Thought and Perception: A Sociology of the Mind
SOC 226
Spring 2007 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
SISP 226 |
Sociology offers us a provocative idea: even when we are by ourselves, in our homes, in our cars, on an island, we are never truly alone; even when there is no one to witness our actions, society is very much still with us, shaping how we think and behave.
This insight is like a loose thread. At first glance, it seem innocuous enough, but pull on it, pursue it, and all sorts of sturdy-looking things unravel. In this course, we are going to follow that thread to the most extreme of private places: the human mind. We will explore whether and to what extent our own thoughts are the product of our individual minds or of collective processes. We will consider as well how forces such as language, socialization, and social structure organize the world of raw sensation into meaningful substance, and even shape what we are able to perceive in the first place. Although primarily a sociology course, we will read across many other disciplines including anthropology, history, philosophy, and linguistics. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Writing |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS SOC |
| Course Format: Lecture/Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: SOC151 OR SOC152 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Berger & Luckmann, THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF REALITY: A TREATISE IN THE
SOCIOLOGY OF KNOWLEDGE
C. Classen, AROMA: THE CULTURAL HISTORY OF SMELL
E. Durkheim, selections from ELEMENTARY FORMS OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
T. Laqueur, MAKING SEX: BODY AND GENDER FROM THE GREEKS TO FREUD
C. Levi-Strauss, THE SAVAGE MIND
G. Mead, MIND, SELF & SOCIETY
F. de Saussure, selections from COURSE IN GENERAL LINGUISTICS
E. Zerubavel, THE FINE LINE: MAKING DISTINCTIONS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
E. Zerubavel, TERRA COGNITA: THE MENTAL DISCOVERY OF AMERICA
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two take-home essay examinations (7-8 pages)
One research paper (10-15 pages)
Two class presentations
Attendance & participation |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
There will be additional required readings available on electronic reserve. |
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