Sociology 24. Introduction to Social Inequality
Catalog Number: 9417 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Jason Beckfield
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
Examines individual and structural explanations for the generation and maintenance of inequality in the US with comparisons to other societies. The consequences of inequality for individuals and groups are studied.
Note: May be counted for introductory concentration requirement, if letter-graded.
This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Social Analysis.
Sociology 25. Introduction to the Sociology of Organizations
Catalog Number: 3609
Weihua An
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11; W., at 1; W., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 4
Introduces the sociological study of formal organizations. Surveys basic concepts, emphases, and approaches. Attention given to processes within organizations, as well as to relationships between organizations and their environments. Topics include bureaucracy, leadership and power in organizations, interorganizational networks, and coordination among organizations.
Note: May be counted for introductory concentration requirement, if letter-graded. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
Sociology 43. Social Interaction
Catalog Number: 9625
Timothy Nelson (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30-1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Examines social interactions in public and semi-public spaces as well as small-group dynamics. We will analyze everyday activities like conversations and parties as well as more extreme forms like demonstrations and riots. Emphasizes outside observation of various kinds and components of social interaction. The University’s residence halls, classrooms, activity groups and final clubs will serve as our laboratory. Students will record their observations and analyses in journal entries.
Note: May be counted for introductory concentration requirement, if letter-graded.
This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis
*Sociology 95. Research for Nonprofits
Catalog Number: 0136
Alison Denton Jones
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4.
Supports students in carrying out a research project for a nonprofit or volunteer organization of their own choice. Examines theories and practices of the nonprofit sector and research methods. Course combines guest speakers, case work, discussion, and student project presentations.
Note: Required first meeting. Both concentrators and non-concentrators are welcome to apply.
[*Sociology 96r. Community Based Research]
Catalog Number: 7425
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
One of the few courses at Harvard that integrates students’ participation in activities outside the University with course work. Course integrates readings with hands-on research projects in the Boston area. Topics vary; refer to course website for details. Previous topics have included: immigration, marginalization, adolescents, civic activity.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Both concentrators and non-concentrators are welcome to apply. Required first meeting.
Sociology 97. Tutorial in Sociological Theory
Catalog Number: 5079
David L. Ager
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Spring: Tu., 9–11; Tu., 1–3; Tu., 3–5.
Provides a critical understanding of selected classical and contemporary theorists, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Parsons, Coleman, Collins, Bourdieu, and an up-to-date selection of avant-garde theory.
Note: Required of concentrators, ordinarily sophomores, and secondary concentrators. Required first organizational meeting on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 4-5pm, for the fall semester. Required first organizational meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012, 4-5pm, for the spring semester.
*Sociology 99. Senior Tutorial
Catalog Number: 6237
David L. Ager and members of the Department
Full course. Hours to be arranged.
Supervision of theses or other honors projects.
Note: Limited to concentrators, ordinarily seniors. In addition, students of Sociology 99 may also participate in a fall term only, optional, regularly scheduled weekly group seminar for consultation and discussion about choice of problems, possible data, and research procedures.
Prerequisite: Sociology 98.
Sociology 98Bc. The Logic of Cultural Comparison - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 87077 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Bart Bonikowski
Half course (spring term). Th., 11–1.
In the context of recent theoretical advances in cultural sociology, the course considers how culture can be systematically compared across populations. While carrying out independent empirical studies, students will navigate the central problems associated with comparative cultural research: defining and measuring cultural phenomena, identifying appropriate units of cultural variation, understanding between- and within-unit heterogeneity, and demonstrating culture’s causal effects.
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. Spring Tutorials are by assignment only.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
*Sociology 98Bd. Inequality at Work - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 16444 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Mary C. Brinton
Half course (spring term). Tu., 10–12.
The American workplace has become much more diverse over the past 30 years, with women and minorities moving into greater positions of authority. But significant inequalities remain. Why? In this course we will consider what issues are similar or different when we look at gender and race inequalities, and we will look at how sociologists try to untangle the reasons for inequalities in the workplace using statistical methods, experimental studies, and ethnographic research. The course will also explore why gender inequality at work persists throughout the postindustrial world, and what the differences seem to be between gender inequality in the U.S. and other countries.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
*Sociology 98Ga. Understanding Mexican Migration Flows to the US
Catalog Number: 67322 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Filiz Garip
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6.
This tutorial guides students through the preparation of an empirical research paper that explores the labor migration of workers from Mexico to the United States using quantitative data and methods.
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97.
[*Sociology 98H. Immigration, Politics, and Movements]
Catalog Number: 91052 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
----------
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines immigrant integration in the political sphere. Explores immigrant mobilization and participation in electoral and non-electoral politics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. Spring Junior Tutorials are by assignment only.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97.
Sociology 98Ha. Sociology of Health - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 57732 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Seth Donal Hannah
Half course (spring term). Tu., 3–5.
Examines how culture, politics, and finance "matters" in health care through an exploration of the diverse community health centers and major medical centers throughout greater Boston. Students will enhance their qualitative research skills through ethnographic observation, mapping, and historical and documentary analysis of the services provided and populations served in various clinical settings.
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. Spring Junior Tutorials are by assignment only.
[*Sociology 98Ja. Religious Worlds of Boston]
Catalog Number: 49256 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Explore the religious landscape of Boston while honing your qualitative research skills. Examines themes in urban religion like immigration/transnationalism, organizational ecologies, and religious meaning-making. Students conduct in-depth field research projects on religious communities of their choice.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. Spring Junior Tutorials are by assignment only.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97.
[*Sociology 98K. Big Bird Goes to China: Organizations, Culture, and Globalization]
Catalog Number: 47313 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Tamara Kay
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3.
Examines how different kinds of organizations and institutions work internationally and develop relationships with international partners and counterparts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
*Sociology 98L. Racism and Anti-Racism in Comparative Perspective
Catalog Number: 54637 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Michèle Lamont
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3.
Students will familiarize themselves with the literatures on racism and anti-racism, as well as racial identity and boundaries and design their own qualitative research project.
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology junior concentrators.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
[*Sociology 98M. Social Class in the United States: Identity, Culture, and Consciousness]
Catalog Number: 18222 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will review a variety of empirical and theoretical perspectives on social class in the United States with a focus on class-based identities and class consciousness.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. Spring Junior Tutorials are by assignment only.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
Sociology 98S. Coming of Age in the Twenty-First Century - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 73093
Jennifer Silva
Half course (spring term). M., 1–3.
In the United States and throughout the industrialized world, the transition to adulthood has become increasingly delayed, disorderly, and reversible. This course explores the social, economic, and cultural forces that have made traditional markers of adulthood both unattainable and undesirable. This course will guide students in conducting qualitative research with a population of their choosing with the goal of uncovering the changing meanings and practices of twenty-first century adulthood.
Sociology 98Sa. The Politics and Culture of Food - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 73962 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Kyoko Sato
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4.
This course will examine how politics and culture intersect in food and eating practices. Through an exploration of literature on food, students will learn some of the key theoretical concepts in cultural sociology, as well as various analytical and methodological approaches. They will carry out an independent or group research project.
*Sociology 98Wb. Race, Poverty, and Family Justice
Catalog Number: 24423 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Kaia Stern
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course meets inside Framingham prison and surveys some of the key topics in urban sociology, focusing on major social problems in American cities. With particular attention to factors associated with crime, such as poverty, race, education, gender and employment, the course draws from different academic, media and narrative sources. Our focus on urban communities of concentrated poverty is intended to challenge students to think about policy solutions to complex problems. How do we respond to under-resourced schools, violence, joblessness, drug addiction and incarceration? The last three weeks of the semester will be reserved for students to present research proposals designed to address the problems discussed in class. Questions for consideration: In what ways do various political, economic and religious ideologies shape our understandings of race? What kinds of practices lead us out of poverty? How do we understand family justice?
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. First meeting 8/31/2011, 12 pm.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
Sociology 98Wc. Sports and Society
Catalog Number: 62527 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Mary C. Waters
Half course (fall term). Tu., 10–12.
This course will examine sports through a sociological lens. We will examine processes of stratification in sports including class, race and gender, as well as sports as a business, the media and sports, and sports and health. Students will do an in depth independent or team based research project on the topic.
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators. Spring Junior Tutorials are by assignment only.
Prerequisite: Sociology 97
Sociology 109. Leadership and Organizations
Catalog Number: 8260 Enrollment: Limited to 80.
David L. Ager
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 10.
Focus on the sociological study of leadership emphasizing leadership in organizational settings. Topics covered: how leadership, power, influence, and social capital are interrelated; organizations as complex social systems; politics and personalities in organizational life; organization design and culture; leadership of organizational change and transformation; and creating sustainable organizations.
Note: Open to students in all fields. Course relies heavily on the case study method for learning similar to the approach used at the Harvard Law and Business Schools. Enrollment by lottery.
Sociology 121. Religion in a Globalizing World
Catalog Number: 34149
Alison Denton Jones
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
Far from disappearing as the world modernized, religion today is found everywhere from the public to private spheres. We will explore the places of religion around the globe, from the rise of religious nationalism to transnational immigration networks.
Sociology 128. Models of Social Science Research
Catalog Number: 5979
Mary C. Waters
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Introduces the methods and logic social scientists use to study the empirical world. Topics include the scientific method, hypothesis testing, measurement of variables, survey research design and sampling, qualitative interviewing, ethnography, experiments, content analysis, GIS, demography, and the ethics of research.
Note: Required of concentrators, ordinarily sophomores, and secondary concentrators.
[Sociology 129. Education and Society]
Catalog Number: 6298 Enrollment: Limited to 40.
Mary C. Brinton
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
Examines the key role played by the educational system in reproducing and transforming modern society. Considers the purposes served by an educational system, the distinctiveness of the American educational system in comparison to other countries, the ways that education connects to the labor market in the U.S. and other societies, and why educational attainment is related to social class and ethnicity.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 131. Economy, Society, and Change in East Asia - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 79958
Eun mi Mun
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
Rapid economic development, with its consequent social change, has been a feature of modern East Asia, starting with the Japanese economic miracle, followed by Korea and Taiwan, and now China. While considering how the sudden development came about in these regions, the course will focus on the social issues that have arisen with the development process, and the relation of both economic patterns and social issues to particular national cultures, events, and traditions.
Sociology 134. Theories of Power and Postcommunist Societies
Catalog Number: 0041
Laura L. Adams
Half course (spring term). Tu., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
This course on contemporary social theory has a thematic focus on the concept of power (broadly defined), and an empirical focus on communist and post-communist societies including the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, China, and Cuba. Each week will pair readings from a particular school or theorist (Marx, Bourdieu, Foucault, etc.) with readings by authors who employ that theoretical perspective in their research on societies with a legacy of state socialism. Topics covered will include class, colonialism, culture, gender, and resistance. Some background in either social theory or communist societies is recommended.
[Sociology 135. Labor, Power, and the Professions]
Catalog Number: 55457
Rachel Meyer
Half course (fall term). Th., at 7 pm.
This course focuses on the labor process, including its cultural and subjective aspects. It treats both the structure and experience of work, with an emphasis on the professions and on "flexible" labor.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[Sociology 137. Money, Work, and Social Life]
Catalog Number: 1589 Enrollment: Limited to 80.
Filiz Garip
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 12.
Examining different sectors of the economy from corporations and finance to households, immigrants, welfare, and illegal markets, we explore how in all areas of economic life people are creating, maintaining, symbolizing, and transforming meaningful social relations. Economic life, from this perspective, is as social as religion, family, or education.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[Sociology 138. Political Sociology]
Catalog Number: 25214
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Who has power and authority in society? How did they get it? How do they keep it? And how do others wrest it away? These are the fundamental concerns of political sociology. In this course we will consider major theories of power and authority and ho they help explain politics and political institutions. The course will regularly examine contemporary political figures, institutions, groups, and issues to illustrate and interrogate core concepts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 145. Urban Social Problems
Catalog Number: 8737
Daniyal M. Zuberi
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 2. EXAM GROUP: 7
Examines first the process by which social phenomenon come to be identified as social problems, then turns to how sociologists have studied social problems from the beginning of the 20th century and onward. We conclude with a discussion of contemporary social problems in US cities (poverty, family structure, neighborhoods, labor markets, crime, and education), how they are framed, and policy solutions.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
*Sociology 147. The Shareholder Value Management Revolution - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 94147 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Frank Dobbin
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Since the late 1970s, the American style of management has been revolutionized. This course reviews the history of American management strategies, focusing on the origins and effects of the shareholder value approach that now prevails among leading firms. Shareholder value traces its roots to America’s lackluster performance in the global economy during the 1970s, and the prescriptions offered by agency theorists in the field of financial economics. We explore how the shareholder value approach was promoted in American firms. We look at how the approach has changed core corporate strategy, how it has affected corporate performance, and how it has shaped labor markets, income inequality, and global trade.
[Sociology 148. We Shall Overcome: Organizing Movements for Social Change]
Catalog Number: 91843
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
Explores the origins, dynamics, and effects of social movements using a sociological perspective. Examines when and why movements occur, the nature of leadership, strategy and decisionmaking, and the factors that affect the fate of movements. Also focuses on the organizing tradition and how activists mobilize others to create fundamental social change.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[Sociology 153. Media and the American Mind]
Catalog Number: 8867
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 1.
Explores American society through the lens of its various media, including but not restricted to television, art, music and the internet. Topics include the production of reality television, advertising, identity and cultural consumption, hip hop culture, and social networking. Designed to be both fun and informative. Appropriate for sociology concentrators and non-concentrators alike.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 155. Class and Culture
Catalog Number: 8934
Timothy Nelson (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1; Th., at 2. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Examines the intersection of social class and culture--both popular culture and "culture" in the anthropological sense. Focus on different class cultures as well as the cultural views of the class system, how social class is embedded in various high and popular cultural products such as art, music books, movies and material goods, and finally the question of how class is reproduced through culture. There will be several short research/analysis projects.
*Sociology 156. Quantitative Methods in Sociology
Catalog Number: 8958
Bruce Western
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10; M., at 1; M., at 2; M., at 3; M., at 4.
Introduces quantitative analysis in social research, including principles of research design and the use of empirical evidence, particularly from social surveys. Descriptive and inferential statistics, contingency table analysis, and regression analysis. Emphasis on analysis of data and presentation of results in research reports.
Note: Required of and limited to Sociology concentrators, ordinarily sophomores. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement in Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning or the Core area requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
*Sociology 159. Social Entrepreneurship and Global Innovation
Catalog Number: 9611 Enrollment: Limited to 70. Enrollment by application.
Gordon Merrill Bloom
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Focuses on the efforts of private citizens, nonprofit, and for-profit initiatives, to respond to social needs through creative solutions. Topics covered: defining social good, assessing market, philanthropy, and government responses; developing an organizational mission; recognizing specific opportunities for social improvement; forming an enterprise that responds to those opportunities; developing organizational funding strategies; evaluating performance; leading the enterprise; and creating positive and sustainable social value.
Note: Enrollment by application and with permission of the instructor.
[Sociology 160. Medicine, Health Policy and Bioethics in Comparative and Global Perspective: Conference Course]
Catalog Number: 3456
Mary-Jo Del Vecchio Good (Medical School)
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3.
Complements Sociology 162. Examines the culture and political economy of biomedicine and health care institutions in the US and internationally. Analysis of current debates on medical education and the new professionalism; clinical narratives, the medical imaginary and the biotechnical embrace; cultural diversity, disparities and inequalities in medical and mental health care; medical error and quality of care; just use of societal resources; and bioethical dilemmas in clinical practice, medical missions and interventions, and international research and health policies.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[Sociology 161. Globalization]
Catalog Number: 55428
Rachel Meyer
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Focuses on the development of global capitalism and the relationship between markets, the state, and civil society. The course will pay particular attention to power and inequality, and to various forms of resistance against globalization.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 164. Successful Societies: Markers and Pathways - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 64978 Enrollment: Limited to 30.
Michèle Lamont and James Dunn
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Analyzes the markers of societal success and the social conditions that sustain it. Discusses various indicators ranging from the standard economic measures to the human development index, inequality, resilience to shocks, educational, child development and health measures. Considers the role of cultural and institutional buffers (how cultural repertoires and myths feed strong collective identities, cultural and institutional supports for coping with stigma, models of citizenship and immigration, and multi-level governance and their impact on welfare and poverty). Similarly addresses factors that present major challenges, or ’wicked problems’, like concentrated urban poverty, well-being of indigenous and other racialized groups and some of the solutions attempted. Particular attention will be put on the United States, Canada, and other advanced industrial societies and to the role of space, institutions, and culture in shaping the conditions for successful societies. Public policy implications will also be discussed.
Sociology 165. Inequalities in Health Care
Catalog Number: 8272
Mary Ruggie (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
Asks why certain social groups are at greater risk for more severe health problems (e.g., infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, cancer) and yet receive unequal health care in the US. Examines what best practices foster adequate delivery of healthcare services, mutual respect between patient and provider, and healthy living. Considers the role of government, the private sector, family and community.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
Sociology 166. Sociology of Poverty - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 49285 Enrollment: Limited to 35.
Daniyal M. Zuberi
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 2. EXAM GROUP: 16
Examines sociological research on poverty and inequality and engages current debates about the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in the U.S. and other advanced industrialized countries. Explores policy approaches to reducing poverty and inequality.
[*Sociology 167. Visualizing Human Rights and Social Change in Documentary Photography and Film]
Catalog Number: 6911 Enrollment: Limited to 35.
Tamara Kay
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–4; M., 7–10 pm. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16, 17
Explores role of documentary photography and film in promoting rights and advocating social change, particularly in the realm of human rights. Examines history of documentary film and photography in relationship to politics and the development of concerns in sociology with inequality and social justice. Looks at how individual documentarians, non-profit organizations and social movements use film and photography to further their goals and causes. A variety of documentary film and photography genres such as historical, biographical, ethnographic, satire, and political expose will be examined and compared to processes by which filmmakers and photographers engage in social documentation.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Literature and Arts B.
[Sociology 171. Sociology of Crime and Punishment]
Catalog Number: 9922
Bruce Western
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 2.
The US penal population now numbers more than 2.2 million people and nearly a third of all African American men will be sentenced to prison at some time in their lives. This course studies these and other crime and criminal justice trends, analyzing them from a sociological perspective. From this perspective crime and state responses to crime are historically variable and often rooted in conflicts over the status of marginal social groups.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as CCJ-202.
Sociology 172. Crime, Media, Law and Society - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 51199
Cory Theodore Way
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
Crime narratives have dominated news and entertainment since the beginning of mass communication. This course examines the prominence of crime narratives in Anglo-American societies in various media formats. We will explore why crime has been consistently compelling to societies and citizens, and how these narratives have been harnessed to advance religious, political, governmental and ideological objectives. We will then study the power of mass communication and the impact that crime events can have on societies and their legal systems. We will conclude by examining what responsibilities (if any) media organizations, individual journalists, media consumers, state officials and the legal system should assume when producing, consuming and otherwise engaging highly publicized crime events. The objective of the course is to provide students with the historical and theoretical background (criminological, journalistic and legal) to critically analyze the dynamic interaction among criminal events, the media and the law in Anglo-American societies.
[Sociology 175. Sociology of Immigration]
Catalog Number: 76736
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
Provides an overview of important concepts and trends in US immigration studies. The course examines social, cultural, economic, and political trends. Answers such questions as: How are new immigrants and their children being incorporated into the US? How is American society changing as a result of immigration? And, what are the political and social responses of the American public toward immigration?
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 178. Social Network Analysis: Theory, Methods and Applications - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 54236
Weihua An
Half course (fall term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Interests in social network analysis have exploded in the past few years. Aimed to examine social relationships and interactions from a structural perspective, social network analysis has become an essential tool for us to understand and address a variety of social issues, including friendship formation, peer influence, career mobility, socioeconomic inequality, organizational alliance and competition, economic development, international trade, diffusion of innovations, political mobilization, crime proliferation, spreading of diseases, etc. This course covers the basic concepts and theory in social network analysis, and major approaches and methods to collect, represent, visualize and analyze social network data. Students will also have the opportunity to learn using the mainstream software in social network analysis to conduct their own research on social networks.
Sociology 179. Crime, Justice, and the American Legal System
Catalog Number: 3962 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Cory Theodore Way
Half course (fall term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Explores the causes and consequences of crime in society. Critically examines the role of key players in the American criminal justice system, including police, politicians, judges, lawyers, offenders, victims and the media. Considers historical, political and sociological dimensions of controversial issues in criminal justice practice and policy.
Sociology 183. Race and Ethnic Relations
Catalog Number: 70535
Seth Donal Hannah
Half course (fall term). M., 3–5; Tu., at 9; W., at 7 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Focuses on ethno-racial distinctions as they have played out in the US, particularly in the period from post-World War II to the present. The specific topics covered include the concept of race itself, sociological theories of racial and ethnic stratification, processes of assimilation, new and changing ethno-racial identities, and racial attitudes. In the process of addressing these large and cross-cutting topics we will also take up a host of related issues dealing with such matters as income and wealth differentials, schooling and its outcomes, crime and incarceration, families, interracial marriages, and racism and antiracism.
Sociology 190. Life and Death in the US: Medicine and Disease in Social Context
Catalog Number: 0021
Nicholas A. Christakis (Medical School, FAS)
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 3; M., at 4. EXAM GROUP: 8
Explores how biological and social factors jointly conspire to determine the health of individuals and populations. Examines how medical care, social networks, and socioeconomic inequality influence illness, recovery, and death.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for United States in the World or the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
*Sociology 203a. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
Catalog Number: 3315
Christopher Winship
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–12.
Matrix approach to regression analysis with an emphasis on the assumptions behind OLS. Instrumental variables, generalized least squares, probit and logit models, survival analysis, hierarchical linear models, and systems of equations are studied.
Note: Required of, and ordinarily limited to, second-year graduate students in Sociology.
Prerequisite: Sociology 202 or basic course in regression analysis.
Sociology 204. Classical Social Theory
Catalog Number: 6189
Adam B. Seligman
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduction to the formative ideas and socio-intellectual contexts of 19th and early 20th century sociological theory. Course will explore social thought from the perspective provided by the problem of social order - and the roles different thinkers attributed to such factors as solidarity, power, and meaning as solutions to this problem. Consideration of the continuing significance of these ideas for contemporary social thought.
Note: Required of and limited to first-year graduate students in Sociology.
*Sociology 205. Sociological Research Design
Catalog Number: 8972
Frank Dobbin
Half course (fall term). M., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
This course covers the fundamentals of social science research design. Emphasis is placed on principles that are applicable in all kinds of research, including surveys, participant observation, comparative historical study, and demographic analysis. The course also delves into current methodological controversies in several arenas.
Note: Required of, and ordinarily limited to, first-year graduate students in Sociology.
Sociology 206. The Sociology of Development: Seminar
Catalog Number: 9026
Martin K. Whyte
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3.
Examines debates surrounding the nature of the process of economic development. Major attention is devoted to rival theories of where and why development occurs and to a variety of social consequences of economic development.
*Sociology 208. Contemporary Theory and Research: Seminar
Catalog Number: 6080
Mary C. Brinton
Half course (fall term). W., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Covers the development of sociology as a discipline in the US and the rise of distinct schools of sociological theory. Assesses the role of mechanisms in sociological theory and explores the use of theory in empirical research.
Note: Required of and limited to second-year graduate students in Sociology.
*Sociology 209. Qualitative Social Analysis: Seminar
Catalog Number: 1198
Michèle Lamont
Half course (spring term). W., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Examines approaches to non-numerical data used by social scientists to obtain valid, reliable, and meaningful insight into the social world through the analysis of ethnographic field notes, interview transcripts, and archival and other interpretative data.
Note: Required of and limited to first-year graduate students in Sociology.
[*Sociology 210. Issues in the Interpretation of Empirical Evidence: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 2882
Stanley Lieberson
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Special problems occur in the interpretation of either qualitative or quantitative results based on non-experimental data--whether from surveys, historical research, or field work. These issues differ from those that can be resolved through statistical solutions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[*Sociology 217. Sociology of Families and Kinship: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 8522
Martin K. Whyte
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Examines research on family patterns, combining a focus on how family patterns vary and change over time and how individuals differ in their experience of life course transitions, such as marriage, divorce, and retirement.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
*Sociology 221. Immigration, Identity and Assimilation: Seminar
Catalog Number: 9699
Mary C. Waters
Half course (fall term). W., 12–2. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6
Examines the experiences of recent immigrants and their children — the second generation. Review of economic, political, and social assimilation, and ethnic identity formation. Discussion of recent theories and research on the link between identity and economic assimilation.
*Sociology 224. Organizational Analysis: Seminar
Catalog Number: 8202
Christopher Marquis (Business School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–3:30.
Reviews classical and contemporary theories of organizations, including ecological, institutional, resource dependence, transaction-cost, agency theory, networks and social movements. Examines phenomena at multiple levels from the establishment to the organizational network or field.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as HBS 4880. This course will meet until spring break.
[*Sociology 226. The Sociology of Culture]
Catalog Number: 30907
Orlando Patterson
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[Sociology 231. Neighborhood Effects and Community-Level Social Processes]
Catalog Number: 6611
Robert J. Sampson
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines contemporary research on the role of neighborhoods in modern city life. Topics include segregation and neighborhood social isolation; social networks and trust; spatial forms of racial inequality; and the role of institutions in generating collective action.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 234. Ethnographic Fieldwork - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 34764
Matthew Stephen Desmond
Half course (spring term). Th., 12–2. EXAM GROUP: 14, 15
This seminar is about the practice, politics, and poetics of ethnographic fieldwork--the method of immersing oneself into people’s daily routines and systematically recording social processes as they unfold in real time. Along with engaging with several classic and contemporary texts, participants will collect, analyze, and argue with ethnographic data.
[*Sociology 236. Selected Topics in Culture and Inequality]
Catalog Number: 0582
Michèle Lamont
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to cultural sociology, particularly as it intersects with the study of inequality. Topics: Symbolic boundaries, cultural capital, cultural consumption, identity, race and class cultures, anti-racism, cultural repertoires, explanation, interpretation, and comparative research strategies.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 237. Contemporary Chinese Society: Seminar
Catalog Number: 4320
Martin K. Whyte
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
A seminar devoted to the intensive analysis of a particular aspect of contemporary Chinese society. This year the focus will be on trends in inequality and stratification in China.
Sociology 239. Just Institutions (Graduate Seminar in General Education) - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 38797
Christopher Winship
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examines the normative, psychological, and sociological underpinnings needed to develop and maintain social institutions that are considered "just". The seminar will design and develop a General Education course for undergraduates.
[*Sociology 243. Economic Sociology]
Catalog Number: 2022
Frank Dobbin
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6.
Introduction to economic sociology at the graduate level. Surveys economic inequality and the ways that economic behavior and outcomes are shaped by social institutions such as markets, networks, organizations, family, and culture.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[Sociology 248. Race, Politics, and Social Inequality: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 8035
Lawrence D. Bobo
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines intersection of race, public will, and policy-making. Reviews theories of race-making and racial inequality, dynamics of public opinion, and effects of a racialized public sphere on social policy. Focuses on the welfare state, the criminal justice system, and the dynamics of a multiethnic society.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
Sociology 254. Social Structure and Culture in the Study of Race and Urban Poverty - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 80085
William Julius Wilson
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
The purpose of this course is to critically examine current writings and debates on how social structure and culture affect the social outcomes of the African Americans and immigrants in the US. The relevance of these works for public and social policy will also be discussed.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as SUP-207 (Formerly AAAS 211)
*Sociology 255. Social Stratification: Seminar
Catalog Number: 3839
Clemens Ludwig Noelke
Half course (fall term). Tu., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
This graduate level seminar surveys contemporary research in the field of social stratification. We will discuss competing explanations of and empirical scholarship on the emergence, historical evolution and cross-national variation of social inequalities. Our focus will be especially on inequalities in the education system and on the labor market.
Sociology 263. Historical Sociology: Cultural and Institutional Perspectives - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 82536
Orlando Patterson
Half course (spring term). F., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
The seminar examines selected major problems in the origins, development and consequences of capitalism both in and out of the West. Among the topics explored are: merchant capital in the late medieval and renaissance periods; institutional factors in the rise of Western capitalism; honorific individualism in the making of modern Japanese culture; colonialism and the institutional origins of development and underdevelopment; the role of religion, slavery and freedom; civility, aesthetic publics and emergent modernities; gender, sexuality and familial change. Our readings and discussions will be guided by the recurring theoretical problems of causality, origins, continuity and change in institutional and cultural processes.
Sociology 267. Political Sociology
Catalog Number: 42489
Bart Bonikowski
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
This course examines power relations between (and within) society and the state. We will focus on nation-state formation, revolutions, social movements, ideology and political attitudes, welfare state policies, and globalization, while interrogating the major theoretical traditions that have shaped the sociological study of politics.
[*Sociology 275. Social Network Analysis: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 6899
Peter V. Marsden
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3.
Concepts and methods for studying social structure using social networks. Approaches to collecting network data; data quality; graph-theoretic, statistical, and visual approaches to analyzing network data, including blockmodels and multidimensional scaling.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13.
[*Sociology 296a. Proseminar on Inequality & Social Policy I]
Catalog Number: 67293
Kathryn Edin (Kennedy School) and Jeffrey B. Liebman (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Considers the effects of policies and institutions in creating or reducing inequality in the U.S. and other advanced democracies, we well as the reciprocal effects of inequality on political activity and policy choices.
Note: Expected to be given in 2012–13. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as SUP-921.
*Sociology 301. Special Reading and Research
Catalog Number: 4017
David L. Ager 5142, Jason Beckfield 5612 (on leave fall term), Lawrence D. Bobo 2919 (on leave 2011-12), Mary C. Brinton 4567, Nicholas A. Christakis 4459, Frank Dobbin 4622, Kathryn Edin (Kennedy School) 5952, Filiz Garip 5887, Mary-Jo Del Vecchio Good (Medical School) 7721, Christopher Jencks (Kennedy School) 2160, Tamara Kay 5611, Michèle Lamont 4634, Stanley Lieberson 1937, Peter V. Marsden 1797, Orlando Patterson 1091, Robert J. Sampson 4546, Theda Skocpol 1387 (on leave spring term), Jocelyn Viterna 5860 (on leave spring term), Mary C. Waters 1498, Bruce Western 5763, Martin K. Whyte 3737, William Julius Wilson 2401, and Christopher Winship 3189
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
*Sociology 302. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations
Catalog Number: 5021
Members of the Department
*Sociology 303a. Advanced Topics in Quantitative Research
Catalog Number: 5636
Christopher Winship 3189
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines current methodological scholarship in the social sciences with an eye to assessing its quality and potential for advancing quantitative methods. Recently published and unpublished work by local scholars examined.
*Sociology 304. Culture and Social Analysis Workshop
Catalog Number: 2809
Michèle Lamont 4634
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). M., 4–6.
A venue for those working on topics such as meaning-making, identity, collective memory, symbolic boundaries, cultural capital, class cultures, popular culture, media, disciplinary cultures, and the impact of culture on inequality.
*Sociology 305. Teaching Practicum
Catalog Number: 0259
David L. Ager 5142
Half course (fall term). Tu., 3–5.
Note: Required of and limited to graduate students in Sociology. Attendance at first meeting is required.
*Sociology 307. Proseminar on Inequality and Social Policy III
Catalog Number: 0137
Bruce Western 5763
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4.
Students develop previously completed papers from Sociology 296a or 296b into professional presentations and publishable articles, critique peer papers across disciplines, and discuss presentations of national experts.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as SUP-923.
Prerequisite: Sociology 296a and Gov 2340b (or SUP-921 and 922 at the Kennedy School)
*Sociology 308. Workshop on Economic Sociology
Catalog Number: 0086
Frank Dobbin 4622
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., 3:30–5.
Presentations and discussions of new research by members of the community and visiting scholars. Students are exposed to the major paradigms in the field, and see how research articles are developed and refined.
*Sociology 309. Migration and Immigrant Incorporation Workshop
Catalog Number: 9932
Mary C. Waters 1498
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Tu., 12–2.
Bi-weekly colloquium for graduate students that examines international migration and the incorporation of migrants into host societies. Students participate in meetings and present original work in progress.
*Sociology 310a. Qualifying Paper A
Catalog Number: 0085
Filiz Garip 5887
Half course (spring term). M., 9–11.
Guides students through the process of producing an original research paper of high quality. Readings and discussion cover the identification of appropriate research problems, the nature of causal reasoning, and data analysis and write-up.
Note: Required of, and ordinarily limited to, second-year graduate students while writing the qualifying paper. Prerequisite to 310b, to be offered fall term.
*Sociology 310b. Qualifying Paper B
Catalog Number: 4625
Robert J. Sampson
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Guides students through the process of producing an original research paper of high quality. Readings and discussion cover the identification of appropriate research problems, the nature of causal reasoning, and data analysis and write-up.
Note: Required of, and ordinarily limited to, third-year graduate students while writing the qualifying paper.
Prerequisite: 310a.
*Sociology 312. Workshop on Social Networks and Social Capital: Advanced Models and Empirical Applications - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 49871
Filiz Garip
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
The workshop brings together quantitative sociologists working with advanced descriptive, computational, causal or network models to empirically analyze issues broadly related to social networks and social capital.
Note: Class meets bi-weekly. First class, September 8, 2011.
*Sociology 314. Workshop on Urban Social Processes
Catalog Number: 16972
Robert J. Sampson 4546
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Forum for discussion of analytic sociological research on city and community. Covering a range of topics with a focus on social mechanisms, processes, and structures. The workshop aims to support the presentation of graduate student research but will also include discussion sessions on selected readings and work-in-progress by faculty at Harvard and colleagues around the country.
Note: First class, September 15, 2011.
*Sociology 315. Inequality and Social Policy: Seminar
Catalog Number: 65203
Bruce Western
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). M., 12–2.
*Sociology 317. Culture, History and Society - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 84118
Orlando Patterson
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). F., 12–2.
Note: Class meets bi-weekly. First class September 9, 2011.
*Sociology 320. Workshop on Sociology of Education - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 18817
Mary C. Brinton
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Tu., 12–2.
A forum for students and faculty across the university interested in the sociology of education, primarily for the discussion of research in progress. Domestic and comparative topics welcome. Meets bi-weekly, Fall and Spring.
Note: First class meeting is September 13, 2011.
*Sociology 390. Health and Social Structure
Catalog Number: 6282
Nicholas A. Christakis 4459
Full course. Th., 1–2:30.
Considers advanced topics in how supra-individual factors, such as social networks, neighborhoods, and health care organizations, contribute to individual health and longevity. Students develop and present original research plans and research.
Note: Course meets at Harvard Medical School.