The nature and foundations of society and the individual, the main forces that strengthen and weaken social groups and the conditions that transform social life is examined in this course.

This course examines the major sociological perspectives in conjunction with an instruction in the logic and procedures of gathering information about social phenomena. The course covers topics such as: the logic of the scientific method, research design, hypotheses formation, theory and methods of scaling, and research analysis.

Also offered as PS242. Prerequisites: S110 and either ST132 or ST232.

This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and practice as gleaned from the theories and writings of major thinkers from the 14th through early 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed toward ideas of Khadun, Machiavelli, Locke, and Durkheim. Other theorists, such as Marx, Weber and Gandhi are also considered.

Also offered as PS304. Prerequisite: either PS102 or S110.

This course offers a working experience in the purpose and tools of qualitative field methods. The course covers rapport, methods of observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography, focus groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation.

Offered fall semester. Also offered as PS342. Prerequisite: PS242/S250.

Prerequisites:

PS242 Logic of Analysis

S250 Logic of Analysis