Course Structure

I have structured this course along three different tracks: 0) Social Philosophy. 1) The Sociological Discipline. 3) Sociological Experimentation and Practice. Each of these will provide you with aspects of your's and other's social worlds and will force you to think about the world in different ways. Each week we will delve into new aspects of what it means to think of the social field philosophically; what the discipline of sociology thinks about itself, its theories, and its methods; and what practices we as social animals might utilize to explore our co-constructed world (view).

Since this course fulfills a university core requirement in the social sciences, it necessarily includes attention to the following:

0. A concern with perennial questions

Certain questions in our field continue to remain open to exploration. These questions began the discipline and will likely never have a comprehensive answer. What is more important nature or nurture? What keeps individuals inside particular groups? Why do subjects obey social norms and/or laws? Why are some groups different from others? What are the similar features among groups? Do we have free will? These and other questions will be explored throughout the semester.

1. An examination of historical context

One of the starting points for this course is that we are always already bound to a historical context and contextualized by historical realities. Thus a significant aspect of what we will explore throughout the semester will involve the role of history in the production of knowledge, social institutions, and culture. From the very beginning of the field, sociologists have explored the relationship of society to history and vice versa. Throughout this course, we will examine both how early sociological thinkers as well as contemporary thinkers understand our relationship to history.

2. Cultural diversity

As the planet shrinks and the social field globalizes, it becomes imperative that we take into account differences among our fellow humans. During this course, we will continually work through cultural differences to better understand how our positions in the world engage with, relate to, and co-exist with the difference of others. This will take various forms as the course progresses yet will remain an ongoing concern and focus for everything we study.

3. Methodologies of the field

Coming to a sociological understanding of the world requires taking care to examine the world in particular ways. The methods we employ determine the types of understanding we are capable of having. As a social science discipline, sociology carries with it a wide range of methodological approaches. We will examine some of the more popular methodological choices you have as a sociological thinker, and discuss the various strengths and weaknesses of each, what each has to offer, and how to put them into practice as researchers.

4. Writing Component

While the importance of clear thought and argumentation cannot be denied, the best way to develop your critical thinking skills is through writing. Thus, I emphasize the importance of writing in this course. You will be offered many outlets to express yourself through the written word, including blogs, forums, chat, wikis, and formal papers. Each of these should be seen as an opportunity to develop your writing skills.

5. Existential Reflection

One of the requirements for a Boston College core course “should be an integration of what the students have learned with how they act.” Therefore, you are encouraged to give voice and thought to how you fit into the social contexts we discuss. You will have numerous points of reflection and places of expression within the structure of this course. And you are encouraged both in class as well as out of class to apply what you learn to your lived reality.