Sociology

• Chair: Helen Kim
• Jesse Abrams
• Bill Bogard
• Neal Christopherson
• Charles Cleveland
• Keith Farrington
• Michelle Janning (on Sabbatical, Fall 2012)
• Gilbert Mireles
• Brooke Neely
• Ronald Urban

Sociology courses deal with the structure and functioning of societies, the nature of social interaction, the relationship between the individual and society, and the nature of change in human societies.

A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level preparation in sociology will have to complete 36 credits to fulfill the requirements for the sociology major. Courses completed in sociology apply to the social science distribution area.

The Sociology major: Sociology 117, 207, 367, 490, either 492 or 498; all additional work in sociology to make a minimum of 36 credits. In the final semester in residence the student must pass a senior assessment consisting of an oral comprehensive examination which will include both questions specific to the student’s thesis as well as to coursework taken throughout the major. Courses taken P-D-F may not be used to satisfy the course and credit requirements for the major. No more than eight transfer credits may be used to satisfy the course and credit requirements for the major.

The Sociology minor: Sociology 117, 207, 367; additional work in sociology for a minimum of 18 credits. Courses taken P-D-F may not be used to satisfy the course and credit requirements for the minor.

The Sociology-Environmental Studies combined major: The requirements are fully described in the Environmental Studies section of this catalog. Courses completed in this major apply to the social science and science (selected courses) distribution areas.

110 Social Problems
4, 4 Neely

A systematic and in-depth introduction to the sociology of social problems. This course examines, from a sociological perspective, some of the more commonly identified social problems in contemporary America, and analyzes the structure and culture of this society, in the attempt to determine how and why these problems are produced and sustained. Three periods per week. This course is open to all students, and can be counted toward the 36 credits required for a major in sociology; however, those students who are fairly certain that they will declare sociology as their major and who wish to take only one course at the introductory level may want to consider taking Sociology 117 instead of Sociology 110.

117 Principles of Sociology
4, 4 Mireles

A comprehensive introduction to the discipline of sociology, or the systematic study of human group behavior. With a balance between lectures and discussions, the course covers basic sociological theoretical and methodological perspectives, and topics that include socialization, structure, culture, ritual, institutions, inequalities, identities, and social relations. Through reading assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations, emphasis is placed on integrating conceptual understanding of sociological issues with empirical analysis of familiar social settings. The course is intended for students who have decided upon or who are seriously considering sociology as a major field of study. Required of all majors; should be taken as early in the student’s program as possible. This course is open to all students, with seniors by consent only.

127 Religion and Society
4; not offered 2012-13

Why does the pledge of allegiance include “one nation under God” when we have a separation of church and state? What’s up with images of the Virgin Mary on grilled cheese sandwiches, and people selling their souls on eBay? Do people really get sucked into cults, and can deprogrammers get them out again? Why do so many ethnic groups have their own temples, mosques, or churches? This class invites students to consider religion through the lenses of sociology and cultural studies. It will explore the influence of religion on social institutions, politics, social movements, and popular culture, as well as considering the effects of society and culture on religion. Topics include: civil religions; religion and the social order; religious pluralism; new religious movements and “spirituality”; seekerism and secularization; religion and social change; and religion and violence. May be elected as Religion 107. Limited to first- and second-year students.

207 Social Research Methods
4, x Farrington

A course designed to introduce the student to the procedures by which sociologists gather, analyze, and interpret factual information about the social world. Topics to be covered in this course include the part which social research plays in the larger discipline of sociology, the relationships between sociological theory and social research, research design, measurement and the operationalization of concepts, probabilistic sampling, observational data-gathering procedures, survey research, the use of secondary source materials, and experimentation. Required of sociology majors; open to students in other social science disciplines with consent of instructor.

208 Social Statistics
4, x Farrington

A course designed to complement and expand upon the knowledge gained in Sociology 207, as it introduces the student to the various statistical procedures by which social researchers carry out the quantitative analysis of sociological data. Topics to be addressed in this course include univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and techniques of multivariate analysis. The goals of this course are to instill within the student an understanding of these procedures at both the conceptual and practical levels, and to teach the student how to utilize these procedures using computer software packages. This course is particularly recommended for any student who is (a) contemplating writing a senior thesis involving the collection and quantitative analysis of original empirical data, and/or (b) considering the possibility of pursuing graduate study in the social sciences. Prerequisites: Sociology 207 or consent of instructor.

230 Social Psychology
4; not offered 2012-13

This course provides students with an introduction to the field of social psychology, specifically from the perspective of the discipline of sociology. It will point out how the sociological conception of social psychology is both similar to and different from the complementary psychological view, methodologically, theoretically and substantively. In addition to looking at the historical development of the discipline of social psychology during the 20th century, this course will focus upon some of its major emphases and subtopics at present: e.g., the cognitive processes which allow humans to perceive, organize and make general sense of the world in which we live; the development, internalization and social consequences of language, symbols and culture; the ways in which social reality is socially constructed by individuals and groups; the sources of and pressures toward conformity; sources of persuasion and influence in the social world; sources and manifestations of personal and group identity; social deviance, labeling and stigmatization; and the impact of gender, age, race and ethnicity upon basic social psychological phenomena. Emphasis in this class will be placed upon increasing awareness of oneself as a social being who both uses and is affected by others’ use of the social psychological processes which we will discuss. A laboratory weekend is required of all students. Prerequisites: no fewer than three credits in sociology and/or psychology, or consent of instructor.

257 Sociology of the Family
4; not offered 2012-13

A sociological investigation of the modern family. This course will consider the unique position which the family occupies within the larger society, and the particular patterns of social interaction which typically characterize individual family units. Specific topics which will be looked at in some depth include: 1) the reciprocal relationships between the family institution and other aspects of modern society; 2) the various stages of the family life cycle; 3) the structural positions of men and women, both within the family and in society more generally; and 4) the stresses, problems, and conflicts which often develop within and affect families in various ways. In considering these and other topics, particular emphasis will be placed upon the various theoretical perspectives which have informed the work of family scholars in recent years. This course is open to all students, but previous coursework in sociology would be very helpful.

258 Gender and Society
4; not offered 2012-13

What is gender? How does gender inform our lives and the organization of society? This course provides a variety of theoretical, empirical, and narrative responses to these questions. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between theory and lived experience in a variety of interactional and institutional settings. The course investigates the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of gender relations in the context of race and class. Topics include: the global economy, domestic work, socialization, sexuality, violence, identity, the family, health, education, and social change.

259 Sociology of Crime and Delinquency
x, 4 Farrington

A sociological examination of the patterns, causes, and consequences of criminal and delinquent behavior in modern society. Specific topics to be studied in this course include: 1) the origins of and purposes behind criminal law; 2) the various theories of crime and delinquency; and 3) the relationships between the public’s perception of and concern about the various forms of criminal deviance and the true impact of these behaviors upon society. This course is open to all students, but previous coursework in sociology would be very helpful.

260 Sociology of Criminal Justice
4; not offered 2012-13

A sociological analysis of the criminal justice system as a social institution. In particular, this course will take an in-depth look at the workings of our nation’s police, court, and prison systems to determine exactly how these elements of the criminal justice system operate in practice, and how effectively they meet their defined objectives of controlling crime and protecting the members of society from criminal behavior. Class lectures and readings will be supplemented by field trips to and speakers from the various components of the criminal justice system in the Walla Walla area. This course is open to all students, but previous coursework in sociology would be very helpful.

267 Race and Ethnic Group Relations
x, 4 H. Kim

This course investigates ways in which power relations in the United States influence cultural, economic, and political meanings of race and ethnicity. A variety of sociological meanings of race and ethnicity are explored. In addition to examining theoretical frameworks regarding race and ethnicity, the course draws upon historical analysis and considers current debates related to cultural politics and identity. Emphasis is placed on the interplay of race, class and gender in the United States. Intended for sophomores and juniors with at least one previous course in sociology.

269 The Sociology of Prisons and Punishment
x, 4 Farrington

This course will provide a sociological analysis of prisons in America and throughout the world. Specific topics to be covered include the history of imprisonment as a way of dealing with criminal offenders; the process by which persons become incarcerated in America; theoretical perspectives on imprisonment; the many different types of penal facilities which exist in our society; the impacts of prison upon the larger society; the internal dynamics of the prison institution; and alternatives to incarceration as a means of imprisonment. This course will be conducted as a large seminar, and all participants will be expected to complete a major analytical paper, and to present that paper to the other members of the seminar. In-class lectures and discussion will be supplemented by visits to some of the prisons and jails which are located in eastern Washington and Oregon. Prerequisites: Open only to declared Sociology majors and minors, and to other students by consent of instructor.

271 Asian Americans in Contemporary Society
4; not offered 2012-13

This course serves as an introduction to sociological research of Asian American life in the United States, primarily focusing on the post-1965 era. We will focus on Asian American immigration, political movements, racial and ethnic identity, and economic and educational achievement. This class aims to highlight the multiple, heterogeneous experiences of Asian Americans and situate these in relation to those of other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Students will be evaluated on active in-class participation and attendance, critical analyses of class materials and literature, a major research paper, and a take-home final exam.

278 Social Movements and Social Change
4, x Mireles

This course provides an introduction to the sociological study of collective action and social change. The causes, trajectories, and outcomes of social movements will be analyzed from a macro- and microsociological perspective. The theoretical models presented stress political processes and organizational dynamics as well as the intersections of politics, culture, and identity. Case studies will be drawn primarily from liberal democratic societies. Course evaluation will be based on short paper presentations, a midterm, and final exam. This course is open to all students but previous coursework in sociology or a related field is strongly advised. Offered every other year.

287 Sociology of the Body
4, x Bogard

This course examines the uses, representations and transformations of the body in Western societies from the early 19th century to the present. We will study the body’s relation to the emergence of several institutions in society and its changing status as an object of knowledge and power. Topics covered include the body’s role in modern medicine, sexuality and work, its stereotyped portrayals in the media and its interfaces with modern technology. Evaluations are based on a series of short papers and projects. Two periods per week. Open to all students, although one course in sociology or related social science field is recommended.

290 The Sociology and History of Rock ‘n’ Roll
4; not offered 2012-13

This course will examine the development and significance of the musical genre typically known as “rock ‘n’ roll,” from its origins in the 1940s and 1950s to the present. In order to understand this important phenomenon, the course will explore the rural and urban roots of blues, jazz, and folk music from which much of rock ‘n’ roll is ultimately derived; the development of the Cold War culture in the post-World War II years; the social and political upheavals of the 1960s; and the cultural and political fragmentation of American society in the past three decades. Particular attention will be paid both to the development of a distinct youth/alternative culture in response to (and supportive of) the development of rock ‘n’ roll, as well as to the gradual acceptance and integration of various forms of rock music into conventional economic and cultural systems. The course will focus upon the distinctive historical events and trends in the United States that have shaped and been associated with this type of music through the years, and subject these events and trends to theoretical analysis from a variety of sociological perspectives. This class will combine lectures with discussion, and there will be out-of-class listening assignments, as well as papers and exams or quizzes.

293, 294 Special Topics in Sociology: Intermediate Level
1-4

An intermediate course designed to review selected topics in sociology through lectures, seminars, or group research projects.

293 ST: Advanced Data Techniques: Collection, Coding, Manipulation and Presentation
2, x Abrams, Bogard, Farrington, H. Kim, Mireles, and Neeley

This class will draw from but build upon the material covered in Sociology 117, 207, 208, and 490, to provide additional, but more in-depth, exposure to a whole range of research-based and information literacy skills (both quantitative and qualitative).  Specific tech-niques and skills covered in this class may include (a) advanced techniques (many of them online) for the coding of qualitative data, (b) critical discourse analysis, (c) use of the ICPSR (Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research) data set located at the University of Michigan, (d) advanced strategies for using the online databases provided by organizations like the U.S. Census and the U.S. Department of Justice, and (e) advanced features of Survey Monkey, to name but a few. Course meets once per week.  Intended for Sociology major juniors and seniors.  Pre- or corequisite: Sociology 207. Distribution area: social sciences.

294 ST: Land in America
x, 4 Abrams

The concept of land as a form of property occupies a central place in American ideals of liberty and nationality, yet the precise nature of this concept is continually contested and renegotiated within society. This interdisciplinary, seminar-style course will explore the history, politics and sociology of land ownership and land use in the United States of America. Emphasis will be placed on the complexities of domestic land tenure scenarios, relationships between land and communities of place, and definitions of landowner rights and responsibilities. We will pay particular attention to the contributions of various property and land use regimes to environmental conservation and restoration. Students will be responsible for leading and participating in class discussions, conducting original research and participating in regional field experiences. May be elected as Environmental Studies 367 (must be elected as Environmental Studies 367 to satisfy the interdisciplinary requirement in environmental studies). Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 207. Distribution area: none.

300 Field Laboratory in Applied Sociology
2; not offered 2012-13

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply a sociological perspective to any of a number of “real life” organizational settings in the Walla Walla area. As the basis for the course, students arrange an internship at one of the many governmental, nonprofit and/or human service agencies in the local community, and commit themselves to work no fewer than three hours weekly in this field placement setting. At the same time the student is contributing time and talent to the organization in question, he/she also will be observing, from a sociological perspective, the events, activities, structure, and dynamics of this field environment. These field laboratory experiences will be supplemented by academic readings, a regularly scheduled seminar, and the keeping of a detailed field journal. This course may be taken twice, for a maximum of four credits. Pre- or corequisite: Sociology 117.

309 Environmental Sociology
4, x Abrams

What social structural conditions produce ecological decline? What agricultural, extractive, and industrial technologies have driven global ecological problems? How are societies around the world impacted? This course will review sociological theory on the causes and consequences of ecological degradation and resource scarcity. Topics will include: specific local and global ecological problems, theories and political economy of the environment, the treadmill of production, environment and risk, the sociology of environmental science, globalization and environmental movements. The course will consist of lecture, discussion, papers and an out-of-class project. We also will view and discuss films. This course is open to all students but previous coursework in sociology would be very helpful.

318 Community-Based Research as Democratic Practice
4; not offered 2012-13

Students in this course design and carry out an original program of empirical research on a social or political problem affecting the local community, the state, or the region. This research is “community-based”: students perform it in partnership with professionals from organizations outside the college. The research contributes something tangibly useful to these organizations. It also enables students to develop new independent research skills (e.g., how to conduct interviews; how to refine research questions based on prior scholarship). Finally, the course prepares students to bring their research to policymakers, organization leaders, the media, and the public at large through an agenda of public communication activities. In all these ways, the research provides a concrete experience in the practices of democracy. Past projects have emphasized improving political and social conditions for racial minorities, women, and workers. May be elected as Politics 318.

319 Public Communication about Community-Based Research
4; not offered 2012-13

This course enables students who have completed community-based research projects in politics or sociology to develop their skills in public communication about their research. It also challenges them to think critically about the dilemmas regarding power and democracy that arise when policy investigators seek to make specialized research accessible to general audiences, non-English-speaking communities, professional policymakers, organizational leaders, and media representatives. Students carry out an extensive agenda of public outreach activities, “translating” their work into a variety of formats including comments and images for local public meetings, talking points for media interviews, remarks to state legislators, and text and visuals for online media. They engage in these activities in continuing consultation with the partners for their original community-based research projects. May be elected as Politics 319. Prerequisites: Politics/Sociology 318.

337 Seminar in Cultural Sociology
4; not offered 2012-13

This seminar examines cultural dimensions of social processes and explores how cultural categories, symbols, and rituals are analyzed sociologically. Topics covered include: culture in everyday social interactions, identity and social status, culture and institutions, symbolic power, rituals and events, subcultures and countercultures, social change, mass media, and the arts. This course involves intensive reading and writing about classical and contemporary theoretical approaches to analyzing culture, as well as projects that involve innovative research methods in cultural sociology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

340 Economic Sociology
4; not offered 2012-13

This seminar will provide an advanced exploration into the social bases of economic behavior in society. Three substantive areas will be covered in depth. The course opens with a unit on organizations where students will read classical, contemporary, and critical analyses of formal organizations in modern society. The second unit of the semester is focused on the interactions between organizations, or firms in the economic sense, and the broader sociopolitical contexts in which they are found. This includes classical political economics readings from Europe as well as more contemporary perspectives from the United States. Special emphasis will be placed on the rise of large capitalist firms in American society during the 19th and 20th centuries. The final unit of the course deals with the role of labor within the process of production in advanced industrial societies. We open with a discussion of labor and class conflict within industrial society. This is followed with an exploration of immigration and the contemporary American labor market. We close with a discussion on organized labor in capitalist systems of production.

348 Technology and Society
4; not offered 2012-13

A critical approach to the social culture and history of technology. Topics vary, but may include the development of mass communications and war technologies, bioresearch, nanotechnologies, virtual systems, power generation, etc., and their impacts on social institutions and experience. A number of interdisciplinary materials will be used, ranging from technical, ethnographic, and historical studies, to literature, science fiction, and philosophy. Grading is based on performance within a range of options, which include papers, individual or group projects and presentations, artwork, journals, and experiments. Field trips to the Hanford reservation or other industrial sites in the region are planned at some point during the semester.

349 Environmental Social Movements
X, 4 Abrams

Why do social movements happen? Why do some social movements succeed in producing change while others fail? What are differences between environmental movements in the United States and other nations? How do different experiences across gender, race and class inform the emergence, goals and dynamics of environmental social movements? This course will use micro and macro sociological theory to study social change, reform and collective behavior using environmental movements and environmental backlash movements as case studies. We will bring both national and global focus to our study of collective action and social change. The course will be reading intensive. We will view and discuss films. Evaluation will be based on reading discussion, research papers and individual projects. Prerequisites: Open to declared sociology and environmental studies majors and others by consent of instructor.

353 Environmental Justice
4; not offered 2012-13

How are environmental problems experienced differently according to race, gender, class and nationality? What do we learn about the meaning of gender, race, class and nationality by studying the patterns of environmental exposure of different groups? Environmental justice is one of the most important and active sites of environmental scholarship and activism in our country today. This course integrates perspectives and questions from sciences, humanities and social sciences through the examination of a series of case studies of environmental injustice in the United States and worldwide. Biology and chemistry figure centrally in links between environmental contaminants and human health. Systematic inequalities in exposure and access to resources and decision making raise moral and ethical questions. Legal and policy lessons emerge as we examine the mechanisms social actors employ in contesting their circumstances. This course will be reading, discussion and research intensive. May be elected as Environmental Studies 353. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

360 The Sociology of Everyday Life
x, 4 Bogard

An introduction to the sociology of face-to-face interaction, communication, and the social construction of reality. Areas covered include symbolic interaction and dramaturgy, ethnomethodology, phenomenological sociology, and studies of habitus and social space. We will read sociological works by Erving Goffman, Pierre Bourdieu, Alfred Schutz and Harold Garfinkel, among others, as well as examine everyday life through popular media, film and literature. Evaluations are based upon completion of a journal, final paper, and participation in class. Intended for students with at least one previous course in sociology.

367 History of Sociological Theory
4, x Bogard

A critical examination, beginning with the Enlightenment and extending to the late 20th century, of important Western ideas concerning the nature of society and social interaction. Questions addressed include: How is social order possible? How and why do societies change? What is the role of science in sociology? Students will read a variety of primary and secondary sources, as well as works of literature illustrating theoretical concepts. Evaluation is based on the completion of three papers or projects and one group presentation. Two periods per week. Designed for junior and senior students in the social sciences or humanities; required of sociology majors.

368 Contemporary Theory
4; not offered 2012-13

An in-depth examination of social theories after World War II. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to, poststructuralism and postmodernism, symbolic interaction, phenomenological sociology, and feminism. Students will read a variety of primary texts. Seminar format; evaluation is based on a combination of student presentations and a final paper or project. Two periods per week. Designed for junior and senior students in the social sciences or humanities.

369 Social Stratification
x, 4 Mireles

An examination of the division of society into classes or strata which are arranged in a hierarchy of wealth, prestige, and power. This examination will include both theoretical and empirical studies and will focus primarily, although not exclusively, on modern industrial society. Three periods per week. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: prior sociology course.

381, 382 Independent Study
2, 2 Staff

Reading and/or research in an area of sociology of interest to the student, under the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken up to three times, for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

407, 408 Seminar
4

Seminars in selected topics in sociology primarily for advanced students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

490 Current Issues in Sociology
2, x Abrams, Bogard, Farringotn, Kim, Mireles, and Neely

Limited to, and required of, senior sociology majors. Students will meet with the entire staff each week for discussions of and presentations on current sociological ideas and controversies. Must be taken the last fall semester in which the student is in residence. One period per week. Prerequisite: Sociology 117. Pre- or corequisites: Sociology 207 and 367.

492 Thesis
x, 2 or 4 Abrams, Bogard, Farrington, Kim, Mireles, and Neely

A course in which the student conceptualizes, designs, and carries out a senior thesis. The major emphasis in this course will be upon the student’s own individual thesis project, which may be completed under the supervision of any full-time member of the department. In addition, students also will be expected to participate in evaluations and critiques of the theses being written by the other senior majors in the course. Required of all senior sociology majors, with the exception of those completing an honors thesis. Must be taken the last spring semester in which the student is in residence. Sociology majors must sign up for four credits. Sociology-Environmental Studies majors should sign up for two credits in Sociology 492 and two credits in Environmental Studies 488, for a total of four credits. Prerequisites: Sociology 117, 207 and 367.

498 Honors Thesis
x, 2 or 4 Abrams, Bogard, Farrington, Kim, Mireles, and Neely

Designed to allow those students who qualify the opportunity to complete a senior thesis of honors-level quality. Requires application according to guidelines for honors in major study. Students enrolled in this course also must participate in and meet all requirements of the Sociology 492 seminar. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in sociology. Must be taken the last spring semester in which the student is in residence. Sociology majors must sign up for four credits. Sociology-Environmental Studies majors who are eligible for honors should sign up for two credits in Sociology 498 and two credits in Environmental Studies 498, for a total of four credits. Prerequisites: Sociology 117, 207, 367, and admission to honors candidacy.