SOC 205: Race, Class, and Gender in Society

Spring
This course examines some of the ways societal systems operate to construct our ideas, beliefs, values, behaviors, and attitudes toward ourselves and others, as well as how differences between and among people are created and maintained. Attention will be drawn to differences within society and how hierarchies are established from such perceived differences. Students will examine the concept of social construction and how it can help us see the ways systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality function to establish the boundaries of our lives. The power of words, of definitions, of language itself is explored for students to consider the multiple ways they might participate in or be impacted by structures of domination from a historical and sociological perspective. Topics will be explored through reading original empirical research and review; and utilize APA style research.