Winter 2013
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology
SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology
Section 001
TTH, 4-5:30pm, Sandra R. Levitsky
This course is intended to introduce students to sociology both as a field of scholarship and as a mode of
inquiry. It is designed, in other words, not only to acquaint you with academic knowledge about the
social world, but, more critically, it is meant to teach you to "think like a sociologist." This means
applying analytical tools to taken-for-granted aspects of your lives in order to think more critically about
the world around you. Over the course of the academic term, we’ll explore how we learn the norms or
"rules" of our culture, how those norms are enforced, and what happens when we deviate from them.
We will consider the role of key social institutions in society (such as families, schools, and workplaces)
in shaping our values, beliefs, and opportunities. We’ll examine the social forces that generate and
perpetuate gender, race, and class inequality. And finally, we’ll explore the power and possibilities of
social change.
SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology
Section 020
TTH, 10-11:30pm, Robert Jansen
Sociology is the exciting and systematic study of individuals within the context of their society. This
introductory course offers new perspectives by which to examine the world on a micro (individual or
personal) sociological level, as well as on a macro (global) level. Students are introduced to the
Sociological Imagination and its application to social interaction and issues of social inequality (class and
stratification, gender and sex, age, race and ethnicity). In the latter part of the course these principles
are applied to the American family, exploring family structures, love, commitment, child and domestic
abuse, maltreatment, neglect, and violence.
SOC 102: Introduction to Sociology – Special Topics
Section 001: American and Iraqi Societies
TTH, 10-11:30am, Muge Gocek
This class is designed specifically to introduce you to the field of sociology through the study of two
societies that are of deep concern for us, one because we live in it and the other because we have
fought in it during the last decade: namely, the American and Iraqi societies. The purpose of the course
is to gain insight into how one ought to approach and analyze American and Iraqi societies that are
alternately portrayed as being structurally and culturally very different on the one hand, yet very similar
on the other. Each week will commence with an outline on the covered unit, summarizing the pertinent
sociological points as well as the significant aspects of the assigned readings. The readings and lecture
outlines will be available on the CTools website ahead of time. The course grade will be determined as
follows: Surprise quizzes on assigned readings (30%); Midterm Examination (30%); Final Examination
(30%); Discussion Section Activity (10%).
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
SOC 102: Introduction to Sociology – Special Topics
Section 020: Money, Sex, and Religion
MW, 4-5:30pm, Terence McGinn
Sociology is the study of human beings and their social arrangements. One can view the academic
discipline of sociology as a method for asking questions, a group of authors, a collection of writings, or a
set of issues. This course helps students to explore sociology using contemporary social issues or
“problems” as the entry point.
The course will begin with a general introduction to the field of sociology, followed by the consideration
of three basic social realities and an aspect of each that might be framed as a “problem”: (1) Money, as
the basis for American inequality; (2) Sex, as the social construction of gender and sexuality; and (3)
Religion, as the source of conflict and violence. The class will also consider race as a subtext in each of
the three issues.
SOC 203: Multiculturalism
T, 5:30-8:30pm, Luis Sfeir-Younis
The purpose of the course is to provide students with specific multicultural communication and conflictmanagement resolution skills useful in identifying, understanding, and solving conflicts in more just,
peaceful, sustainable, structural, and ethical ways, particularly among individuals with membership in
groups of diverse class, race/ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, and other identity
backgrounds. Our goal is to create a teaching/learning environment that would promote a deeper
understanding of the changing, complex, and conflictive nature of inter-group relations, as well as to
promote dialogue, cooperation, learning, and transformation.
That is, we will explore mechanisms and strategies that could turn stratified, dominant, and unjust
differences into differences that could enrich our personal life, our social relationships, our society, and
our world. The course’s pedagogy involves students and teachers as partners in learning. It fosters
diversity, teamwork, and encourages more profound thinking on our own social and personal values. It
is based on the principle that learning and teaching is a cooperative and dialogic process that
incorporates the valuable contributions from all. Hopefully, the substance of this course and how it’s
taught will inspire all of us to further examine our own lives and the workings of the surrounding society
by means of perspectives and insights gained from this introductory course.
SOC 206: Animals and Society
TTH, 2:30-4pm, Luis Sfeir-Younis
This course is designed to examine sociologically the relationships that exist between humans and other
non-human animals. Since its birth in Europe in the 19th century, sociology has focused almost
exclusively on human-to-human interactions largely ignoring the nature and significance of the humananimal relationship. However, in the last decade, this relationship has received much public attention.
Scholars from all disciplines are focusing on the nature, the significance, and the implications of the
human-animal relationship. Animals are being placed back into the core of the sociological agenda. In an
effort to fundamentally rethink the relationship between human beings and non-human animals, this
course will explore some of the legal, ethical, cultural, political, ecological, and social issues that underlie
the concerns for and against animal rights and protections. We will examine the use of animals for
experimentation, food, entertainment, work, and their furs, and the consequences of such practices on
the well-being of animals as well as its impact on society, its industries, and institutions.
Different perspective on animal rights and animal welfare will be presented and a comparative analysis
of human and animal rights and abuses will be attempted so as to be able to trace whether the abuse
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
and exploitation of animals may be inextricably related to the oppression of human groups. We will
examine how the use and abuse of animals in American society may perpetuate unequal and oppressive
human-to-human relationships such as racism, sexism, and class privilege. This pilot course is an effort
to incorporate animals into the mainframe of sociological analysis. We will use sociological concepts and
perspectives to make sense of the history of human-animal relations. Contributions from ethics, religion,
philosophy, science, ecology, and the arts will also be included as part of our reflections on these issues.
SOC 210: Elementary Statistics
TTH, 9-10am, Michael Ybarra
In this course we will study the basic concepts and techniques of quantitative data analysis. We will also
learn some statistical computing skills using SPSS software. While there will be an emphasis on statistical
techniques as they are used by social scientists, the course will provide the foundation needed for any
kind of statistical analysis. We will not use math beyond basic algebra, and you do not need previous
statistical computing experience. Furthermore, you need not be a "math-oriented" person to do well in
this course. Students who apply good study skills — consistently attending class & section meetings,
reading assigned texts, and doing all assigned work on time — can expect to do well in the course.
Grades will be based on in-class exams, homework assignments, and a few statistical computing
assignments. Because statistical analysis of any type involves step-by-step procedures and the
presentation of results in standardized ways, some emphasis will be placed upon your general ability to
perform analyses and present results as instructed. Therefore, a small portion of your score on assigned
work will be determined by its form and presentation. If you come to class regularly, keep up with the
coursework, and perform your work in a manner consistent with written instructions, you will learn
basic statistics and earn a good grade along the way.
SOC 218/UC 218: Foundations IGR
This introductory course will examine identity development, intergroup and intercultural relations from
social justice framework, and challenge ourselves to think critically and creatively about social justice
and worldviews. This course will also examine the history of various social identity groups, the theory
behind how social identity groups form, intergroup conflict and coalition building. We will also explore
how people develop an understanding of their own social identity group membership, how bias
develops (prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, and oppression), how groups are impacted by
privilege and power dynamics, and how to develop advocacy for groups to which one does not belong.
SOC 230: Health and Population in South Africa
TTH, 11:30am-1:00pm, Barbara Anderson
This seminar focuses on population and health in South Africa in transition. The instructor has traveled
to South Africa numerous times since 1995 and is actively engaged in research about South Africa. This
seminar discusses the historical roots and the current health and population situation in South Africa.
Hopefully the complexity of the situation in South Africa will be understood as well as the kinds of
choices that need to be made as South Africa faces the future. This is an LSA Honors course with first
preference for LSA Honors students. The course is also an International Studies Across the Curriculum
course. (There is an optional two-week trip to South Africa in May, which is worth an additional two
course credits.) There will be a charge for this trip, although there is no additional tuition charge.
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
SOC 255: Sociology of Music
TTH, 4-5:30pm, Terence McGinn
This course draws on both theoretical and applied literature to explore the impact of social context on
the production and experience of music as well as music's impact in various social environments.
Popular and classical forms of music are examined.
The sociological perspective sees that every aspect of musical production is affected by social context
and that music, in turn, has played a profound role in our societies and subcultures. This course
examines the relationship of music and society, moving from micro to macro units of analysis: the
individual in social context (composer, musician, audience member), the musical group, musical
institutions, music in subcultures and societies, and global dimensions of music. Class time will focus on
the discussion of selected articles and book chapters in the sociological literature that range from the
highly theoretical works of Weber and Adorno to the applied works of Tia DeNora. These discussions will
be supplemented by lectures, guest speakers, student presentations, and media pieces.
SOC 295: Social Class-College Community
TTH, 11:30am-1pm, Dwight Lang
The course examines how social class inequality is created/encountered in America; particularly as
students study in higher education and work in the wider community. We will consider the structural
bases of social class stratification including persistent family, educational, occupational and income
inequalities.
Close attention will be paid to how individuals experience social class in a country theoretically
committed to equality of opportunity for all. Both obvious and hidden contradictions for
children/students/adults from various social class backgrounds will be reviewed and explored. Central
questions to be answered include:
• Why do Americans allow social class inequality to exist and persist over time, while
simultaneously claiming all have equal social opportunities?
• What are important moral and social justice implications of on-going social class inequalities?
• Why are we unable to achieve all our meritocratic ideals?
SOC 303: Race and Ethnic Relations
MW, 2:30-4pm, Karyn Lacy
This course examines the central tensions underlying race and ethnic relations. Our focus is primarily on
intergroup relations in America, though we will devote some attention to ethnic conflict beyond the
borders of the United States. For more than sixty years, sociologists have preoccupied themselves with
the study of intergroup relations, assimilation, and racial and ethnic conflict. Indeed these issues have
grown more complex and nuanced as the United States becomes more racially and ethnically diverse.
Our goal is to develop an appreciation for the social forces that facilitate or impede intergroup relations.
We will devote attention to:
• theoretical debates in the conceptualization and analysis of race and ethnicity
• developing an historical understanding of the social and political meaning of race and ethnicity
• understanding how various racial and ethnic groups construct and use their social identity
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
SOC 304: American Immigration
M/W, 10-11:30am, Silvia Pedraza
As America is a nation of immigrants, this course surveys the immigrant past of ethnic groups such as
the Irish, Germans, Jews, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, Blacks, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Mexicans.
Surveying these varied ethnic histories, we analyze them from contrasting theoretical perspectives on
race and ethnic relations, theories of assimilation, internal colonialism, etc. We seek to understand what
is unique to and shared among these experiences.
SOC 305: Introduction to Sociological Theory
M/W, 4-5:30pm, Greta Krippner
This course provides an introduction to the works of eminent figures in sociological thought and their
analysis of various issues in social organization. The historical and intellectual factors that gave rise to
sociology as a distinct academic discipline are examined. Attention is also given to the way in which the
concepts developed in sociological theory have been used in modern sociological research. Classical
theorists including Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Cooley, and Mead are studied, as well as the
theories of contemporary sociological schools. The course asks how these thinkers understand the
emergence, growth, and ordering of social organization; how they account for social change; and how
their social location influenced their thinking. In the context of this analysis, students are introduced to
various uses of such theoretical concepts as conflict, structure, function, stratification, exchange, etc.
SOC 310: Sociological Research Methods
TTH, 10-11:30am, Pamela Smock
This course teaches the basic data collection methods used by social scientists — experiments, surveys,
unstructured interviews, observation, historical/archival methods, and evaluation/intervention. It also
introduces students to the analysis of these data — including both statistical and textual analysis — to
identify empirical patterns. A major focus of the course is a project in which students formulate a
research question, and collect and analyze data to answer that question. The course emphasizes critical
thinking about the empirical research presented in everyday life, as well as preparation for more
advanced research courses.
It is highly recommended that sociology concentrators *not* elect both SOC 305 and SOC 310 in the
same term.
SOC 320/PSYCH 310/UC 320: Processes of Intergroup Dialogues Facilitation
This course is designed to give students a foundation in awareness, knowledge, understanding, and skills
needed to effectively facilitate multicultural group interactions including structured intergroup
dialogues. The topics of this course include social identity group development; prejudice and
stereotyping and their effects on groups; difference and dominance and the nature of social oppression;
culture, cultural cues and judgments; basic group facilitation skills and their applications in multicultural
setting. There is a weekend retreat that is required for this course.
There is an application process to be admitted to this course. Please go to www.igr.umich.edu for
application materials and for more information.
SOC 321/PSYCH 311/UC 321: Dialogue Practice
SOC 324/PSYCH 324/UC 324: Advanced IGR Practice
These courses are for students who have completed SOC 320 and have applied and been selected to
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
facilitate Intergroup Dialogues. Visit www.igr.umich.edu for more information.
SOC 325: Service Learning Leadership
Ian Robinson
This experiential learning course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the sociological
theories relevant to community service learning, and the best practices developed by those who have
done this kind of work over many years. Particular attention is devoted to the challenges and
opportunities that students will face as peer-facilitators (PFs) in undergraduate service-learning classes
— specifically, sections of SOC 389 (Sociology Practicum — Project Community).
Students will facilitate a SOC 389 seminar while participating in the seminar and completing volunteer
requirements. To apply for a peer facilitator position, please complete the application found online at
http://ginsberg.umich.edu/projectcommunity/apply.html. If you have questions, please contact the
Project Community office at 1024 Hill Street, (734) 647-8771, pcinfo@umich.edu.
Students who have taken Sociology courses, have participated in community service, and/or have
experience facilitating groups should apply!
SOC 344: Marriages and the Family: A Sociological Perspective
TTH, 10-11:30am, Luis Sfeir-Younis
This course introduces students to the many concerns, dilemmas, and issues facing relationships
(marriages, cohabitation, and civil unions) and families in contemporary American society. Issues around
marriage and the family are at the core of heated debates about the definition of marriage and family,
communication, housework, parenting, childhood, sexuality, spousal violence, child abuse, and a host of
other family-related ideals and practices.
These issues are explored within the context of larger historical, economic, political, and cultural
processes, like race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, so as to better understand how these social
processes help shape family life. We will also examine the many ways in which those family experiences,
in turn, shape the social world. This course will also place special emphasis on the values, styles, and
experiences of members of diverse racial, ethnic, immigrant, and sexual-identity groups, including
mainstream Americans.
It is my hope that the manner in which we explore, discuss and analyze these controversial topics will
help create a pedagogic environment that fosters critical thinking, an appreciation of diversity, team
work, and more profound deliberation on our society, our families, and our personal values.
In addition to sociology concentrators, students preparing to be counselors, social workers, teachers,
childcare providers, parent educators, family lawyers and professionals in the criminal justice system
could benefit from taking this course.
SOC 345: Sociology of Sexuality
TTH, 2:30-4pm, PJ McGann
Human sexuality is often thought of as a realm of experience outside of or unmarked by society. In
contrast, this course introduces students to the myriad ways in which sexual desire and sexual activity
are structured by social relations, and to the ways that sexuality, sexual practices, and sexual identities
vary in time and space. Social scientific theories of sexuality are considered, and cross-cultural and
historical accounts of sexual practices are reviewed. Other topics include the historical emergence and
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
elaboration of forms of sexual desire (“sexualities” and categories of sexual orientation/preference),
sexual subcultures and communities; relationships between sexual identity and sexual behavior; sexual
hierarchies; sexual ethics; the political manipulation of sexuality; the institutional nature of
heterosexuality; and the ways in which sexuality as a social institution intersects with hierarchies of
race, class, and gender
SOC 350: Human Rights and the United Nations
TTH, 10-11:30am, Kiyoteru Tsutsui
This unique undergraduate course examines the evolution and the current state of human rights politics
in the United Nations with lectures and weekly video conference sessions with the United Nations. The
course will cover various topics, beginning with the history of human rights in the UN and an overview of
its key human rights instruments, and then turn to specific rights issues such as those relating to
poverty, women, children, and indigenous peoples.
SOC 368: Criminology
MW, 4-5:30pm, PJ McGann
This course provides an introduction to the sociological study of crime, criminality, and criminal
victimization. We begin our exploration by surveying differing definitions of 'crime' itself, including the
politics involved in the creation of new criminal categories such as 'hate crime.' After analysis of the
problematic nature of the creation and use of official criminal statistics, we then review major
theoretical explanations of the nature and causes of crime. The social patterning of criminal acts and
criminal victimization is then investigated across a variety of crime types, including violent, property,
white collar crime, and the crimes of elite members of society. Throughout, much attention is given to
the ways that crime and criminality vary in relation to race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, and to
the classed and gendered nature of crime categories, criminal activities, and criminal victimization.
SOC 379: Sports, Politics, and Society
MW, 4-5:30pm, Andrei S. Markovits
Few things have characterized mass culture in the 20th century more consistently and thoroughly than
sports. Particularly in their team variety, there is not one industrial country in the world that does not
possess at least one major team sport which has attained hegemonic dimensions in that country's
culture in the course of this passing century. There can simply be no doubt that team sports as a form of
mass culture have been among the most essential ingredients of public life in the 20th century. Why has
this been the case? And how did this happen? Moreover, why did the United States deviate from the
rest of the industrial world not in terms of the presence of such sports, but in their number and kind?
Briefly put, why are baseball, football, and basketball the hegemonic team sports that defined American
mass culture throughout the 20th century whereas no other industrial country has more than two such
hegemonic team sports, most often indeed only one — soccer. Why has this sports map remained so
stable throughout a highly volatile and ever-changing century? Will this stability persist into the new
millennium or will new forces challenge these hegemonic sports and contest them in their respective
cultural space?
SOC 383/PSYCH 280 - Introduction to Survey Research I
TTH, 2:30-4PM, Carla Elena Grayson
Through conducting a small complete survey and critical review of published studies, students
participate in the basic phases of survey research from design through sampling, questionnaire,
interviewing, analysis, and reporting.
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
SOC 389 – Practicum in Sociology
Times vary, see LSA Course Guide for section meeting times
SOC 389 is a service-learning course. Students combine approximately 4 hours of weekly service in
community settings with weekly small-group, student-led seminars. Seminars are interactive, focus on
related sociological issues, and provide a time for dialogue, mutual support, planning, and problemsolving. For more information, visit ginsberg.umich.edu/projectcommunity/index.html or email
pcinfo@umich.edu.
SOC 393/ANTHRCUL 317/HISTORY 333/POLSCI 396/REES 396/REES 397/SLAVIC 396 - Survey of Central
and Eastern Europe and the Enlarged European Union
TTH, 11:30am-1pm, Krisztina E. Fehervary
An overview of East Central Europe from 1945 to the present. The first half of the course explores the
workings of state socialism from an anthropological perspective (with particular focus on political
economy and material culture) from the Stalinist 1950s to the more diversified decades of the 1960s to
1980s.
The second half covers the "revolutions" of 1989 and contemporary social, cultural, economic and
political processes, including struggles over membership to the E.U. Students will follow two countries
from the region throughout the course.
Feature films from East Central Europe will constitute part of the required assignments.
SOC - 394 Undergrad Research
Individually arranged times and instructor
Undergraduate research is an opportunity for declared sociology concentrators to earn academic credit
by assisting with ongoing research projects for department faculty. Enrolling in SOC 394 requires
instructor permission. Visit
www.lsa.umich.edu/soc/undergraduateprogram/researchopportunities for more information.
SOC 395 – Independent Study
Independent study is an avenue for students to work one-on-one with a Sociology faculty member on a
mutually agreed topic. Students are strongly encouraged to seek a supervising faculty member one
semester prior to the intended study. Visit
www.lsa.umich.edu/soc/undergraduateprogram/researchopportunities for more information.
SOC 410/JUDAIC 410: Sociological of the American Jewish Community
MW, 2:30pm-4pm, David Schoem
This course will explore the sociological literature on American Jewry as it examines the conflicts and
struggles of American Jews as they strive to maintain themselves in a pluralistic society. In doing so, the
course will explore topics such as Jewish identity, intergroup and intragroup relations, group survival,
attachment to Israel and new understandings of diaspora, and community structure, organization, and
change. Students will first look at the broader context of American society, including issues of
democratic values, religious freedom, and social stratification. The class will review current issues facing
the American Jewish Community as it examines the lively tension between traditional practice and
change. The course will be conducted seminar style with an expectation of active student participation,
including discussions and presentations, as well as research and reflection papers.
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology – Winter 2013
SOC 465/PSYCH 468/WOMENSTD 465: Sociological Analysis of Deviance
TTH, 11:30am-1pm, PJ McGann
This course is an introductory sociological analysis of select acts, persons, and identities that are morally
condemned. Special emphasis is directed to the co-constitutive relationship of deviance and
conventionality, the variability of deviance in time and space, and the political nature of the production
and deployment of categories of deviance. Among the topics of inquiry are:
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historical case studies of "legislated" morality (e.g., deviant drinking and opiate use)
the development of deviant identities and deviant subcultures
the medicalization of deviance (e.g., non-normative sexual and gender identities)
types and dynamics of social control.
The course seeks to encourage and cultivate a critical, reflexive sociological perspective on social life by
considering the links between "deviance" and social spheres of power including race, class, gender, and
sexuality.
SOC 497: Honors: Proposal Writing
T, 3-5pm, Karin Martin
SOC 497 is the first of the required three-course sequence for the Honors Program in Sociology. The
seminar's focus is on defining a research question and preparing a research prospectus. For more
information about the Honors Program, please visit, http://www.lsa.umich.edu/honors.
SOC 499: Thesis Writing
T, 9-11am, Karin Martin
SOC 499 is the final of the required three-course sequence for the Honors Program in Sociology. The
seminar focuses on the completion of the undergraduate thesis. Students work primarily on an
independent basis, with consistent input from their faculty mentor. Students also meet individually with
the faculty honors program coordinator and as a cohort group to discuss their research and writing
experiences.