SOC305

Since sociology’s origins in the U.S. the discipline has struggled with its public response and responsibility to the leading moral and political concerns of the time. Should sociology attempt to be a “neutral” social science necessitating separation from the public arena, or is the promise of public sociology a full engagement in public dialog? Course content includes these historical and current controversies, the various kinds of sociology (public, professional, critical and policy), as well as a range of approaches to public sociology. Students have the opportunity to participate in community based learning and research projects with community partners to use sociological skills and a sociological lens to investigate and strengthen civic society.