Social Sciences Course Descriptions

Undergraduate

PS 100 Introduction to the Profession Political Science

This course is for freshman political science majors. It builds on the material in the first semester ITP course, exposing students to quasi-experimental methods, quantitative and qualitative approaches, and the history of the profession. Students will examine several fundamental works in the discipline. 3-0-3 (C)

PS 200 American Government

Surveys American politics and government. The informal political institutions, such as parties and interest groups, are analyzed and related to the formal governmental institutions, such as the presidency and the Congress. Emphasis is placed on how the American political culture shapes these institutions and how public policies are produced. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 201 Politics and Public Policy

Analyzes how social problems become public problems and how the government develops public policies and with what effect. Emphasizes the characteristics of the American policy-making process. Case studies are used to clarify the process. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 256 Law in American Society

Examines the nature of law and the legal system in American society. Special attention will be paid to the institutions of the legal system, how they are supposed to function, and how they actually function. Topics for study may include the police, prosecutors, lawyers, judges, juries, grand juries, and public defenders. The courts, ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court to local trial courts, are studied. The impact of U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the system of justice in America is explored. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 273 Great Political Thinkers

Introduces students to the ideas of the world's great political philosophers. Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx and others will be covered. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 300 Introduction to the Social Sciences

The course introduces the foundations of the social science disciplines, notably economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology. Primary emphasis will be placed on how the disciplines employ distinctive assumptions and perspectives, which are used to generate understanding, form explanations, and construct theories. 3-0-3 (S)(C)

PS 301 Introduction to Political Science

Introduces students to some of the classic literature in modern American political science, covering theory, presidency, Congress and federalism. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 303 Politics and the Media

Analyzes the media's role in contemporary American politics and government. Emphasis is placed on how the media, both newspapers and television, manufacture the news and how the news influences political and government agenda, decision making, and public policies. 3-0-3 (S)(C)

PS 309 Research Methods in Social and Political Science

Introduces students to explanation in the social sciences and both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Topics covered include formulation of research questions, measurement, data collection, survey research, significance tests, experimental and quasi-experimental design, sampling, and various techniques of qualitative research. Same as SOC 309. 3-0-3. This course does not fulfill the social science general education requirement, but it may be used as a free elective. (C)

PS 310 Social and Political Thought

Examines central social and political theories and their ideas concerning such things as the relationship between individual and society, social harmony and conflict, social equality, and the role of the state. Same as SOC 310. 3-0-3 (S)(C)

PS 312 Contemporary Social Problems

This course investigates various social problems and how they came to be defined as problematic. General sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives include symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, structural functionalism, and constructionism. Students also examine the role of state advocates and the media in defining social problems. Case studies illustrate how different theoretical perspectives lead to different solutions and policy recommendations. Same as SOC 312. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 315 Urban Politics

Emphasizes how economic and demographic changes influence local politics, how local politics work, and how state and national policies influence local politics. Special attention is devoted to Chicago politics. 3-0-3 (S)

PS 316 Political Parties Election Process

Examines election and campaigns from different perspectives including: the historical development of American elections, the rules by which campaigns are governed, the strategies that candidates follow in pursuit of office, and the role of political parties. 3-0-3

PS 317 Chicago Politics

The study of Chicago's politics and government from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Emphasis is placed on changes that have significantly shaped the direction of Chicago's politics. Special attention is devoted to social class, ethnicity, race and ideology as factors that have influenced the Democratic political machine and its opposition. 3-0-3 (S)(C)

PS 318 Contemporary Constitutional Issues

The course examines how decisions about some of our basic rights are made. Emphasizes U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the areas of criminal law, desegregation, education, welfare, housing and consumer law. Related topics of special interest to students in the class can be added to the syllabus. Supreme Court decisions are read and supplemented by textual material. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 320 Urban Institutions

This course examines the shift from social class and ethnic politics to racial politics in American cities. Racial politics is examined in the economic, political and social sectors. (S) 3-0-3 (S)

PS 321 Social Inequality

Evaluates the patterns and dimensions of social, economic, and political inequality in American society and how these compare with other societies; who gets ahead and why; the relationship of social class to other features of society; some consequences of social stratification; and outlooks for the future of inequality in the United States. Same as SOC 321. 3-0-3 (C) (S)

PS 323 Problems of Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Religious States

The course focuses on issues and problems arising in multi-ethnic, multi-language or multi-religious states in which there has been substantial conflict or balkanization along religions or ethic lines. 3-0-3

PS 328 Vietnam War: Politics, Idealogy, Societal Issues

This course examines the politics, rational and societal issues relating to the Vietnam War and the impact of the war and related politics on current politics and current ideological disputes. 3-0-3 (S)

PS 329 Politics of Global Warming

This course examines politics and policies relating to global warming using a multi disciplinary approach. Students look at its anthropogenic causes, potential impacts on human society, potential mitigation strategies and policy responses. Participants also examine the different issues relating to global warming including- Environmental, national security, economic, public safety issues and national prestige. 3-0-3 (S)

PS 330 International Relations

Examines the relations among nations from the perspective of both the international system and the nation state. Emphasizes the transformation in the international system caused by weapons, production, and communications technologies. Compares the nature, function, and purpose of modern warfare and other forms of conflict with the prospects for international order through law, organization, communications, and arms control. Gives special attention to the international policies of the United States towards various regions and its role in international organizations. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 331 World Politics

This course explores the changes to the International system associated with the end of the Cold War including the increase of violence, the rejection of existing definitions of the nation state by many ethnic and sub-national groups. The course examines the changing concept of the nation state as many ethnic groups reject the multi-ethnic nation states created as the Colonial powers withdrew from parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle-East. Changing approaches to warfare, and controversies about intervention in internal ethnic conflicts will also be studied. Students completing the course will acquire an understanding of the origin of numerous international problems and an awareness of the policy and military challenges such conflicts pose to the United States. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 332 Politics of Science and Technology

Explores the complex interrelationships among science, technology, and politics, with emphasis on the political issues created by contemporary scientific advances. Gives roughly equal attention to the politics of scientific discovery; the development of government organization for science and scientific advice to government; the impact of industrialized science and advanced technology on the economy and society; and the growing debate over the social implications of science and technology and how they can be predicted, measured, and controlled. Same as SOC 304. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 333 National Defense Policy

Examines the formulation and implementation of national security and military policy in the United States. Surveys the emergence and growth of military strategy and the defense establishment, with primary emphasis on contemporary issues, institutions and policies, and prospects for the future. Emphasizes the impact of nuclear weapons on military strategy and security and the post Cold war struggle over forces and missions. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 334 Post Colonial Politics

Post Colonial Politics examines political developments in those parts of the world which had been under colonial domination during the period of European Colonialism. Areas covered include movements of liberation and how they produced different forms of post-colonial states, the role of ethnicity and religion in providing both unifying as well as divisive factors in the stability and instability of the post colonial state. The course also introduces students to recent political developments in a variety of post colonial states and the impact of recent developments on the United States. This is a comparative course. From year to year, the post colonial nations examined in detail will vary, but often include Algeria, Sudan, Rwanda, Iran, and Vietnam. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 335 Issues in U.S. Space Policy

(S)

PS 337 Social Scientific Imagination

This course aims to provide a tool-kit for thinking about social life. This course is designed to complement existing methods courses and to give students a background in social-scientific thinking that may be used in a variety of other contexts. 3-0-3

PS 338 Energy and Environmental Policy

Places energy and environmental policy in domestic and global contexts. Traces the economic and political implications of dependence on fossil fuels and the attempt to develop alternate energy sources and promote conservation. Assesses the environmental effects of resource consumption and the effort to control these effects by increased efficiency and regulation of pollution. Explores such problems such as nuclear waste, acid rain, global warming, and deforestation. Examines national and international attempts at economic, political, and technological solutions. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 339 Nuclear Energy and Society

Explores the relationship between nuclear energy--science, technology, and products, and society--national, local and global. Gives detailed attention to the discovery of nuclear fission and its exploitation during World War II and after, culminating in the global nuclear arms race. Examines the emergence and growth of nuclear power and the rise of the controversy over its safety, security and economy. Considers the risks of continued proliferation, the prospects for arms control and the peaceful atom and the chances for survival in a nuclear world. Uses films, case studies, guest lectures, and simulations where appropriate.3-0-3 (S) (C)

PS 340 Social Organization and Control

This course surveys theories explaining the organization and structure of complex societies. The problem of social control, or the capacity of society to formally or informally regulate itself according to its desired principles, is viewed as a central problem of social organization. Same as SOC 340. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 200 Introduction to Sociology

Introduces students to the structure and operation of society. Analyzes individual behavior. Emphasizes the structure and problems of American society. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 201 Social Psychology

Examines how contemporary society molds individuals to its image. Topics include: human instinct, values and needs, attitudes, the process of socialization, suggestion and propaganda, rumor, prejudice, social conflict, conformity, social values, and interaction. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 203 Engaging Sociology

This is an advanced, more visual and performative introduction to the discipline. This course serves as an alternative to SOC 200, which is taught in a readings and discussion format. Students in 203 will read short chapters from a standard intro textbook and prepare weekly assignments that apply the associated concepts and insights. Assignments are varied, from taking photographs and bringing in music and film clips to writing comedy sketches and fictional blog entries, illustrating political cartoons, and designing spaces, devices, and clothing that manifest or illuminate the topics at hand. Students will present their work concisely and discus it daily in class. This is a communication intensive course. 3-0-3

SOC 210 Society, Environment and Ecology

An introductory survey course with no prerequisites. Aims at providing environmental literacy and understanding of the changing arguments in the environmental debate. Traces the relationship between Man and Nature from early industrial optimism to the 1960s rise of concerns about pollution, the 1970s limits to growth debate, and today's concerns with global climate change and the fate of Earth itself. Explores the possibility of a new paradigm of clean, innovative technology, and its social, economical, and political implications. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 240 Social Problems

Analyzes selected problems affecting American society, including: poverty among and discrimination against minorities; crime and delinquency; urban problems; United States and world population problems; foreign policy and militarism. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 242 Industrial Society

Analyzes social issues of particular relevance to scientists and engineers: demographic trends and their effects on schools, labor markets, workplaces, and other institutions; the changing role of the United States in the world political economy; the impact of changing technology on work and employment; the shift to a service economy; the Japanese challenge to American business and industry; responses of both the public and private sectors to these issues. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 249 Sociology of the Family

This course examines the family in its cultural, social, and economic contexts: how the family forms, function and ideology are related to other aspects of society; and how the family serves as the environment for interpersonal behavior. Among the topics to be considered are feminine and masculine roles, alternative lifestyles, parenthood, and the changes in family related to the human life cycle. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 259 Race and Ethnic Relations

The course examines the social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of race and ethnic relations in the context of modern society. Major theories regarding the origins and impact of interracial and interethnic conflict are analyzed, with special emphasis placed on the consequences of such conflict for the wider society. Governmental responses to prejudice and discrimination also are examined. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 301 The Social Dimension of Science

Examines how social and psychological factors influence the reasoning and behavior of scientists. Through contrasting traditional views of science with actual scientific practice, the course aims at understanding such phenomena as hype resistance to scientific discovery, controversy, vicious competition, error, self-deception and fraud. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 302 Science and Belief

Explores the relationship between science and belief through comparing Western science with other belief systems, science with religion, and science with pseudo-science. The course also examines cultural and ideological influences on scientific knowledge and public faith in science. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 303 Science in Society

Examines the role of the institution of science, scientific knowledge, and scientists in society. The course focuses on areas where science significantly influences and is influenced by political, economic, and cultural institutions and contexts. The course addresses broader theoretical issues such as boundaries of science, autonomy, and control of science, and science and power. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 304 Politics of Science and Technology

Explores the interrelationships among science, technology, and politics with emphasis on the political issues created by contemporary scientific advances and molecular biology. Investigates the politics of scientific discovery, as well as procedures for scientific advice to government, the impact of industrial technology on the economy and society; and the social implications of science and technology and how they can be predicted, measured, and controlled. Same as PS 332. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 305 Social Communication

This course studies the variety of subtle ways, verbal and nonverbal, in which humans communicate in personal, professional and public life, and how to identify and solve problems and misunderstandings that typically arise. Topics include the social nature of humans, interpersonal communication, interaction within and between groups, teamwork, leadership, and intercultural communication. Group and individual exercises develop skills in social analysis, problem finding, problem solving, and oral and written presentation. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 306 Rationality and Emotion in Society

This course explores two simultaneous trends in contemporary societies. The first is the increasing emphasis on rationality. The second is the persistence and growth of a-rational social movements. Specific topics may include bureaucratization, technocracy, McDonaldization New age philosophies, religious fundamentalism, nationalism, and terrorism. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 307 Elites and Civil Society

Examines two contrasting views of the American political system. In the first, a small number of powerful actors dominate. In the second, a civil society comprised of active citizens holds sway. Considers empirical evidence for both characterizations and addresses consequences for democracy. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 308 Social Psychology and Society

This course explores different aspects of our out of awareness instant everyday judgments and their sometimes undesirable social consequences, especially the Fundamental Attribution Error. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 309 Research Methods in Social and Political Science

SOC 310 Social and Political Thought

SOC 311 Comparative Social Structure

Examines theories of social organization with particular focus on complex bureaucratic organizations, social stratification, and social change; also considers basic social institutions (e.g., family, government) in light of relevant theories. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 312 Contemporary Social Problems

The course investigates various social problems and how they came to be defined as problematic. General sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives include symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, structural functionalism and constructionism. Students also examine the role of state advocates and the media in defining social problems. Case studies illustrate how different theoretical perspectives lead to different solutions and policy recommendations. Same as PS 312. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 313 Race, Class and Ethnicity

The course examines race, class, ethnicity, and gender. The class looks at societal institutions, including education, politics, and the workplace, and looks at the effects of class, ethnicity and gender on interpersonal relations. Students also learn about how these categories are related to other measures of social stratification and differentiation. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 314 Exploration in Social Psychology

This course investigates in more depth a number of themes in social psychology and related fields. Special emphasis will be paid to the moral intent of classical social psychological studies and ethical issues in research. Some classical studies involving deception will be reevaluated, partly in the form of classroom debate. The course will also apply social psychological understanding to a number of morally and politically relevant phenomena. Videos and films will be used as a basis for class discussion. 3-0-3

SOC 321 Social Inequality

SOC 323 Problems of Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Religious States

SOC 330 Sports and Society

Exploration of sports as a multi-billion dollar microcosm of society. How do structure and cultural expectations constrain various participants and viewers of the sports world? Through a combination of academic readings, popular commentary, documentaries and movies, the course will explore American business, values, preferences, gender and ethnic expectations, and education as reflected in and affected by sports. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 337 Social Scientific Imagination

This course aims to provide a tool-kit for thinking about social life. This course is designed to complement existing methods courses and to give students a background in social scientific thinking that may be used in a variety of other contexts. 3-0-3 (S)

SOC 340 Social Organization and Control

This course surveys theories explaining the organization and structure of complex societies. The problem of social control, or the capacity of a society to formally or informally regulate itself according to its desired principles, is viewed as a central problem of social organization. Same as PS 340. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 348 Deviant Behavior and Conformity

Analyzes the definition, development, and control of deviant behavior in relation to social processes. Societal reaction to and the amount, distribution, and behavior systems of various forms of deviance (drug addiction, suicide, crime, alcoholism, illegitimacy, etc.) are examined. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 350 Urban Sociology

The course examines the historical origins of cities and their present place in society and culture. Important themes in the modern discourse on urban areas include the impact of industrialization and globalization, the significance of racial, ethnic, and economic structures, and the consequences of residential segregation and alternative physical structures of urban areas. The course includes a short fieldwork assignment that introduces students to qualitative methods for studying urban life. While the course focuses on urbanization within the US, comparative perspectives with other urban areas around the world are encouraged. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 351 Sociology of Work

This is an introductory-level course in the sociology of work. We begin with a brief comparison of the nature, role, and meaning of work across time and space. We continue with a survey of some of today's most important topics in the study of work, primarily looking at the United States. These include: work as a source of social power; the workplace as a microcosm; organizational structure and culture; varieties of work arrangements; occupations and professions; management; daily life in the workplace; technology in the workplace; the importance of work for identity and family life; gender and race at work; workplace policies and legislation; and the future of work in our society. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 352 Sociology of Education

Analyzes the organization and purpose of schooling in American society, including the historical development of American education; the relationship of schooling to life chances and individual success; the bureaucratic characteristics of schooling; contemporary problems facing American education and proposals recommended for their solution; and how the U.S. educational system compares with those of other societies. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 353 Problems of Policy Implementation

This course analyzes the policy making process including both policy formulation and implementation. Subjects covered include the necessity for policy, environmental factors and their effect on policymaking, the process of policymaking and a brief introduction to methods of analysis. Material included covers both theory and an examination of the factors that must be considered and the problems that arise in applying the theoretical material to the practice of solving actual problems. Same as PS 353. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 354 Urban Policy

Course explores major dilemmas facing cities today including changing economic and tax bases, fiscal stresses, immigration, marginalized populations, new forms of consumption and adaptation to structural change. Responses of politicians to pressures to develop new policies and leverage the productive capacity of the city and the impact of citizen preferences will be analyzed. Same as PS 354. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 355 Political Sociology

Surveys major issues and problems in political sociology, including the forms of political power structures, elitist approaches to politics, community and national power structure, voting behavior, nation building and modernization, and civil-military relations. Same as PS 355. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 356 Transformative Technologies

Technological innovations commonly have widespread effects within a society. A handful of technologies, however, have such a profound impact on social institutions and culture that they can be considered "transformative" for the societies in which they are adopted. Examples include writing, the plow, the clock, the automobile, and the computer. This course focuses on such technologies, typically one per semester, and charts the social transformations that have historically accompanied their introduction. Attention will be directed to issues of institutional interdependence, the question of technological determinism, and luddism/resistance. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 360 Globalization

Globalization has become a powerful buzzword in Social Science and in popular discourse. This course utilizes a sociological perspective to examine the economic, socio-political, and cultural aspects of globalization within the context of contemporary debates about the phenomenon. Same as PS 360. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 361 Theories of Capitalism

This class addresses questions like: is there such a thing as a just price and does this affect labor value; what is the market; what is a commodity; what is a bureaucracy; does capitalism equal freedom (free to choose) or exploitation (free to lose)? Additional themes and questions will include: the role of advertising in building markets, the industrial process, class conflict versus status anxiety, the internationalization of capital. 3-0-3 (S)

SOC 362 Technology and Social Change

The course examines the social implications of selected emerging and cutting edge technology with an emphasis on recent developments and events. The course investigates the consequences of those technologies for society using both short term and long term perspectives. The issues examined include moral, ethical, socioeconomic and educational considerations. Same as PS 362. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 363 The Fate of Societies: Geography, Ecology and Innovation

This course will examine the fundamental question: Why has the development over the globe been so uneven? This course examines the conditions that originally gave different human populations different odds when it came to social development. Various encounters between existing populations and the role that technology, culture, and infectious disease played in these. This course further discusses the rise of written language and the factors contributing to the evolution of complex societies. Case studies include a number of encounters between the Old and the New World, Polynesia, China, and Africa. 3-0-3(S)

SOC 371 Occupations and Professions

This course considers all factors affecting work, including the transition from school to work; the determinants of earnings and other job benefits; job satisfaction; labor unions and professional associations; class position in American society; the effects of foreign competition; government labor force policies; and the work environment in a comparative perspective. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 380 Modeling Complexity & Social Agents

Agent models provide an insightful methodology for exploring complex processes and problems, including social systems and issues. This course introduces a variety of agent models, with examples from diverse domains, including consideration of their assumptions and implementation. Leading open source agent modeling tools are used to analyze the models and show how they are constructed. A particular focus of the course is upon the role of social models. Simple social models can either confirm the modeler's intuition, or yield unexpected insights. Drawing upon concepts from the social sciences, the course will examine how social processes have been modeled. It will also consider how simulations of social issues can draw upon such models, as well as theories on which they are based. 3-0-3 (S)

SOC 381 Understanding Cultures

This course will familiarize and sensitize students to issues of intercultural perception and communication, with particular attention to interaction within the business world and among professionals in different fields. It provides a context for understanding cultural differences and different taken-for-granted assumptions about proper behaviors and the social world. The course has both theoretical and practical aspects. Individual and group tasks include analysis, observation and interviewing, role-playing, papers, and presentations. The course systematically examines important cultural aspects and their variation across a broad cultural spectrum, and brings in occasional guest lecturers with international business and professional experience. Same as BUS 381. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 385 Topics in Social Science

An investigation into a topic of current interest in Social Science, which will be announced by the instructor when the course is scheduled. 3-0-3 (C) (S)

SOC 390 Upper-level Soc Sci Elect

Experiencing Paris - Spaces, Places and People This summer course tries to capture the essence of Paris and the French culture through the study of the particular ways in which space is planned and used. It will try and capture the special cognitive, emotional and symbolic experiences of a visitor to this great city. The course complements AAH 380, 1000 Years of Modern Architecture and Urban Design in Paris. Students will learn to systematically analyze their newly acquired knowledge and impressions of the city and its architecture from a number of theoretical perspectives. Students will also be asked to compare and contrast various aspects of city life in Paris and Chicago and relate this to cultural differences. The course work will be in the form of excursions, mini-lectures, discussions, and student projects. 3-0-3 Summer 2004 only.

SOC 400 Decision Theory Social Science

This course is intended to acquaint students with differences in analysis and decision making in the social sciences and engineering and to provide the students with analytic skills that are useful in "wicked" (ill defined) defined problems and in learning to apply the analytic skills in social and political situations where both systems and normative issues predominate. The course is also intended to provide students with qualitative and communications skills useful in doing policy analysis and solving complex social problems. 3-0-3(S)

SOC 411 Social Use of Space

This course is designed to give students basic insights in people's experience of space and the effect of spatial arrangement on people's behavior. The course explores the differences in conceptions between planners and users and the need to take the user into account in spatial design. Readings cover cognitive, sensory, functional, proxemic, cross-cultural, and symbolic aspects of the built environment. The course involves group research projects and presentations, and mid-term and final exams. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 414 Social Psychology in Practice

This course surveys important insights from social psychology, which are then applied to everyday life and professional practice in different fields, such as management, science, medicine, politics, education, and business. Topics covered include social judgment, interpersonal processes, cultural misunderstandings, group phenomena, persuasion, and leadership. In addition, the course examines the role of nonverbal signals in professional interaction and the effect of settings and spatial factors on human behavior. Part of the coursework is in the form of teamwork and team self-analysis. In addition to exams, there will be a group presentation as well as group and individual exercises, some in class. 3-0-3

SOC 415 The New Workplace

In a few years, many workers will no longer commute to downtown offices for a nine-to-five workday. Instead they will join the ranks of telecommuters and other homeworkers who design, write and talk with each other from their homes. This course will examine the assumptions about time and space and home and work currently operating within the workplace. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 417 Managing in the Real World

The course is built around a web-based, game theoretical simulation of highly competitive market environments. Management teams of four students conduct all of the analysis necessary to prepare and implement the complete range of business decisions that typically constitute the core activities of an organization's senior management team. Students will be provided with training in analytical tools and techniques in analyzing market trends and learn the basic ideas of game theory and decision theory models. Class sessions are individually driven and the instructor will be available on an as needed basis. 3-0-3

SOC 420 Managers and Management

Managers possess unique positions within the workplace. This course examines the structural constraints and cultural expectations associated with the role of manager. We will draw from works within the sociology of business organizations, work, and occupations to explore the historical development and place of managers in society, and the current expectations, reward structure, and dilemmas of managers in a variety of work settings.Some of the dynamics we will address are distinctions between managers, their employers and their subordinates, the infiltration of managerial ideology throughout the broader society; constraints on managers' decision-making processes; currently popular policies and attitudes among managers in business; and experimental employer/management/employee configurations. This is a reading and discussion seminar. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 422 Organization Theory

Introduces students to the significant theoretical frameworks that have emerged over time to describe and explain organizations, as well as organizational actors and actions. Emphasis is on both public and nonprofit large administrative agencies. The course includes consideration of relations between an organization and its environment, the importance of inter-organizational networks, and the role of power in organizational life. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 425 Privacy

This course is designed to explore current conceptualizations of and behaviors surrounding privacy in the United States. Weekly class meetings are structured around mandatory readings and in-class analysis of popular films. Substantive issues include the business of privacy; the design of privacy into objects, systems and the built environment; the legal and legislative aspects of privacy; occupations such as professions of law, military science, clergy, medicine, and architecture in which a concern with privacy/publicity is central; and, most importantly, the culture and personal behaviors of privacy, especially in terms of its cognitive and interpersonal manifestations. 3-0-3 (S)(C)

SOC 431 Development of Sociological Thought

Surveys ideas and issues that have influenced the history of sociology and continue to bear significantly on current theory. Analyzes major figures, schools of thought, conceptual themes, and controversies. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 442 Race and Ethnicity in International Perspective

The course examines the conceptual construction of race and ethnicity in different societies around the world at various eras. The course pays special attention to the causes and consequences of racial and ethnic conflict and cooperation for cultural groups and also from the perspective of national and state institutions. Same as PS 442. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 450 Human Nature

This course discusses and evaluates the traditional tension between nature and nurture explanations of human behavior. It examines recent theories in biology and evolutionary psychology and the compatibility of these with social scientific theory. An important focus will be on recent controversies in biology and anthropology about such things as human universals, the origin of language, sociobiology, and IQ research and the moral/political underpinnings of scientific positions. Requirements include individual and group presentations and a final research paper. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 454 Gender and Work Through Film

Gendered expectations permeate our culture. They are visible everywhere but take some especially interesting forms in the world of work. In this course, we examine the ways that gendered expectations--and the opportunities based on them--translate into workplace realities for women and men in our society. We do this through a combination of readings, lectures, discussions, and films. The films substitute for the field--the real workplace dynamics and issues that sociologists and other workplace experts study. The readings and lectures are the maps that guide us through the films as we analyze them. The goals of the course are to introduce students to the sociological study of gender and work and to help develop the observational and analytical skills necessary to understand what's going on in today's workplace. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 477 Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership

This course stresses the role of the individual and individual behavior in the form of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, as a driving force in market activities such as value creation, strategic management, business models, benchmarking, and models of markets. The perspective of the course is management as engineering. 3-0-3

SOC 480 Sociology of Disability and Rehabilitation

Examines the institutions and groups that interact with disabled individuals. Topics include the service professions and rehabilitation; labeling and disability; sheltered care versus mainstreaming; disability and the family, the role of support groups; employment of individuals; and a cross-cultural survey of rehabilitation. 3-0-3 (S) (C)

SOC 491 Undergraduate Research

Students engage in supervised readings or research in order to obtain more intensive training in special interest areas of sociology. (Credit: Variable) (C)

SOC 495 Topics in Scoial Science Fall 2007: Seminar: Power, Domination and Resistance

This course will treat a specific topic, varying from semester to semester, in which there is particular student or staff interest. (Credit: Variable)

SOC 496 The Art of the Interview

This seminar includes a class project collecting stories about Chicago Lowland Gorillas, guest speakers from various media, and discussion of student efforts regarding: the homework necessary for a good interview; the kinds of questions one can use; external influences and impacts on interviews; the value of good conversationalists - and difficult ones; the trials and politics of transcription; and how to create a finished product from interview material. This course serves as a pre-requisite for a Spring 2000 IPRO, Chicago "Gorillas Educational Software". 3-0-3

SOC 497 Directed Readings

Students read selected literature on a particular topic. (Credit: Variable) (S) (C)

SOC 498 Exercises in Behavioral Observation

This course will provide students with an opportunity to acquire better fieldwork skills but providing a forum for discussing and practicing the craft of fieldwork. We will begin by using the more primitive animals at the Shedd Aquarium for our observations and discussions, working our way up to the mammals in the Oceanarium. The course will finish with discussions and observations of primates at the Lincoln Park Zoo. 3-0-3 Same as ID 598. (S)

This Social Sciences course bulletin is not in final form and is subject to change without notice. Please contact the Office of the Registrar to confirm course schedules and for additional course information.