Interim Courses 2010
The following courses, taught by sociology and social work faculty, have been proposed for interim 2010:
Wonder Woman. This course explores the wonders of the female body using a medical sociological perspective. It begins with a socio- historic examination of the female body, followed by an examination of each phase of the female life course. Topics include gender socialization, pre-pubescence, the beauty mandate, eating and cutting disorders, pregnancy and childbirth, middle-age, menopause, and women of age. Class sessions include lectures, videos, guest speakers, and student discussion. Evaluation is based on daily participation, comprehensive reading, class presentations, and a journal that encompasses both academic resources and personal reflection. This course may fulfill an elective in the Sociology major and the Gender Studies minor. S. Bluhm. 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Sociology of the Future. People have been imagining the future since ancient times. However, what these images look like, how they have been represented, and the purposes for representation are always changing. Some visions are bleak, others are blissful; some are fanciful, others are realistic; some warn or inform, others entertain. This course explores dominant themes and contrasts across three genres of social forecasting: utopian and dystopian fiction of the late 19th and early 20th centuries; “sci-fi” film, radio, and television since 1900; and nonfiction trend studies produced by “futurologists” since 1970. Course participants not only consider the content of these works, but also the works in relation to the society in (and for) which they were produced. The course concludes with student presentations of their own social forecasts. Evaluation is base on group presentations, written responses, and oral presentations. This course may fulfill an elective in the Sociology major. M. Hughes. 8:30-12:00 p.m.
Race, Class, Gender and Migration in the U.S. This course will examine the dynamics of race, class, gender and migration in the United States. Particular emphasis will be on how systems of oppression such as race, class and gender interact with migration and migration processes. Students will examine the ways that North American race, class, and gender relations affect newly arriving immigrants and their access to participation in community. The experiences of migrants and their communities and how they understand their social location within the larger boundaries of North American race, class and gender relations will be central to the course. Particular emphasis will also be placed on issues of race, class, gender and migration in the urban setting. Students will participate in a research project that will include interviewing individuals in the Grand Rapids area and how they understand their positions in these larger structures. Lissa M. Schwander, Gail Gunst-Heffner. 2:00-5:00 p.m.
