LFU:online

Institut für Soziologie Institut für Soziologie

Univ.-Prof. Ph.D. Keith Doubt Univ.-Prof. Ph.D. Keith Doubt

408013

Social Change in Economy, Culture and Society

VU 2

Abgeschlossener Kurs Soziologie I

wöch.

keine Angabe

Englisch

This objective of this seminar is to develop students’ ability to employ the sociological reasoning that the sociologist, C. W. Mills, calls “the sociological imagination.” The task is to transform a topic of interest into a sociological subject that reflects the relation between “personal troubles” and “public issues.” This critical and humanistic approach guides the study of a wide range of topics, for instance, family, education, socialization, gender, race, politics, and globalization. The list is not inclusive.

A list of topics with readings will be provided. Students will select a topic that interests them to research for a seminar presentation. Although topics will be varied, seminar presentations will share a common approach.

Seminar presentations will follow the recommendations of C. W. Mills with respect to a reasoning that is historically objective, empirically rational, and humanistically critical. Particular questions that evoke the sociological imagination will be asked. Seminar presentations will also be guided by the rhetorical recommendations in Wayne C. Booth’s The Craft of Research. Introductions will contain three elements: (1) a contextualizing background, (2) a statement of the problem, and (3) a response to the problem. Conclusions will end with an “echo.” On occasions, the professor will make a seminar presentation to provide a model of these approaches. Students’ grades will be based on their seminar presentation. Students have the option to submit their presentation in writing taking into account the class discussion at the end of the semester.

1. Short selections from C. W. Mills’ Sociological Imagination and Wayne C. Booth’s The Craft of Research 2. List of topics with related readings. *Readings, study questions, and discussion forums will be available electronically through Moodle, an online course software at Wittenberg University.

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Beginn: 06.03.07