SOC 120 - Society of Strangers

We live in a society of strangers due to historical transformations often summarized under the themes of migration, urbanization, globalization, and population growth, This course introduces key sociological concepts fundamental to understanding our everyday interactions in a world of strangers. Using a series of important readings from leading thinkers, students will learn to apply a sociological perspective to the taken-for-granted interactions at school, church, work, nation, etc., giving you a range of opportunities for insight into historically significant dynamics that affect our everyday lives. Structures that both anticipate and elicit interactions with strangers will be especially emphasized throughout the course.

The content of the course touches on an array of core ideas found to be highly influential in contributing to the sociological perspective. Among these ideas are: Alfred Schutz’s phenomenological analysis of the stranger, Emile Durkheim’s analysis of social solidarity and suicide, George Herbert Mead’s conceptualization of the self and the generalized other, Georg Simmel’s essay on the marginal man, Erving Goffman’s framework on performativity and situational expectations of role performance, Karl Marx’s characterization of the commodification of labor and experience of alienation, Max Weber’s political insights on charismatic authority and bureaucratic systems, Antonio Gramsci’s description of oppressive dehumanization and susceptibility to hegemonic systems of control. In addition, the course reveals how viewing social relations through the lens of “the stranger” productively highlights important dynamics of the exercise of power in a society of strangers. For example, topics in the course include the analytical exploration of discrimination and privilege stemming from racial categorization, obstacles and opportunities for companionship and sexual relations, involvements in congregations and other religious settings, and, perhaps most consequentially, continual transformations in contemporary politics that involve not only representation but also populism, polarization, and demonization.

Lectures, discussions, readings, and assignments are intended to sharpen each student’s grasp and application of sociological concepts. This course requires students to think carefully through each of the assigned readings. It will be especially important for students to keep up with the weekly reading assignments in order to be adequately prepared for lectures, discussions, and assignments. Overall, this course will broaden awareness of often unseen social structures that channel our behavior and affect our self-understanding as well as strengthen the ability to interact, work with others, appropriately critique systems, and put into practice proactive leadership in our interconnected society.

Because “real life” involves working with strangers, this class is designed to encourage a high level of interpersonal interaction through class discussions and group projects, so come to class having read and reviewed the material, ready to participate and be prepared to contribute to joint assignments with fellow students.

Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought Ways of Knowing Requirement
Satisfies a requirement for the Sociology major.