Examines the questions of power and authority in society, with a focus in particular on the historical changes in power relations from the 18th century to the present. Particular foci include: variation in how elites access and justify power; the relationship between culture and interests; power, the body, and the self; and performative approaches to power. Students are asked to write their own analyses of contemporary power relations.

Considers the nature and purpose of sociological theory, and a survey of the most important contemporary theories and theorists. Prerequisite: SOC 5030, six credits of sociology or instructor permission; open to advanced undergraduates.

This course conceives alternative possibilities for our cities. It will include such lines of inquiry as the challenges of equality and justice; sustainability and environmental change; the potential and limits of technology; and the impact of the changing global context. We will examine currently emerging urban forms as well as attempts to imagine new forms of urban life.

Studies the distribution of rewards and punishments and the resulting social inequalities in cross-cultural and historical perspective. Analyzes negative liabilities such as arrest, imprisonment, unemployment, and stigmatization, and positive assets such as education, occupation, income, and honor. Draws on the literature of both stratification and deviance/criminology. Focuses on the distributive aspects of power and the resulting social formations such as classes, and status groups. Prerequisite: SOC 5030, 7130 or their equivalent, or instructor permission.

Examines the most recent theoretical and methodological developments in the sociology of culture. Examines the influence of structuralism, phenomenology, critical theory, and cultural anthropology on contemporary sociological theory and practice. Considers the ways cultural analysis can be applied to a variety of pressing empirical problems.

SOC 5020 will serve as an introduction to multivariate regression, with an emphasis on applications in the 'eld of sociology. Along the way we will review basic concepts related to probability and inference. More specifically, this course will cover ANOVA, t tests, OLS regression, and logistic regression. In sum, the course is designed to teach graduate students in sociology how to use basic statistics to address concrete sociological problems.

This course is an exercise in critical thinking and writing. We will investigate connections between race and crime in contemporary America. To do so, we will explore constructions of crime and race and patterns of victimization, criminality and punishment. We will uncover shifting definitions of crime and the ways that institutions, policies and practices shape patterns of punishment.

Studies the relationship between family and society as expressed in policy and law. Emphasizes the effects of formal policy on the structure of families and the interactions within families. The American family system is examined as it has responded to laws and policies of government and private industry and to changes in society. Prerequisite: Six credits of sociology or instructor permission.

Studies pivotal issues relating to race in contemporary American society from a theoretical and historical point of view.  These include such topics as the contested meaning of the term "race", the relationship between race and ethnicity, assimilation, the relationship between race and inequality, and crime.

Topics vary each J-Term session and will be announced.