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SOC 370   Social Change

Dr. Ernie Thomson    [email protected]     Hoover 109

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores social change and development over the entire course of human history with a special focus on the modern capitalist world system that began developing about 500 years ago and has since expanded to most of the globe. Within this framework we will examine social change in the United States from its early position and role in the development of the world system to its emergence after World War II as a world superpower and for a short time as a hegemonic superpower. Special attention will be given to changes in basic institutions such as the economy, state, family, science, education and communication, religion, and also several other important aspects of social structure like class systems, demographic changes, and urbanization patterns.

** Use of Internet material will be a required part of the course.
** Information from assigned Internet sites will be covered on exams.

COURSE ATTENDANCE

Course attendance is not optional. Failure to attend classes will result in deductions from your grade.
Arriving late, leaving early, and other class disruptions will also result in deductions from your grade.

COURSE MATERIAL:

Social Transformations by Steven K. Sanderson   -- At ULV Bookstore
Internet material -- Access through course homepage linked at:     http://erniethomson.com

EXAMS AND GRADING INFORMATION:

There will be three one-hour exams during the semester. Each exam will count for 1/4 of the course grade.

Each exam covers only material assigned/discussed since the previous exam (exams are not comprehensive). Exams include a combination of multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill in blanks, and short answer items.

The term paper and attendance/participation combined will count for 1/4 of the course grade.

** There are no �extra credit� projects for this class.

OFFICE HOURS

Office hours will be updated on my homepage and on my office door each semester.
Appointments can be made for other times - email is the best way to make appointments.

My email and office number are at the top of this page and on my homepage. If you need to contact me for any reason, please email me. I will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours). Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason and as often as needed.