• To define, or redefine, sociology now that you are about to complete your education.
• To examine some contemporary issues and controversies in the discipline.
• To examine the relevance of sociology to contemporary society.
• To examine what sociology can contribute to your future roles as individual, employee, and citizen.
• To connect and interact with a small number of friends and colleagues and to think about the issues surrounding our discipline and our careers.

1) Peter Berger, Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective
2) Elliot Liebow, Tally's Corner
3) Mitch Albom, Tuesday's with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
4) Various Reserve Readings

Papers   You will write 5 papers during the course of the semester. The length of the papers may vary depending on the topic of your paper (average approximately 3-5 pages, double-spaced). The typical pattern will be to turn in the papers on Friday (due at 5:00 PM) and discuss the topic on the following Wednesday. This gives me a chance to read and reflect on what you have written before we discuss it.

Late Papers   Papers are due on Fridays at 5:00 (either in my box or under my door). Late papers will be docked one grade if they are handed in by Monday evening, two grades if they are handed in within one week. You will receive no credit after one week. If you are sick or have another legitimate reason why you cannot complete the assignment on time, please ask for an extension before the paper is due.

Paper #1

What is sociology? As you answer this question consider these issues: What do we mean when we say that sociology is a science? Must sociology remain committed to empirical discovery? Must sociology remain committed to “value free” inquiry?

Paper #2

Sociology has struggled to reconcile the seemingly contradictory tenants of free will and determinism. How do we resolve the paradox that society determines the actions of individuals, while at the same time humans have free will that allows them to choose from alternative lines of action? How can both be true? Where do you sit on the free-will versus determinism continuum? Do you believe human actions are free, or determined?

Paper #3

Reflect on the sociology classes you have taken and the various issues raised in your studies (you may even want to look over your old notes or books). Which course or courses influenced you the most? Which theory or theorist influenced you the most? In what ways has your sociology major been a positive experience (academically or personally - has your major in any way changed you?) and in what ways has your sociology major been a disappointment to you?

Paper #4

Each week Newsweek publishes a one page column, “My Turn,” where the average Joe (or Jane) is given an opportunity to speak out. Topics can vary dramatically, but most focus on the writer’s opinion about some aspect of society. Now it is your turn. Write a “My Turn.”

Paper #5

Professionally and personally, where do you see yourself in 20 years? Career? Family? A house and two cars in the suburbs? Do you want to make it rich? Do you want to change the world? Where are you going from here?

Readings This course will also give us an opportunity to read books and articles that will help us reflect on your experiences as a sociology student, and to think about your future goals and aspirations. The first book, Peter Berger’s Invitation to Sociology, is a classic. It can be intellectually challenging at times but if we work at it I am sure reading Invitation will be a rewarding experience. This “introduction” to sociology is most appropriate for advanced students. Tally’s Corner, written by Elliot Liebow, is a classic on race and the urban poor. Arguably, no topics have attracted more attention from sociologists than race and poverty. Finally, Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie is not explicitly about sociology. Instead, it is about life, and it seems only fitting that we should conclude with a book about how we should live our lives. The fact that Morrie is a sociology teacher, and Mitch one of his ex-students, seems to make it all the more fitting. In addition to these books I will occasionally bring in articles to read.

Always come to class prepared to discuss, having finished and contemplated all reading assignments. Be an active reader. Write questions to share with the class. Write comments to share with the class.

Each class period I will appoint two leaders who will lead the discussion.

You have a responsibility to yourself, to me, and to your peers to be active learners. This class is not just about individual participation. It is a shared experience of inquiry. You are learning how to learn and how to be an active thinker.

Office Hours are Tuesday/Friday, 8:30-9:30, and Wednesday, 11:00-1:00. If the designated office hours do not fit your schedule you are encouraged to stop by my office at your convenience. An even more desirable option would be to call me in my office or at home to set up a more convenient time. Indeed, my "door is always open" (even if it is closed) and you need not feel limited by the posted office hours.