic leadership, organizational ecology, network structure, status competition, social influence, and belief propagation. We will then interpret cases in comparative perspective, asking, for example, how cults differ from religious sects, how communes differ from political movements, and how organized crime groups differ from legal businesses.

• Days/Times: M 9:30AM - 12:00PM
• Instructor: Morgan, Stephen L
• Room: Mergenthaler 526
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 12/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Race has been and continues to be centrally important to American political life and development. In this course, we will engage with the major debates around racial politics in the United States, with a substantial focus on how policies and practices of citizenship, immigration law, social provision, and criminal justice policy shaped and continue to shape racial formation, group-based identities, and group position; debates around the content and meaning of political representation and the responsiveness of the political system to American minority groups; debates about how racial prejudice has shifted and its importance in understanding American political behavior; the prospects for contestation or coalitions among groups; the “struggle with difference” within groups as they deal with the interplay of race and class, citizenship status, and issues that disproportionately affect a subset of their members; and debates about how new groups and issues are reshaping the meaning and practice of race in the United States.

• Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
• Instructor: Weaver, Vesla Mae
• Room: Bloomberg 168
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 15/25
• PosTag(s): INST-AP, POLI-IR, CES-LSO, AGRI-ELECT

The well-known saying, “It is not what you know, but who you know,” captures the importance of social networks in our everyday lives. However, social networks shape not only individuals but also society at large. From protests to epidemics, market performance of innovations to culture wars, and election results to dating and marriage, this course will explore how social networks shape society through their impacts on individuals, institutions, and structures. We will start by learning key network concepts, measures, processes, and analyses. We will then move on to thematic explorations of how social networks emerge, evolve, and influence various individual and social outcomes. Finally, we will conclude by applying social networks as a theoretical lens for understanding society.

• Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 5:30PM
• Instructor: Yavas, Mustafa
• Room: SNF Agora 112
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): CES-ELECT, CES-TI, CES-LSO, BEHB-SOCSCI

The course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about (a) theoretical approaches in sociology; (b) some of the subject matters that sociologists study, including inequality, capitalism, labor, the state, social control, race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, population dynamics, and health; and (c) sociological methods. Most importantly, you will learn (d) how to see the world as a sociologist. That is, you will become a sociologist.

• Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 9:00AM - 9:50AM
• Instructor: Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 111
• Status: Reserved Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

The course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about (a) theoretical approaches in sociology; (b) some of the subject matters that sociologists study, including inequality, capitalism, labor, the state, social control, race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, population dynamics, and health; and (c) sociological methods. Most importantly, you will learn (d) how to see the world as a sociologist. That is, you will become a sociologist.

• Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 9:00AM - 9:50AM
• Instructor: Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 111
• Status: Reserved Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

The course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about (a) theoretical approaches in sociology; (b) some of the subject matters that sociologists study, including inequality, capitalism, labor, the state, social control, race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, population dynamics, and health; and (c) sociological methods. Most importantly, you will learn (d) how to see the world as a sociologist. That is, you will become a sociologist.

• Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
• Instructor: Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 111
• Status: Reserved Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

The course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about (a) theoretical approaches in sociology; (b) some of the subject matters that sociologists study, including inequality, capitalism, labor, the state, social control, race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, population dynamics, and health; and (c) sociological methods. Most importantly, you will learn (d) how to see the world as a sociologist. That is, you will become a sociologist.

• Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
• Instructor: Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 111
• Status: Reserved Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

The course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about (a) theoretical approaches in sociology; (b) some of the subject matters that sociologists study, including inequality, capitalism, labor, the state, social control, race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, population dynamics, and health; and (c) sociological methods. Most importantly, you will learn (d) how to see the world as a sociologist. That is, you will become a sociologist.

• Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
• Instructor: Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 111
• Status: Reserved Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

The course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about (a) theoretical approaches in sociology; (b) some of the subject matters that sociologists study, including inequality, capitalism, labor, the state, social control, race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, population dynamics, and health; and (c) sociological methods. Most importantly, you will learn (d) how to see the world as a sociologist. That is, you will become a sociologist.

• Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
• Instructor: Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 111
• Status: Reserved Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

This course will focus on four classical social theorists whose ideas have greatly influenced how we study and understand society: Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and W.E.B. DuBois. Much of the course is devoted to applying their theories to analyze current social issues, especially those involving social inequality, conflict, cohesion, and change.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: White, Alexandre Ilani Rein
• Room: Mergenthaler 266
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 9/15
• PosTag(s): INST-PT, CES-LC, CES-LSO

This course explores the social causes, impacts, and contexts of urban rebellions in the United States during the 20th and 21st centuries, focusing on their relationship to social movements, urban social and demographic change, labor, economic decline, policing and imprisonment, and cultural and political change.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Staff
• Room: Gilman 377
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 7/15
• PosTag(s): CES-CC, CES-LSO, CES-RI

Race and ethnicity have played a prominent role in American society and continue to do so, as demonstrated by interracial and interethnic gaps in economic and educational achievement, residence, political power, family structure, crime, and health. Using a sociological framework, we will explore the historical significance of race and its development as a social construction, assess the causes and consequences of intergroup inequalities and explore potential solutions.

• Days/Times: TTh 4:30PM - 5:45PM
• Instructor: Greif, Meredith
• Room: Maryland 202
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 4/19
• PosTag(s): INST-AP, CES-RI, CES-CC, MSCH-HUM

This is a hands-on interview methods class. As a class, we will select a topic of interest and a reading list related to that subject. The topic may be related to politics, social movements, and/or education. After learning interview techniques and IRB protocols, students will conduct semi-structured, 60-minute interviews with at least five respondents on the topic. We will read extensive background literature together, and then develop several over-arching research questions. We will design the semi-structured interview guide together, and every student will use the same guide. Next we will turn to data analysis. Students will learn how to use Dedoose, or a similar qualitative data analysis software program, to code the approximately 75 interviews conducted by the class. Each student will be responsible for reading through all data and code their own transcripts, using a code book the class develops together. The final assignment will be to write a journal-length paper on a subject of their choice, using whichever coded excerpts they wish to, but drawing on no fewer than 10-15 total transcripts.

• Days/Times: MW 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Binder, Amy Jill
• Room: 3505 N. Charles 102
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 12/15
• PosTag(s): AGRI-ELECT

In this class, we will examine changes in family/household behaviors and relationships from a demographic perspective. We will investigate how culture, economics, and population characteristics can shape family structures, how the role of families has changed in recent decades, and how families are important in people’s lives. We will study diverse familial forms in the U.S. as well as those in the international context. We will study important (and measurable) events in people’s family lives, such as cohabitation, marriage, divorce, and childbearing. We will study how family roles are changing for fathers, mothers, and grandparents. We will also learn about the health implications of various familial relationships. We will use demographic tools and data to compare families across time periods, across social groups, and (to some extent) across countries. You will be doing your own quantitative analyses. You will develop your skills at interpreting and critiquing demographic data that researchers use to support their arguments about the family. You will also develop your skills at making your own accurate and compelling arguments using demographic data.

• Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
• Instructor: Chen, Feinian
• Room: 3505 N. Charles 102
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 12/15
• PosTag(s): CES-GI, CES-ELECT, CES-PD

Students will learn core concepts that define the sociological approach to health, illness and health care. Classes will involve a combination of lectures and examples, as well as weekly discussion sections.

• Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 4:50PM, W 3:00PM - 3:50PM
• Instructor: Agree, Emily
• Room: Gilman 132
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): MSCH-HUM, CES-PD, CES-ELECT

Students will learn core concepts that define the sociological approach to health, illness and health care. Classes will involve a combination of lectures and examples, as well as weekly discussion sections.

• Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 4:50PM, W 3:00PM - 3:50PM
• Instructor: Agree, Emily
• Room: Gilman 132
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): MSCH-HUM, CES-PD, CES-ELECT

Students will learn core concepts that define the sociological approach to health, illness and health care. Classes will involve a combination of lectures and examples, as well as weekly discussion sections.

• Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 4:50PM, W 4:00PM - 4:50PM
• Instructor: Agree, Emily
• Room: Gilman 132
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): MSCH-HUM, CES-PD, CES-ELECT

Students will learn core concepts that define the sociological approach to health, illness and health care. Classes will involve a combination of lectures and examples, as well as weekly discussion sections.

• Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 4:50PM, W 4:00PM - 4:50PM
• Instructor: Agree, Emily
• Room: Gilman 132
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): MSCH-HUM, CES-PD, CES-ELECT

This course will examine the role of housing, or the absence thereof, in shaping quality of life. It will explore the consequences of the places in which we live and how we are housed. Consideration will be given to overcrowding, affordability, accessibility, and past and existing housing policies and their influence on society. Special attention will be given to the problem of homelessness.

• Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
• Instructor: Greif, Meredith
• Room: Krieger Laverty
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/18
• PosTag(s): CES-CC, CES-LE

The seminar involves discussions (including with visiting authors) of readings related to the Arrighi Center’s four thematic priorities: (1) Continuity and Change in the Dynamics of Global Capitalism; (2) Changing Structures and Norms of Global Governance; (3) Global Inequality and Development; and (4) Land, Labor and Environmental Rights and Struggles. Participants include faculty and students (graduate and undergraduate) from a wide range of social science and humanities departments as well as visiting scholars from around the world. Undergraduates signing up under 230.375 will participate in both the main seminar with faculty and graduate students, followed by a special discussion session for undergraduates.

• Days/Times: F 1:30PM - 4:30PM
• Instructor: Silver, BEVERLY Judith
• Room: Mergenthaler 526
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 6/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

What is a refugee? Since World War II, states that have pledged to offer protection to refugees have frequently been drawn instead to the dictates of nationalism and communitarianism, which prioritize concern for their own citizens, rather than to the needs of forced migrants. As a result, even those migrants that have been formally recognized as refugees according to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention have not been assured of protection, and other migrants have been even less assured. In this course, we will locate the reasons for this reality in the legal, political, and historical underpinnings of political asylum. What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee? How has the refugee category been redefined and contested by international bodies since 1951? How are the ambiguities of real-life violence and persecution simplified in asylum adjudication interviews that require clear, factual narratives? What kinds of protections are offered to asylum seekers, whether by UN bodies, NGOs, or host governments, and how have such protections varied geographically and historically? Finally, what protections, if any, are afforded to those migrants who are fleeing not persecution but rather “merely” endemic poverty or climate-induced displacement? The course draws on literature from sociology, history, anthropology, and international refugee law in order to understand the capacity (or lack thereof) of human rights discourses and declarations to contravene state sovereignty in the name of protecting the rightless.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Naveh Benjamin, Ilil
• Room: Gilman 186
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/18
• PosTag(s): INST-GLOBAL, INST-IR, CES-BM, CES-LSO, CDS-MB

Focusing on the race-makings of the Asians across the Pacific in the long twentieth century, the course employs the reading materials that elucidate the constructions about the demographic categories of the Asian "races." We use prewar Japanese materials and Chinese nationalist thoughts to elaborate on the following themes: the internal distinction among the peoples grouped under the racial category of the Asians; the overall presentation about the generic category of the "Asian" peoplehood, as well as their alleged shared civilization and interests. The theoretical framework include concepts of capitalist reconfiguration of social boundaries through racism and the question of power behind the reproduction of racial hierarchy.

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Kuo, Huei-Ying
• Room: Gilman 186
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 15/18
• PosTag(s): INST-CP, INST-GLOBAL, CES-BM, CES-RI

Is access to healthcare a fundamental human right? If so, then which global actors are obligated to provide healthcare to whom, and for how long? How do meanings of health and illness vary across time and place? And finally, how are human rights principles translated into frontline practice in order to promote well-being? This course takes a critical interdisciplinary approach to these questions through a series of global case studies ranging from humanitarian aid in post-tsunami Sri Lanka to anti-FGM (female genital mutilation) campaigns in Ghana. How do international NGOs, UN bodies, and governments collaborate (or compete) to distribute healthcare in places beset by dire resource shortages? Do human rights principles carry legal weight across borders, and if so, could access to healthcare services and essential medicines be litigated in order to compel governments to provide it? And finally, what cultural assumptions do human rights discourses carry with them, and what happens if rights-based approaches are poorly received by recipient populations? Moving beyond the basic principle of healthcare as a human right, this course aims to bring this idea’s history and politics into focus by offering an in-depth exploration of its ethics and implementation.

• Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Naveh Benjamin, Ilil
• Room: Gilman 186
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/18
• PosTag(s): MSCH-HUM

Can social democracy offer an alternative to neoliberal capitalism? This course begins with an investigation of the history of social democracy in Europe, from origins to crisis to reconstruction, and then globalizes this in three ways: first, by asking how colonial relations affected social democracy in Europe; second, by examining welfare states in Asia, Latin America, and Africa; and third, by considering the possibilities of global redistribution.

• Days/Times: Th 9:00AM - 11:30AM
• Instructor: Prasad, Monica
• Room: Mergenthaler 526
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): INST-CP, INST-GLOBAL, CES-PD, CES-LSO

The Sociology Department Colloquium is a speaker series that is required for all first- and second-year Sociology graduate students and faculty and is open to interested undergraduate sociology majors. The Colloquium takes place once a month and lunch is provided. For those interested in taking it for credit (graded P/F), in-person attendance is required.

• Days/Times: W 12:00PM - 1:30PM
• Instructor: Agree, Emily; Calder, Ryan
• Room: Mergenthaler 526
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 24/25
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course will explore the social construction and consequences of gender, covering such topics as work, care, sexuality, identity, politics and inequality. Readings will include the classics as well as newer works in the field. We will equip students with tools not just to add women and stir, but to take up the challenge of the sociology of gender and apply its deconstructive, profoundly egalitarian, critical perspectives to the practice of sociology writ large. The first half of the class addresses major theories of gender, while the second half considers particular sites or topics of particularly contemporary relevance. Throughout, in keeping with the theme of the course and of the sociology of gender generally, weak destabilize the white, middle-class, heterosexual, cis-gendered, etc. perspective with considerations of race/ethnicity, class, sexuality, trans and queer social categories. Thanks in part to the profound insights of sociologists of gender, we know that no position is without its positionality, and we will continually invoke comparative work to illuminate the way this works to constrain and shape our vision.

• Days/Times: M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
• Instructor: Pugh, Allison
• Room: Mergenthaler 526
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/5
• PosTag(s): CES-GI, CES-LC, CES-RI

Ever since the Chinese Empire fell in 1911, Chinese have tried to think of themselves as modern and to build a modern Chinese state. Among the Western concepts that Chinese appropriated to define and comprehend themselves were the notions of ethnicity, culture, nationality, and race. We will try to answer the following questions: What was the allure of arcane and elusive Western categories on culture, ethnicity, and race for Chinese scientists in the 20th century, and how did these categories come to underpin the rule of the Chinese state over its enormous population since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949? How have the Chinese state’s policies on nationality and ethnicity shaped the minds of American China scholars as they study ethnicity and nationality in China?

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Henning, Stefan
• Room: Mergenthaler 266
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 3/15
• PosTag(s): INST-CP, INST-GLOBAL, CES-RI

On 13 October 2022, a middle-aged upper-middle class Chinese man staged a public political protest on an elevated road in Beijing. Peng Lifa, or “Bridge Man,” as he has become known in allusion to Tank Man from the Tiananmen demonstrations in 1989, demanded elections and reforms. How have urban Chinese been able to be so content or even happy despite their lack of political freedom? The class readings will introduce you to different kinds of activists who have confronted the authoritarian state since the late 1990s, among them human rights lawyers, reporters, environmental activists, feminists, religious activists, and labor activists. We will ask whether freedom, an obviously Western notion, is useful as an analytical category to think about China. Does freedom translate across the West/non-West divide?

• Days/Times: TTh 4:30PM - 5:45PM
• Instructor: Henning, Stefan
• Room: Gilman 219
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/15
• PosTag(s): INST-CP, CES-LSO

This course explores Black social movements in the United States to better understand social inequality, social structures, oppression, agency, and power across time and space.

• Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Okechukwu, Amaka Camille
• Room: Krieger 308
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 7/20
• PosTag(s): CES-RI, CES-ELECT