Examines the role of meaning in social life, with a focus on how different theories of culture allow analysis of the relationship of culture to exchange, authority, solidarity, and domination. Analysis of key cultural artefacts (movies, texts, monuments, etc.) is combined with the study of theories of social performance, fields of cultural production, and semiosis. The role of culture in social transformation is also considered.

Studies socio-cultural conditions effecting the definition, recording, and treatment of delinquency and crime. Examines theories of deviant behavior, the role of the police, judicial and corrective systems, and the victim in criminal behavior.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of sociology.

A discussion-based seminar covering material from a wide range of perspectives in an attempt to understand the social context and effects of visual and other arts. Students are expected to have introductory level familiarity with sociological thinking. Prerequisite: 6 credits of sociology or instructor permission.

Independent research, under the supervision of a DM faculty adviser, for the DMP thesis. Prerequisites: SOC 3120 and Admission to the Distinguished Majors Program in Sociology.

Writing of the DMP thesis under the supervision of a DM faculty adviser. Prerequisite: SOC 4980

Advanced independent research projects by fourth year architectural history students. Prerequisite: Instructor approval and departmental approval of topic.

Studies the steps necessary to design a research project including searching the literature, formulating the problem, deriving propositions, operationalizing concepts, constructing explanations, and testing hypotheses. Prerequisite: SOC 3120, or graduate standing, six credits of sociology; or instructor permission.

Studies the theory and practice of qualitative, non-statistical methods of sociological inquiry including field work, interviewing, textual analysis, and historical document work. Students practice each method and design larger projects. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission; open to advanced undergraduates.

This graduate-level course covers the major theories and methods from the sociology of art subfield. Topics include contexts of creativity, artists' communities, individual and institutional "gatekeepers," and processes of production and reception. Visual art, music, and literature are some of the subfield's key domains of creative production. Essential concepts will be examined through a range of texts.

This class is designed to help graduate students write professional, sociological articles. Students will come in with (at a minimum) a solid literature review plus data collected and analyzed, and leave with a submission-ready manuscript. We will discuss each article section, present and critique work, consider audience, sharpen arguments and improve writing. Required of 3rd year students; open to others later in the program.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of sociology.

Independent study with a faculty member. 

For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.