PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
GRADUATE SEMINAR ON CULTURAL SOCIOLOGY
Course Description
Cultural sociology embraces meaning as a fundamental cause of human behavior and views interpretation as a primary means to understanding the social world. In this seminar graduate students explore the development of this peculiar field of social science as it played out over the course of the 20th century and examine the cultural structures that lead us voluntarily to think, feel, and act in certain ways but not others, often without ever knowing why.
Course Description
Cultural sociology embraces meaning as a fundamental cause of human behavior and views interpretation as a primary means to understanding the social world. In this seminar graduate students explore the development of this peculiar field of social science as it played out over the course of the 20th century and examine the cultural structures that lead us voluntarily to think, feel, and act in certain ways but not others, often without ever knowing why.
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
Course Description
While individuals have always found ways to express their personal displeasure with the status quo, the act of organizing themselves in an effort to actually change their circumstances is an entirely different matter. These organized efforts by ordinary people have involved everything from marches, boycotts, and sit-ins to hostage-taking and suicide bombing; their goals and tactics are legion. In an effort to gain as broad a survey as possible--without sacrificing theoretical depth--students examine individual case studies involving an array of American social movements from over the past 60 years, and as they do, they encounter the writings of both social movement leaders (in order to understand their specific strategies and objectives) and social movement scholars (in order to understand more generally how social movements are structured).
Course Description
While individuals have always found ways to express their personal displeasure with the status quo, the act of organizing themselves in an effort to actually change their circumstances is an entirely different matter. These organized efforts by ordinary people have involved everything from marches, boycotts, and sit-ins to hostage-taking and suicide bombing; their goals and tactics are legion. In an effort to gain as broad a survey as possible--without sacrificing theoretical depth--students examine individual case studies involving an array of American social movements from over the past 60 years, and as they do, they encounter the writings of both social movement leaders (in order to understand their specific strategies and objectives) and social movement scholars (in order to understand more generally how social movements are structured).
THE COMMUNITY
Course Description
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a dramatic restructuring of the way people live together. With a focus on these changes in the American context, students in this course explore rationalization and bureaucratization, suburban sprawl, the waning of the industrial sector and concomitant ascent of the service sector, the role of technology in mediating our lives together, and how racialized residential segregation affects our experience of public life. Students will wrestle with questions like: What makes a community? Who is included--and who is excluded--from community? How does the built environment affect community? What are the challenges facing our contemporary communities? and How can we best meet these challenges such that communities might flourish?
Course Description
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a dramatic restructuring of the way people live together. With a focus on these changes in the American context, students in this course explore rationalization and bureaucratization, suburban sprawl, the waning of the industrial sector and concomitant ascent of the service sector, the role of technology in mediating our lives together, and how racialized residential segregation affects our experience of public life. Students will wrestle with questions like: What makes a community? Who is included--and who is excluded--from community? How does the built environment affect community? What are the challenges facing our contemporary communities? and How can we best meet these challenges such that communities might flourish?
CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY
Course Description
In this course students are introduced to some of the foundational works of Western social theory and are challenged by questions such as: What is the nature of society? How do societies come into being, and how do they change? and Are there specifically social phenomena that are not reducible to the sum of individuals' actions? Students begin by exploring the work of influential social theorists who were writing in the 17th century and trace the attempts to answer these questions up through the mid-20th century. Through this course students develop an understanding of how contemporary social science has emerged from the various classical approaches to studying social phenomena.
Course Description
In this course students are introduced to some of the foundational works of Western social theory and are challenged by questions such as: What is the nature of society? How do societies come into being, and how do they change? and Are there specifically social phenomena that are not reducible to the sum of individuals' actions? Students begin by exploring the work of influential social theorists who were writing in the 17th century and trace the attempts to answer these questions up through the mid-20th century. Through this course students develop an understanding of how contemporary social science has emerged from the various classical approaches to studying social phenomena.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Course Description
In this course students develop an understanding of the factors that render a problem a social problem. In light of that understanding, students interrogate some of the central ideals of the "American Way of Life," including equal opportunity, impartial justice, democracy, the free press, the right to bear arms, and freedom of speech. Through this process students examine the systemic troubles associated with each of these core American principles and give careful consideration to how these troubles are exacerbated when truth itself is eclipsed in the public sphere--when statements of fact are accepted or rejected based not on rational evidence, but on whether they are affirmed by one's social group.
Course Description
In this course students develop an understanding of the factors that render a problem a social problem. In light of that understanding, students interrogate some of the central ideals of the "American Way of Life," including equal opportunity, impartial justice, democracy, the free press, the right to bear arms, and freedom of speech. Through this process students examine the systemic troubles associated with each of these core American principles and give careful consideration to how these troubles are exacerbated when truth itself is eclipsed in the public sphere--when statements of fact are accepted or rejected based not on rational evidence, but on whether they are affirmed by one's social group.
CULTURAL SOCIOLOGY
Course Description
Cultural sociology embraces meaning as a fundamental cause of human behavior and views interpretation as a primary means to understanding the social world. In this class, we’ll explore the development of this peculiar field of social science as it has played out over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries and examine the cultural structures that lead us voluntarily to think, feel, and act in certain ways but not others, often without ever knowing why.
Course Description
Cultural sociology embraces meaning as a fundamental cause of human behavior and views interpretation as a primary means to understanding the social world. In this class, we’ll explore the development of this peculiar field of social science as it has played out over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries and examine the cultural structures that lead us voluntarily to think, feel, and act in certain ways but not others, often without ever knowing why.
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Course Description
The promise of sociology is to reveal that in our everyday world, things are not what they seem. In fact, the primary effect of the sociological perspective is to hold up our mundane reality to scrutiny and make it strange, to look beneath the surface of what "everybody knows" and grow suspicious of so-called "common knowledge." In these ways sociology shares some of the qualities of philosophy. However, sociology differs from philosophy and many other humanistic disciplines in that it is based on empirical research; in other words, it has the pretensions of being scientific (understanding precisely how sociology might be considered scientific is one of the goals of this course). Through this course, students discover what it is to think sociologically, learn the methods used by sociologists in their investigations, and are exposed to a broad range of sociological research.
Course Description
The promise of sociology is to reveal that in our everyday world, things are not what they seem. In fact, the primary effect of the sociological perspective is to hold up our mundane reality to scrutiny and make it strange, to look beneath the surface of what "everybody knows" and grow suspicious of so-called "common knowledge." In these ways sociology shares some of the qualities of philosophy. However, sociology differs from philosophy and many other humanistic disciplines in that it is based on empirical research; in other words, it has the pretensions of being scientific (understanding precisely how sociology might be considered scientific is one of the goals of this course). Through this course, students discover what it is to think sociologically, learn the methods used by sociologists in their investigations, and are exposed to a broad range of sociological research.
POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY
Course Description
In this course students explore the emergence, reproduction, and transformation of social power and examine the politics that happens not merely at the level of the state, but also within other settings, including the family, the workplace, and civic associations. Students also analyze the ways in which social relations and attributes shape patterns of political participation and the distribution of political power. Throughout the course students are challenged to continually ask the following questions: Why is power organized in one way and not another? and What are the results of this organization of power?
Course Description
In this course students explore the emergence, reproduction, and transformation of social power and examine the politics that happens not merely at the level of the state, but also within other settings, including the family, the workplace, and civic associations. Students also analyze the ways in which social relations and attributes shape patterns of political participation and the distribution of political power. Throughout the course students are challenged to continually ask the following questions: Why is power organized in one way and not another? and What are the results of this organization of power?
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH AND METHODS
Course Description
In this course students are introduced to the idea that while sociology is an empirical science, there is considerable art that goes into the practice of this science. Students study a wide range of methods used by sociologists in their analysis of the social world, and as they develop a methodological repertoire, they learn how sociologists choose from among these methods for use in particular cases, which constitutes the art of social research. Students also explore numerous case studies that highlight the specific methodologies, as well as confront some of the ethical considerations when conducting research on human subjects.
Course Description
In this course students are introduced to the idea that while sociology is an empirical science, there is considerable art that goes into the practice of this science. Students study a wide range of methods used by sociologists in their analysis of the social world, and as they develop a methodological repertoire, they learn how sociologists choose from among these methods for use in particular cases, which constitutes the art of social research. Students also explore numerous case studies that highlight the specific methodologies, as well as confront some of the ethical considerations when conducting research on human subjects.
INSTRUCTOR
FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN SOCIAL THEORY
MACDOUGALL-WALKER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, SUMMER 2019
Course Description
The students in this course, which is run through the Yale Prison Education Initiative, are all inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, a high- and maximum-security state prison for adult males and the largest correctional facility in New England.
In this course students begin by exploring the writings of influential social theorists who were active in the 17th Century and trace the various attempts at answering a set of foundational sociological questions up through the mid-20th Century. These questions include: Is there a human nature? (And if so, what is it?) What is the nature of society? How do societies come into being? How do societies change? and What are social phenomena? Through this course, students will develop an understanding of how contemporary social science has emerged from the sundry classical approaches to studying social phenomena.
MACDOUGALL-WALKER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, SUMMER 2019
Course Description
The students in this course, which is run through the Yale Prison Education Initiative, are all inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, a high- and maximum-security state prison for adult males and the largest correctional facility in New England.
In this course students begin by exploring the writings of influential social theorists who were active in the 17th Century and trace the various attempts at answering a set of foundational sociological questions up through the mid-20th Century. These questions include: Is there a human nature? (And if so, what is it?) What is the nature of society? How do societies come into being? How do societies change? and What are social phenomena? Through this course, students will develop an understanding of how contemporary social science has emerged from the sundry classical approaches to studying social phenomena.
PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY
GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SPRING 2019
Course Description
In this course students explore the theory, methods, and history of sociology with attention to the study of culture, history, society, institutions, behavior, social problems, and social change. Students also examine how social arrangements impact individual personality and group behavior and reflect on what it means to possess a sociological imagination. The two principal objectives of the course are 1) to provide students with a general survey of the discipline of sociology, placing social thought in historical perspective; and 2) to empower students with the ability to think critically about the social world and communicate these thoughts effectively.
GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SPRING 2019
Course Description
In this course students explore the theory, methods, and history of sociology with attention to the study of culture, history, society, institutions, behavior, social problems, and social change. Students also examine how social arrangements impact individual personality and group behavior and reflect on what it means to possess a sociological imagination. The two principal objectives of the course are 1) to provide students with a general survey of the discipline of sociology, placing social thought in historical perspective; and 2) to empower students with the ability to think critically about the social world and communicate these thoughts effectively.
FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN SOCIAL THEORY
YALE UNIVERSITY, SUMMER 2017
Course Description
In this course students begin by exploring the writings of influential social theorists who were active in the 17th Century and trace the various attempts at answering a set of foundational sociological questions up through the mid-20th Century. These questions include: Is there a human nature? (And if so, what is it?) What is the nature of society? How do societies come into being? How do societies change? and What are social phenomena? Through this course, students will develop an understanding of how contemporary social science has emerged from the sundry classical approaches to studying social phenomena.
YALE UNIVERSITY, SUMMER 2017
Course Description
In this course students begin by exploring the writings of influential social theorists who were active in the 17th Century and trace the various attempts at answering a set of foundational sociological questions up through the mid-20th Century. These questions include: Is there a human nature? (And if so, what is it?) What is the nature of society? How do societies come into being? How do societies change? and What are social phenomena? Through this course, students will develop an understanding of how contemporary social science has emerged from the sundry classical approaches to studying social phenomena.
COMMUNITY ACTION AND SERVICE
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY, FALL & SPRING 2008
Course Description
In this course students are required to complete four hours of community service per week for the length of the semester. This service is conducted at a number of partner nonprofit organizations serving several marginalized communities, including immigrant families, the poor and homeless, and seniors. In addition to their service, students are required to complete weekly sociological readings on a variety of issues touching on inequality in the United States. On the basis of these readings, students attend weekly seminars led by the instructor in order to reflect on the arguments of the texts in light of their personal experience working directly with the served populations.
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY, FALL & SPRING 2008
Course Description
In this course students are required to complete four hours of community service per week for the length of the semester. This service is conducted at a number of partner nonprofit organizations serving several marginalized communities, including immigrant families, the poor and homeless, and seniors. In addition to their service, students are required to complete weekly sociological readings on a variety of issues touching on inequality in the United States. On the basis of these readings, students attend weekly seminars led by the instructor in order to reflect on the arguments of the texts in light of their personal experience working directly with the served populations.
TEACHING FELLOW
SENIOR ESSAY AND COLLOQUIUM
with Professor Rene Almeling, Sociology Department, Yale University, spring 2018
CULTURAL SOCIOLOGY
with Professor Jeffrey Alexander, Sociology Department, Yale University, fall 2017
INEQUALITY IN AMERICA
with Professor Vida Maralani, Sociology Department, Yale University, spring & fall 2015
SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
with Professor Ronald Eyerman, Sociology Department, Yale University, fall 2014
with Professor Rene Almeling, Sociology Department, Yale University, spring 2018
CULTURAL SOCIOLOGY
with Professor Jeffrey Alexander, Sociology Department, Yale University, fall 2017
INEQUALITY IN AMERICA
with Professor Vida Maralani, Sociology Department, Yale University, spring & fall 2015
SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
with Professor Ronald Eyerman, Sociology Department, Yale University, fall 2014
CERTIFICATE FOR COLLEGE TEACHING
YALE UNIVERSITY, CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING, AWARDED 2018
A year-long training program focused on the theory and practice of college teaching, including instruction on course design, mentoring, pedagogy, strategies for promoting classroom equity, and several opportunities to have one’s teaching observed and evaluated.
A year-long training program focused on the theory and practice of college teaching, including instruction on course design, mentoring, pedagogy, strategies for promoting classroom equity, and several opportunities to have one’s teaching observed and evaluated.