Specialized topics in sociology of culture that are not regularly offered in the curriculum may occasionally be offered under this number. The focus of the course will vary depending on the instructor in charge. Possibilities include investigations of new media for cultural expression or social networking, cultures of care giving, and the meaning of consumption patterns. The survey course in sociology of culture, 160, is recommended before taking this course.

This undergraduate course will look at human emotions from a sociological perspective. What is social and cultural about our emotions? That is: how are emotions shaped, felt, and named depending on the social and cultural context? How do emotions, in turn, help shape society and culture? Finally, how does a sociological perspective on emotions help us understand the role of emotions in reproducing or challenging inequalities? To help us investigate these questions, we will review and discuss several theories in the sociology of emotion: with Arlie Hochschild, we will ask how we manage our emotions in accordance with social norms, and whether that emotional management changes when it is a job requirement. With Theo Kemper we will investigate how power and status shape our gut reactions. With Randy Collins, we will break down the emotional dynamics of everyday interactions, and how they can alternatively result in strong bonding, vicious conflict, or (worst of all) massive awkwardness. With Eva Illouz, we will wonder why romantic love hurts, and what that has to do with neoliberalism and technology. We will also study critiques and amendments of these core theories. Throughout, we will pay particular attention to the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and class.

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Requirements class fulfills