Honors 275: Sociology Through Fiction-Examining Gender Socialization, Roles, and Expectations Using Novels and Short Stories
MWF 11-11:50 am NH 229
Fall 2014
Amy Wong, M.A.
Faculty Office: NH 208
Office Hours:
MW 10:15-10:45 am; TTh 8:30-9:15 am; and by appointment
Voicemail:
(619) 594-5534
Email:
awong@mail.sdsu.edu
Dept. of Sociology Main Office
NH 224
(619) 594-4826
Required Books
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999)
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (1992)
Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1920) *
A Separate Peace by John Knowles (1959)
Sexy by Jhumpa Lahiri (1999) *
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (1970)
Good Country People by Flannery O'Connor (1955) *
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx (1997) *
Recommended Books
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (2011)
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote (1958)
The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers (1964)
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (1961)
* These short stories are available as a Reader from KB Books.
Handouts in class
How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster (2003)
Sociology Through Literature: An Introduction by Lewis A. Coser (1963 and 1972)
Sociological Insights of Great Thinkers: Sociology Through Literature, Philosophy, and Science: An Introduction
Christofer Edling and Jens Rydgren (2011)
by
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This seminar is for those who love to read fiction, including novels and short stories. Our task is to utilize great and
exciting literary works to study important sociological concepts, including gender socialization, gender roles, and
gender expectations. First, we will explore this fairly experimental and historically evolving field of sociology through
literature. Second, we will read a selection of fiction to help us ponder the human condition because it has been stated
that "the novel is a full and authentic report of human experience." * In the process, we will examine some useful
literary themes, such as the problematic hero's/heroine's search for authentic values in a degraded society. Third, as an
interdisciplinary course, we will focus on sociology and literature as complementary disciplines. In other words, we
will use the tools of sociology to help us analyze, understand, and enjoy fiction. At the same time, we will use fiction to
help us gain a greater appreciation for the sociological perspective. Finally, I envision this seminar as a book club with
a strong intellectual structure, so keep up with the readings and share your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives.
* The Rise of the Novel by Ian Watt (1957)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Introducing the Author
We will do background research on the author we are currently reading and studying. For example, what is the author's
social class, sex/gender, and race/ethnicity? How did the social institutions of family, education, religion, government,
and work shape this writer's life? This collaborative effort will give us a full-- and, often colorful-- picture of the writer.
An author's biography will give us some useful insights into the creation of the novel or short story. More information
will be provided in class on Friday, August 29. Possible points: 40 (5 for each author)
Leading Two Book Discussions
Each student-- in a group of two or three-- will be responsible for leading the class in a discussion on two of the
readings. The book discussions will take place over two class periods-- the primary leaders will go on the first day and
the secondary leaders will go on the second day. Each student will participate as a primary leader and as a secondary
leader. While each person is expected to participate fully in our seminar discussions, it is useful and productive to have
two or three students organize and lead a discussion. A brief summary of the reading, thoughtful questions, and
personal insights can generate lively discussions and debates. You will be able to sign up for your discussion date on
Monday, September 8. Possible points: 40 (25 for primary leaders; 15 for secondary leaders)
Response Papers
The two response papers will allow each student to work through the readings more carefully. Response Paper 1 will
focus on the first four readings; Response Paper 2 will focus on the last four readings. We will also use one class period
to work on each paper. A writing prompt and paper guide will be handed out a few weeks before each paper is due.
Possible points: 50 (25 for each paper)
Office Meeting
I will individually meet with each student for 10 minutes during my office hours. At this meeting, we will talk about
and discuss sociology and fiction. An appointment is not necessary; stop by my office when you feel ready. Possible
points: 5
Oral Exams
The oral exam will be given as a group activity (5-7 people) during Week 15. In part, this is a culmination of your
journey in exploring sociology through fiction with an emphasis on gender socialization, roles, and expectations. It will
require review and reflection of the lectures, discussions, and readings. In this spirit, we will use the information we
have gathered in this seminar to address a set of sociological and literary questions. More information will be presented
during our open discussion on Friday, November 21. Possible points: 25
Overall Effort
Your overall effort will be assessed when final grades are determined. As such, I will consider attendance, progress,
participation, and commitment. Please note that excessive absences, low assignment scores, class indifference, and
assorted "distractions" will have a negative impact on your final grade. Possible points: 20
Extra Credit
This class will not offer extra credit assignments.
GRADING POLICY
Your final grade will be based on a combination of assignment scores and overall effort. Assignment scores are not
dropped, and a class curve will not be used. The information below indicates the distribution of grades; pluses (+) and
minuses (-) will be used if necessary. Total Possible Points: 180
A range = 90% and above; B range = 80-89%; C range = 70-79%; D range = 60-69%; F range = 59% and below
CLASS POLICIES
Participation is encouraged and expected from each person; however, disruptive or disrespectful behavior directed
toward anyone in class will not be tolerated. Please consider these policies for the semester: 1) attendance will be taken
and recorded each time we meet; 2) only officially enrolled students may attend class sessions; and 3) please turn off
cell phones before entering the classroom
CLASS SCHEDULE
To make the most out of our class discussions and to maximize student involvement, please read the assigned materials
before you come to class. For example, please read the Foster handout by Friday, August 29 for our class discussion.
Week 1:
Mon., Aug. 25
Wed., Aug. 27
Fri., Aug. 29
Introduction to the class
Sociology, fiction, and gender lecture (Part 1)
Foster handout: "How to Read Literature Like a Professor"
Introducing the Author Handout
Week 2:
Mon., Sept. 1
Wed., Sept. 3
Fri., Sept. 5
Labor Day Holiday-- class will not meet
Coser handout: "Sociology Through Literature"
Edling and Rydgren handout: "Sociological Insights of Great Thinkers"
Week 3:
Mon., Sept. 8
Wed., Sept. 10
Fri., Sept. 12
Sign up for discussion dates
Sociology, fiction, and gender lecture (Part 2)
Introducing Stephan Chbosky
Week 4:
Mon., Sept. 15
Wed., Sept. 17
Fri., Sept. 19
The Perks of Being a Wallflower discussion/Primary leaders
The Perks of Being a Wallflower discussion/Secondary leaders
Introducing F. Scott Fitzgerald
Week 5:
Mon., Sept. 22
Wed., Sept. 24
Fri., Sept. 26
Bernice Bobs Her Hair discussion/Primary leaders
Bernice Bobs Her Hair discussion/Secondary leaders
Introducing Flannery O'Connor
Week 6:
Mon., Sept. 29
Wed., Oct. 1
Fri., Oct. 3
Good Country People discussion/Primary leaders
Good Country People discussion/Secondary leaders
Paper 1 Guidelines
Week 7:
Mon., Oct. 6
Wed., Oct. 8
Fri., Oct. 10
Introducing Toni Morrison
The Bluest Eye discussion/Primary leaders
The Bluest Eye discussion/Secondary leaders
Week 8:
Mon., Oct. 13
Wed., Oct. 15
Fri., Oct. 17
Wrapping up the first four stories
Working on Paper 1 in class
Paper 1 due; Introducing John Knowles
Week 9:
Mon., Oct. 20
Wed., Oct. 22
Fri., Oct. 24
A Separate Peace discussion/Primary leaders
A Separate Peace discussion/Secondary leaders
Introducing Annie Proulx
Week 10:
Mon., Oct. 27
Wed., Oct. 29
Fri., Oct. 31
Brokeback Mountain discussion/Primary leaders
Brokeback Mountain discussion/Secondary leaders
Introducing Jhumpa Lahiri
Week 11:
Mon., Nov. 3
Wed., Nov. 5
Fri., Nov. 7
Sexy discussion/Primary leaders
Sexy discussion/Secondary leaders
Paper 2 Guidelines
Week 12:
Mon., Nov. 10
Wed., Nov. 12
Fri., Nov. 14
Introducing Laura Esquivel
Like Water for Chocolate discussion/Primary leaders
Like Water for Chocolate discussion/Secondary leaders
Week 13:
Mon., Nov. 17
Wed., Nov. 19
Fri., Nov. 21
Wrapping up the last four readings
Working on Paper 2 in class
Paper 2 due; Open discussion on the Oral Exams/group selection
Week 14:
Mon., Nov. 24
Wed., Nov. 26
Fri., Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Break-- class will not meet
Thanksgiving Break-- class will not meet
Thanksgiving Break-- class will not meet
Week 15:
Mon., Dec. 1
Wed., Dec. 3
Fri., Dec. 5
Oral Exams (Group A)
Oral Exams (Group B)
Oral Exams (Group C)
Week 16:
Mon., Dec. 8
Wrapping up the semester