2007-08 - Pitzer College

280 SOCIOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY
84AA. Nonviolent Social Change. Asian American Studies emerged out of the longest
student strike in the history of the United States. The third world liberation front used
nonviolent social protest to call for educational relevance and greater access to higher
education. This class takes a comparative racial approach to examine the history,
philosophy and practice of nonviolent social change. Linking the local and global, this
course draws from case studies in the India, South Africa, Chile, Poland, United States
and Vietnam. Fall, K. Yep.
87. Sociology of Developing Areas. The past two decades have seen major policy
changes in both developed and developing countries, shifts broadly defined as
liberalization or, more commonly, globalization. At the same time, there seems to be an
even greater gap between the social realities of people living in developing countries and
those of us in the first world. In this course we explore those realities and try to
understand the causes and effects of globalization on people and institutions in
developing countries. A. Mezahav. [not offered 2007-08]
91. Political Sociology. This course identifies key issues and debates concerning the
distribution of power and consequent political processes in modern societies. Topics to be
discussed include: theories of the distribution of power in modern societies; capitalism
and class; state development and state formation; political identities and processes of
legitimation; political representation and political incorporation; parliamentarianism and
corporatism; the displacement of states as sites of political action, and new social movements.
A. Mezahav. [not offered 2007-08]
92. Street Gangs and Urban Politics. Lectures, extensive readings, videos and site visits.
Focus on the emergence of street gangs in the past generation [1965-2000], their causes
and nature, the debate over public policy towards them, the resulting impact on public
opinion, urban budgets, and electoral politics. See Hayden, Street Wars [2005 paperback
edition], Rodriguez, La Vida Loca, Gilligan, Violence, for sample readings. T. Hayden.
[not offered 2007-08]
93. The Sixties Now. Class will introduce students to the still-contested meaning of the
1960s era today. The course will explore macro-explanations as to why social movements
erupted with seeming spontaneity around the world during the era. From a menu of
many similar social movements, three or four are of continuing interest, such as the
evolution from Vietnam to Iraq, from the Chicano movement to the immigration debates,
from the civil rights movement to street gangs and hip hop, from anti-poverty to antiglobalization
movements—will be selected for serious attention. Students will research
specific movements to include a master website/timeline detailing a Sixties timeline for
the 50th anniversary beginning Jan. 1, 2010. Fall, T. Hayden.
IIS 95. Engaging Difference. [see International Intercultural Studies 95] Fall/Spring,
K. Dengu-Zvobgo.
101. Quantitative Research Methods. This course introduces sociology students to the
methods sociologists use in analyzing data (using SPSS) and in collecting data: research
designs, survey methods, experimental designs, and content analysis. Prerequisite:
Sociology 1; a basic math course is recommended. For sociology majors only. Fall, P. Nardi.
102. Qualitative Research Methods. In this course students study and apply qualitative
research methods, particularly participant observation and interviewing. Each student
selects a site for study, gathers and analyzes data, and presents formal oral and written
reports on findings. Theoretical and ethical issues involved in conducting field research
are emphasized. Prerequisite: Sociology 1. Enrollment is limited to majors. Fall, J.
Calderon/Spring, A. Stromberg.
110. Classical Sociological Theory. This course examines some of the most influential
and significant thinkers who help shape the discipline of sociology. Strongly
recommended for students considering graduate school. Prerequisite: Sociology 1. Fall,
P. Zuckerman.
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111. Alternative Modes of Social Organization. This course will critically consider
alternative forms of social organization in a number of different institutional domains
(economics, governance and social order, etc.) Students will examine the plausibility of
specific alternatives both a) on their own terms and b) in the present social/global context.
Prerequisite: Sociology 1. Spring, E. Steinman.
112. Contemporary Sociological Theory. We will examine and analyze some of the most
important and provocative social theory produced within the last 50 years. Sociology 110
is recommended but not required. Prerequisite: Sociology 1. Spring, P. Zuckerman.
114. Sociology of Religion. How does religion affect/influence other aspects of society?
How do various aspects of society affect/influence religion? This course will look at
religion sociologically, probing its social construction. Skepticism towards religion may be
difficult/awkward for strong believers. Prerequisite: Any sociology course. Spring,
P. Zuckerman.
GFS 115. Gender, Race & Class Women of Color. [see Gender and Feminist Studies 115]
Fall, M. Soldatenko.
115. Sociology of Law: Power, Rights, and Change. This course will examine how law
both legitimates social inequality and provides a resource for attempts to promote social
change. We will consider how legal rules and legal consciousness serve powerful political
or economic interests, and how legal approaches and the actions of lawyers enable as
well as constrain movements for social justice. Prerequisite: Sociology 1. Fall, E. Steinman.
GFS 118. Gender and Global Restructuring. (See Gender and Feminist Studies 118).
Spring, M. Soldatenko.
122. Sociology of Health and Medicine. An examination of health, illness, and healthcare
providers and institutions from a sociological perspective. Topics to be considered