32600

SoSe 19: Introduction to Sociology: American Society and Culture

Min Kyung Yoo

Comments

What does it mean to study American society through a sociological lens? American Society and Culture is an introductory sociology seminar, focusing on the theories and analyses of key social and cultural phenomenon in America. This course will familiarize the students with topics regarding American values, identity, race, class, politics, globalization and more. We will cover three main themes, ending with group case study presentations: 1) Early American sociology; 2) Contemporary issues in social and cultural conflicts in the US; 3) Sociology of Culture; 4) Case study: Race, Class and Labor, Politics, Media and Entertainment, Globalization and Modernity. Although winter semester’s orientation module is not required, the students who have not yet taken the course are expected to familiarize themselves with classical sociological theories. First few weeks will focus on reviewing those materials in relation to the development of American sociology. However, this is an integrative lecture, where I will cover theories, sociological issues, historical background, and specific events in the contemporary American society that reflects the discussions and texts dealt in class. The class will be a mix of lecture, writing assignments and critique on them, class/group discussions and presentations. ----- Main texts for this course are as follows: Calhoun, C. (2007). Sociology in America: A History. University of Chicago Press. ----- Fischer, C. (2011). Made in America: A Social History of American Culture and Character. Chicago, Ill.: University of Chicago Press. ----- Sumner, W. (2008). Folkways A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals. Project Gutenberg. ----- Ritzer, G., & Goodman, D. (2004). Sociological Theory (6th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. close