Courses for Fall 2017

  • Race, Immigration, and the Making of Inequality

    In what ways has the interpretation of race and immigration shaped the current system of stratification in American society? This course focuses on answering this question from a historical and contemporary perspective.  Using a sociological approach, we analyze the meaning of ethno-racial formation and categorization and survey the different processes that contribute to ethno-racial inequality. Engaging empirical research, we pay special attention to how individuals and groups interpret and experience the institutional arrangements that perpetuate exclusion and disadvantage by race and immigration status. The course aims to provide the analytical tools required to understand race relations in everyday life. FYS
    SOC 0030 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Lopez Sanders

  • Unequal From Birth: Child Health From a Social Perspective

    Why are the children of immigrants so healthy? How do experiences in families, schools, neighborhoods and the health care system produce unequal health? What are the consequences of health for the economic and social welfare of individuals and populations? We will read, discuss and evaluate social science evidence to understand how social and economic inequalities produce and result from health inequalities among youth. Attention will be given to both industrialized and developing societies, and to potential ways that social policies can equalize children's health. This course is designed for first-year students and should appeal to a variety of interests, including social justice, medicine, research and law. Enrollment limited to 20 first year students. FYS WRIT
    SOC 0300F S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jackson

  • Theory and Practice of Engaged Scholarship (ESP Seminar)

    Efforts are underway across university and college campuses -- in the United States and globally -- to increase opportunities for engaged learning and research. What is engaged scholarship and how does it challenge (and/or complement) more traditional concepts of scholarship and disciplinary knowledge? What are the ethical, practical, and other challenges associated with community-engaged scholarship? The course will use case studies, field work, team projects, and guest speakers from diverse disciplines and sectors to investigate these and other questions. Enrollment limited to Engaged Scholars Program participants. Limited to 20 students per section.
    SOC 0310 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Hance

  • Classical Sociological Theory

    Why do we follow social rules and conventions? And how is social change – that is, the making of new rules and expectations – possible? When we respond to rules, do we act as free-willing individuals or do we follows social structures we have no control over? These questions have motivated generations of sociologists, but many of the arguments have been already developed by the four "forefathers" of sociology: Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Georg Simmel. Looking at the transformations around them – the rise of capitalism, the modern nation-state, rational bureaucracy, the metropolitan, the decline of religion, and much more – they developed arguments that allow us to better understand ourselves, our actions, and the contemporary political, economic and social transformations around us. WRIT
    SOC 1010 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Henry

  • Leadership in Organizations

    What is leadership? What makes a great leader? Can leadership be learned? Improved? This course explores various theoretical approaches to leadership using a combination of lectures and case-study analysis. Additionally, it aims at developing your personal leadership skills by using self-exploration and reflection, self-assessment instruments, role-play, and feedback from peers. Enrollment limited to 100.
    SOC 1060 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Ozkazanc-Pan

  • Introductory Statistics for Social Research

    Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics: measures of central tendencies and variability, sampling, tests of significance, correlation, and regression. Also includes the use of computers in data analysis. Knowledge of elementary algebra is assumed. Enrollment is limited to 144 students.
    SOC 1100 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    SOC 1100 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1100 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1100 C03
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1100 C04
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1100 C05
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1100 C06
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference

  • The Enlightened Entrepreneur: Changemakers, Inspired Protagonists and Unreasonable People

    This course explores the practices of enlightened entrepreneurs, with the intention of moving beyond the limiting social/commercial dichotomy to develop a more useful paradigm for understanding entrepreneurs whose ventures lead to positive developments in society and in the environment. You will be exploring the success stories and cautionary tales of entrepreneurs to develop an understanding of how ventures can have an impact on their fields of engagement as well as their fields of influence. Afterwards you will develop an assessment tool for understanding the spectrum of entrepreneurs whose ventures lead to positive developments in society and in the environment. WRIT
    SOC 1115 S01
    Primary Instructor
    DiCarlo

  • Focus Groups for Market and Social Research

    This course introduces students to a range of qualitative research methods commonly used in market and social science research. It is designed to provide students with a skill set that will allow them to conduct and design market and social research that gets below the surface of the traditional survey. Focus groups, ethnographic observation and user-centered research are widely used in product design, communications, marketing and entrepreneurship research. Students will learn and practice all of the methods introduced in the course by conducting a semester-long research project, will gain insight into which methods are most appropriate for particular research needs.
    SOC 1117 S01
    Primary Instructor
    DiCarlo

  • Market Research in Public and Private Sectors

    Introduction to data and research methods for private and public sector organizations. Data used in market research include trends in the population of consumers, economic trends, trends within sectors and industries, analyses of product sales and services, and specific studies of products, promotional efforts, and consumer reactions. Emphasizes the use of demographic, GIS, and other available data.
    SOC 1260 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Spearin

  • Race, Class, and Ethnicity in the Modern World

    Applies sociological analysis to understand present and historical cases of ethnic and race relations and conflicts. Topics addressed are the social construction of race and ethnicity; historical processes of racialization; ethnic conflict and the nation state; and the linkages between race, class, and social mobility. Focuses on racial and ethnic relations in the U.S., but also has a strong international comparative component.
    SOC 1270 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Itzigsohn

  • Micro-Organizational Theory: Social Behavior in Organizations

    Micro-Organizational Theory focuses on the human dynamics of organizations as natural systems. It examines how individual attitudes, actions, and interactions make a difference for organizational processes and outcomes. This focus is contrasted with more macro-level approaches, which take the organization (instead of the individual) as the primary unit of analysis. For example, studies of organizations from an economic perspective are typically concerned with the performance of the organization relative to its competitors. Studies of organizations from a macro-sociological focus are typically concerned with an organization's routines and structures, contextualized by the broader environment. SOC 1311 takes a more micro and meso perspective that asks questions such as, "why do individuals in organization behave the way they do, how does this affect the organizations of which they are a part and how, in turn, are individuals affected by their organizations?"
    SOC 1311 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Lopez Sanders
    SOC 1311 C01
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1311 C04
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1311 C05
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    SOC 1311 C06
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference

  • Principles and Methods of Geographic Information Systems

    An introduction to the fundamental principles and methods of geographic information systems (GIS). Topics include (a) handling different types of geographic datasets, (b) geo-analytical and modeling tools in GIS, (c) conceptual and theoretical aspects of GIS application development, and (d) errors and uncertainty analysis of GIS applications. Laboratory assignments and the project work provide hands on experiences in GIS. Enrollment limited to 39 juniors and seniors. WRIT
    SOC 1340 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Franklin

  • Intimate Violence

    Explores sociological perspectives of violence in intimate relationships. Begins with theories of violence, including social learning theory, the frustration-aggression hypothesis, and violence as catharsis. Examines the contributions of gender, race status, media violence, and pornography to the issue. Investigates specific forms of intimate violence: sexual aggression (including "acquaintance rape"), partner abuse, elderly abuse, and child abuse. Not open to first year students. WRIT
    SOC 1440 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott

  • Globalization and Social Conflict

    Examines the effect globalization is having on the economies and societies of the developed and developing world. Focuses in particular on how new forms of global production and networking are transforming the traditional role of the nation-state, creating new dynamics of wealth distribution, and generating new sources of social conflict and political contestation, including transnational social movements. WRIT
    SOC 1620 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Heller

  • Knowledge Networks and Global Transformation

    How do refined knowledge and the social relations that organize and distribute it influence changes in the institutions, inequalities and cultural systems and practices that define particular world regions and global formations? And how do global transformations influence the trajectories of knowledge production themselves? We will examine particular knowledge-identified agents, including universities, research institutes, think tanks, and professional associations, to consider why they approach global transformations in the way that they do. And we will consider how particular kinds of global transformations, from the end of the cold war and the transformation of information/communication technology to the last financial crisis, affect knowledge production itself. By exploring intersections between global complexity and reflexivity in this fashion, we hope to increase our own capacities for seeing the world not only as it is, but how knowledge might be used in making better alternatives for the future. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors and seniors. WRIT
    SOC 1871R S01
    Primary Instructor
    Kennedy

  • Sociology of FIRE: Finance, Insurance, + Real Estate

    This seminar explores the sociology of finance, insurance, and real estate (the “FIRE” sector). Topics covered include: the causes and consequences of the growth of finance, the morality of life insurance, gender discrimination, race and the role of the state in the mortgage market, the interplay between innovation and regulation, and the 2008 financial crisis. We will ask whether the benefits of modern finance are worth its costs, and whether finance merely reflects existing social and economic inequalities, or if there are mechanisms by which finance creates or reinforces those inequalities.
    SOC 1872H S01
    Primary Instructor
    Hirschman

  • Schools and Social Inequality

    Education has long been conceived of as the engine of social mobility, yet many factors dog modern efforts to close persistent opportunity and achievement gaps between low-income and minority youth and their affluent and white peers. This community-engaged course has a dual focus on content and research methods. Working with partner schools in Providence, students will investigate the macro, meso, and micro-level processes that enable the replication or remediation of social inequality, while simultaneously developing data collection techniques and analytic capacities. Complimentary class reading, reflection, and assignments will give context to and refine students’ learning in the field.
    SOC 1872K S01
    Primary Instructor
    Caven

  • Senior Seminar

    Advanced research seminar for sociology concentrators. Students take each semester in senior year to work on an honors thesis. Participants examine methods for analyzing, writing, and presenting thesis material and apply peer review techniques in assessing each other's work. Culminates in presentation of thesis to the department. Students doing independent study research may also participate with the instructor's permission. Required for "honors" in sociology. WRIT
    SOC 1950 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Spearin

  • Individual Research Project

    Supervised reading or research. Specific program arranged in terms of the student's individual needs and interests. Required of intensive concentrators; open to others only by written consent of the Chair of the department. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.
    SOC 1970 S01
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Owens
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S03
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Fennell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Suchman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Heller
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Henry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S09
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Itzigsohn
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Lindstrom
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Logan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Roberts
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S14
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S15
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Vanwey
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Spearin
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Short
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Silver
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Frickel
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S21
    Primary Instructor
    White
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Kennedy
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S23
    Primary Instructor
    DiCarlo
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1970 S24
    Primary Instructor
    Jackson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Senior Honors Thesis

    Research seminar for students writing an honors thesis. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, students construct and carry out a research project. The written report of the research is submitted to the advisor for honors consideration. A second reader selected by the thesis advisor certifies that the thesis is of honors quality. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.
    SOC 1980 S01
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Jackson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Qian
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Fennell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Suchman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Heller
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Henry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S09
    Primary Instructor
    DiCarlo
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Itzigsohn
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Lindstrom
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Logan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S13
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S14
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S15
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Chorev
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S17
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Short
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Silver
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Spearin
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S21
    Primary Instructor
    White
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 1980 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Kennedy
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Multivariate Statistical Methods I

    Introduction to probability, descriptive statistics and statistical inference. Coverage of the linear model, its assumptions and potential biases. Emphasis on hypothesis testing, model selection and interpretation through application with real data.
    SOC 2010 S01
    Primary Instructor
    White

  • Social Stratification, Inequality and Mobility

    This course provides an introduction to contemporary literature on social stratification, social mobility, inequality in the United States, abroad, based on research articles and books. We focus on theories, data, methods, facts about categorical dimensions of inequality (race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation); core dimensions of stratification systems (income, earnings and wealth distributions; poverty; education; the intergenerational transmission of socioeconomic status; social mobility); social institutions that govern social stratification (families, schools, labor markets, and the justice system); key inequalities that stem from stratification systems (e.g., health). This is a reading course, not a research seminar. Prerequisites include Sociology 2010 or equivalent.
    SOC 2030 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jackson

  • Classical Sociological Theory

    This is a graduate-level course requires students to engage in detailed analysis and critical review of sociological thought of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The class will introduce students to the critical thinking, methodological innovation, and historical imagination of sociological theory by reading the original texts of the forefathers of sociology, including Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim and others.
    SOC 2040 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Hirschman

  • Principles of Population

    An advanced introduction to theoretical and substantive issues in the social scientific study of population. Major areas within sociology are integrated with the study of population, including the comparative–historical analysis of development, family processes, social stratification, ethnicity, ecological studies, and social policy. Primarily for first year Graduate students.
    SOC 2080 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Short

  • Race, Ethnicity, and Nation: Boundaries, Identities, Inequalities

    This seminar aims to provide students a solid base in the analysis of racial and ethnic boundaries, identities, and inequalities. The seminar addresses a number of central topics in the field and acquaints the students with some key works. The course is divided in three parts. The first part focuses on how race constituted the modern world and on contemporary forms of racialization. The second part focuses on the construction of nations and challenges to their ethnic and racial boundaries. The third part of the course looks at contemporary boundaries of race and ethnicity in the United States. Open to upper level undergraduates with permission of instructor.
    SOC 2260D S01
    Primary Instructor
    Itzigsohn

  • Fields and Methods of Social Research

    Introduction to strategies sociologists use to formulate theories and conduct methodologically sound research. Hypothesis formulation and research design; special emphasis on identifying causal mechanisms, techniques of operationalization, and choice of relevant comparisons.
    SOC 2430 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Schrank

  • Teaching Practicum in Sociology

    This course is designed for sociology graduate students whose funding has prohibited a teaching assistantship but who need to complete the departmental teaching requirement. The instructor for this course will default as the department chair but it is the graduate student's responsibility to identify an instructor to work alongside. This partnership must be approved by the director of graduate study.
    SOC 2500 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Heller

  • Urban Sociology

    This course will review alternative theoretical perspectives on urban and regional development with an emphasis on variants of ecological and political economy approaches. Substantive topics will include metropolitan restructuring in the U.S. and abroad, growth politics and growth control, neighborhood social networks and collective action, and incorporation of immigrants and minority groups in the metropolis.
    SOC 2960C S01
    Primary Instructor
    Logan

  • Spatial Data Analysis Techniques in the Social Sciences

    Survey course of statistical methods that can be used to analyze spatial and/or clustered data at the individual and aggregate levels. Topics include multilevel analysis; fixed effects approaches; spatial choice; spatial autocorrelation, heterogeneity and dependence. Application with real data. Not a course about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or mapping techniques.
    SOC 2960G S01
    Primary Instructor
    Logan

  • Preliminary Examination Preparation

    For graduate students who have met the tuition requirement and are paying the registration fee to continue active enrollment while preparing for a preliminary examination.
    SOC 2970 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Grad Enrollment Fee/Dist Prep

  • Reading and Research

    Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.
    SOC 2980 S01
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S02
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Roberts
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Elliott
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Fennell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S06
    Primary Instructor
    DiCarlo
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Heller
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Henry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Hirschman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Itzigsohn
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Lindstrom
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Logan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Frickel
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Franklin
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S15
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Jackson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Kennedy
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Short
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Silver
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Spearin
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S21
    Primary Instructor
    White
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Chorev
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S23
    Primary Instructor
    Schrank
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S24
    Primary Instructor
    Suchman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S25
    Primary Instructor
    Vanwey
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S26
    Primary Instructor
    Pacewicz
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S27
    Primary Instructor
    Qian
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S28
    Primary Instructor
    Owens
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    SOC 2980 S29
    Primary Instructor
    Jackson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Thesis Preparation

    For graduate students who have met the tuition requirement and are paying the registration fee to continue active enrollment while preparing a thesis.
    SOC 2990 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Grad Enrollment Fee/Dist Prep

  • Courses of Interest to Students Concentrating in Sociology

    The following related courses, offered in other departments, may be of interest to students concentrating in Sociology. Please see the course listing of the sponsoring department for location and time.

    American Studies
    AMST 1600C The Anti-Trafficking Savior Complex: Saints, Sinners, and Modern-Day Slavery
    AMST 1700K Race in the Americas: A Hemispheric Perspective
    Environmental Studies
    ENVS 0150 Climate Futures and a Sociology of Just Transitions
    ENVS 1575 Engaged Climate Policy at the UN Climate Change Talks
    ENVS 1920 Methods for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research
    SOC XLIST 0