teaching
Introduction to Sociology
Description. This course provides a systematic introduction to sociology, equipping students with the foundational tools to analyze social life, institutions, and structures. It begins with an exploration of sociology’s core questions, classical and contemporary theories, and research methodologies. Students will critically engage with key sociological concepts, including social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and nationality, examining their roles in shaping individual and collective experiences. The course also emphasizes the development of a "sociological imagination," encouraging students to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions and apply sociological perspectives to everyday life. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, empirical studies, and multimedia materials—including films, case studies, and interactive assignments—students will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between power, inequality, and social change.
[Syllabus - Summer 2024] [Syllabus - Spring 2024] [Syllabus - Fall 2023] [Syllabus - Summer 2021]
Sociological Theory
Description. This course offers a systematic introduction to classical sociological theory. It begins with an exploration of modernity through the works of Rousseau and Kant, laying the foundation for understanding society as an object of social scientific inquiry. The course then examines the key concepts, methods, and arguments in the theories of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, followed by discussions on Georg Simmel, George Herbert Mead, W.E.B. Du Bois, and the Frankfurt School. The course concludes with a critical examination of classical sociological theory, focusing on black feminist epistemology.
Economic Sociology
Description. This course provides an introduction to the sociological study of economic phenomena. It begins by examining the economic perspective and its sociological critiques, followed by a survey of major theoretical approaches, including structural, institutional, cultural, relational, and performativity perspectives. The course then applies these frameworks to empirical studies of markets (e.g., sushi, cotton, finance) and selected topics such as money, pricing, valuation, and morality. Additional topics include the economic sociology of “peculiar goods” (e.g., cadavers, art, beauty, eggs, surrogacy, and sex work) and contemporary issues in late modern capitalism, such as digital platforms and economic inequalities along class, race, and gender lines.
Social Problems and Change
Description. This course explores social problems and social change through the lens of power and inequality in modern societies. It begins with an examination of equality as a concept, idea, and ideal in the historical context of capitalism and modernity. The course then surveys key theories of class, race, ethnicity, and gender before delving into major theoretical accounts of power and their implications for social change. While theory-focused, the course also incorporates empirical applications through films, videos, and case studies to help students critically engage with the material.
Crime, Race, and Ethnicity
Description. This course examines the intersections of race, ethnicity, and crime, focusing on the U.S. criminal justice system and beyond. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical research to explore how social structures, media representations, historical legacies, and systemic inequalities shape crime and justice. Topics include racial hoaxes, mass incarceration, policing, immigration, and hate crimes, emphasizing how race and ethnicity influence victimization, offending, and criminal justice responses. Course materials include academic texts, landmark case studies, and films, providing a multidisciplinary perspective. Through lectures, discussions, and assignments, students will critically analyze issues of race, power, and justice while evaluating strategies for equitable reform.
