TOPIC: Examining College Life: Problems and Controversies

In this class we will take a step away from simply being in college to
examine what college life is. We’ll concentrate on aspects of campus
life that we see every day and take for granted, or that are hidden
from view but are worth a closer look. We’ll use a sociological
perspective to interrogate problems in the college system, and in the
process you will gain tools to help you examine the rest of life with
more understanding as well.

This class will cover problems and controversies common to
universities in general, sometimes using issues that are specific to
IU. How common are eating problems at universities, and what are
effective ways of combating them? Why are the Benton murals in
Woodburn Hall so controversial, and what does our current solution to
their problem tell us about race at IU and in the US? Should big- time
athletics be kicked off campus? What is affirmative action, does it
exist at IU, and is it a good thing? How does class matter for college
students? What role does the Greek system play in dating, drinking,
and sexual assault? Has Facebook changed the college experience? We’ll
draw on readings and guest lectures to discuss these and other
problems and controversies of college life.