This is an introductory course in social psychology from a
sociological perspective.  The first section will cover interaction
and culture.  We will start by looking at differences in
interactional styles cross-culturally, followed by an examination of
basic verbal aspects of interaction.  We will then examine the main
concepts of symbolic interactionism, seeing how they apply to the
study of peer cultures.  Finally we will examine status processes
within peer cultures, preparing for next section on stratification.

The second section will focus on the effect of social class,
ethnicity, and gender on the experience of individuals in our
society.  Here we will begin by looking at basic processes of
stratification and inequality especially as they apply to social
class.  After that we will focus on the pressures to conform to
certain definitions of maleness and femaleness.  We will then examine
how the experiences of people in different ethnic groups are affected
by stereotypes and stratification.  Finally, we will look at
stereotypes faced by people with disabilities.

The last section of the course will focus on social relationships and
community.  We will begin by looking at intimacy and sexuality and
then turn to an examination of friendship.  After that we will look
at processes of competition and co-operation within groups.  The last
part of the class will look at ways to bridge differences and build a
sense of community among individuals as well as new models of
relating together as a society.

We will have lectures with some discussion on most days.  In
addition, we will hold discussions for the entire class time on six
Thursdays during the semester in which the class will break down into
two discussion groups.  Students will be expected to write four
reflection papers based on these discussions, in which the student
expands on the ideas discussed and reflects on their relationship to
the readings and lectures of the week and/or experiences in the
student’s life.  These papers should be 2-3 hand written pages in
length, or the equivalent typed and are due one week after the
discussion which is being reflected upon.  Unsatisfactory papers will
be returned and must be revised to get full credit.  One fourth of
the grade will be based on attending a minimum of four discussion
periods and the completion of the four reflection papers.
(Completion of all requirements will result in an A- grade, A grades
will be given to anyone with one or more outstanding papers.)  There
will also be three exams during the course, each of which will be
part multiple choice and part essay.  Each exam will count as another
one-fourth of a student’s grade.

Required Texts
Eder, D., et.al School Talk
Rothenberg, Paula Race, Class, and Gender in the United States
Rubin, Lillian Just Friends
----	Reader for Society and the Individual