Comparing the experience of three out of five ethnic groups (e.g. African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicano/Latino, European Americans, and Native Americans) we shall examine historically how each people entered American society and built communities and transformed their cultures in the process. Students will be introduced to the sociological perspective, characteristic methods of research, and such key concepts as culture, community, class, race, social change, and social movements.

Sociology 3AC offers a general introduction to sociology—the study of the social institutions, organizations and social relations that shape our lives and life chances—by way of a special focus on education. We begin the class with an examination of core sociological ideas on how societies are organized and the inherent strengths and problems within different social arrangements. We then explore these sociological principles through concrete studies of class, race, gender and sexual inequality. Once familiar with basic theoretical and empirical approaches used to explain social inequality, we will consider the ways in which educational systems can be used to perpetuate or resist the reproduction of social hierarchies. We conclude the class by asking what broader social changes might be necessary to reduce the harmful effects of inequality on human development and social integration.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for Sociology 3AC after completing Sociology 1, 3 or 3A. A deficiency in Sociology 3 or 3A may be removed by taking Sociology 3AC.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills