Sociology

Director: PETER BLUM

The interdisciplinary program in sociology and social thought brings together contemporary perspectives from the social sciences with religious and philosophical perspectives in particular, and with Hillsdale’s liberal arts emphasis in general. The goal of the program is to provide a broad, cross-disciplinary understanding of contemporary society and culture, organized around a core of studies in the theoretical and methodological traditions specific to sociology. It approaches sociological perspectives sympathetically, while also addressing critical questions regarding tradition, authority, and commitment from the standpoint embodied in the mission statement of Hillsdale College. Its theoretical and methodological focus is historical and interpretive, while core courses are geared toward familiarizing students with the range of contemporary approaches in the discipline. Majors in sociology and social thought will mix core courses in sociology with approved courses in philosophy and religion, and in other appropriate disciplines, in consultation with the program director.

Degrees

Courses of Instruction

SOC 101: Understanding Society and Culture

Credits 3
A broad introduction to sociocultural structure and dynamics, and to the various theoretical perspectives grouped under the name "sociology." The perspective of the course will be historical (considering classical as well as contemporary formulations), conceptual (emphasizing grasp of theoretical outlooks over memorization of facts) and cross-disciplinary (noting connections with such allied fields as anthropology, philosophy and religion). Not counted toward the SST major or minor.

SOC 306: Cultural Anthropology

Credits 3
An overview of cultural anthropology that aims to illustrate how the basic concepts, techniques, and theories developed by cultural anthropologists help us to understand human cultures of various degrees of complexity, including our own. Topics considered will include: language, kinship, gender, ethnicity, economics, politics, myth, ritual, art, and social change in a broad comparative framework.

SOC 317: Interaction and Social Definition

Credits 3
Studies in the sociology of everyday interaction and meaning, usually from a broadly symbolic interactionist perspective. Specific topics may vary, but will likely include symbols and meaning, typification and definition of situation, social construction, agency and selfhood, roles, self-presentation, and interaction ritual.

SOC 319: Comparative Human Societies

Credits 3
This course is an overview of the field of comparative sociology, focusing on some of the common features and differences among human societies from prehistoric times through the present. The major structural aspects of societies will be emphasized, including patterns of subsistence, political and economic systems, family structure, institutions, social stratification, inequality, religion, and social change. The emphasis will be on identifying factors that impact how societies adapt and change, and the relationship between structure and agency.

SOC 327: Deviance and Social Control

Credits 3
A survey of deviance theory, and readings in the sociology of deviance and social control. Emphasis will usually be on types of deviance other than crime. Possible topics include social functions of deviance, historical shifts in the social definition of deviance, mental illness as deviance, ideological and/or religious deviance.

SOC 329: Crime and Punishment

Credits 3
A general introduction to the sociological fields of criminology and criminal justice. Crime is a specific form of deviance which is officially addressed by social institutions administered by the state. This course explores the history and current state of criminological theory, the institutional apparatus of the criminal justice system, and the dominant philosophies of punishment.

SOC 390: Research Methods

Credits 3

A thorough introduction to the research methods that dominate mainstream contemporary sociology. Techniques of data gathering, multivariate analysis, and standard experimental designs are the primary foci, with more brief attention to participant observation and other forms of "fieldwork." Limitations of scientific methods, practical problems, and ethical issues that arise in the research process will also be discussed. Required for both majors and minors.

SOC 391: Emergence of Sociological Thought

Credits 3
An historical and philosophical examination of major figures in social theory during the period when sociology was emerging as a discipline (mid-1800s through early 1900s). Emphasis will be placed on philosophical influences, with special attention to the influence of Kant, Hegel, and classical European conservatism. Major figures to be considered will usually include Marx, Durkheim, Weber, George Herbert Mead, and Georg Simmel. Other possible figures could include Talcott Parsons and Pitirim Sorokin. Required for both majors and minors.

SOC 393: Topics in Sociology

Credits 1 Max Credits 3

A survey of a specific institutional or topical specialization within sociology. Possible offerings include aging, death and dying, medical sociology, arts and popular culture, marriage and family, collective behavior and social movements, urban sociology, or social inequality. Offerings based on instructor availability and student interest. Specific course descriptions will generally be made available by the program director. May be repeated with different content.

SOC 493: Seminar in Sociology and Social Thought

Credits 3
Advanced study of substantive topics in sociology and social thought, or of selected contemporary social theorists. Specific course descriptions will generally be made available by the program director. Prerequisite: consent of instructor; may vary with content. May be repeated for credit with different content.

SOC 597: Special Problems

Credits 1 Max Credits 3
Independent work, under faculty supervision, in an area within sociology not covered by other courses. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and program director.