FYS 21 Applying the Sociological Imagination to Social Problems in the United States
In this course, students will apply the sociological imagination to films and major social problems in the United States. The sociological imagination refers to the ability to relate personal troubles to public issues -- that is, the ability to understand the social world and how it has a profound effect in our personal lives through a sociological lens. Students will be able to critically examine and investigate issues related to race/class/gender/sexual orientation/power/conflict. Major topics include construction of social problems/deviance, police brutality, mass incarceration, violence in the family, intersectionality, and critical perspectives. Students will be able to enhance their writing and presentation skills by developing clear arguments (i.e., their position) on various topics. Students will also engage with current events, podcasts, and peer-reviewed journals that discuss contemporary social problems. Open only to first year frosh.