TOPIC: Freaks, Geeks, Monsters, and Nerds: Socially Constructing The
“Other”

ABOVE CLASS OPEN TO UNDERGRADUATES ONLY

What are the uses and problems of social categories that separate “us”
from “them?” How difficult or easy is it to get groups of people to
ostracize or accept other people viewed initially as different? How
easy or difficult is it to get people to see others as similar or
different anyway? In this class we will address race, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, disability and social status.  This course will
use sociological concepts to explore how social labels, scientific
categories, and even medical diagnoses have been used to both hurt and
help different groups of people. We will explore how some categories
have been created, deployed, resisted and adopted. Students taking
this class will be expected to keep up with readings and will be
graded on their ability to demonstrate a conceptual understanding of
the information presented in class regardless of whether they
personally agree with all viewpoints.

Students taking this course should also realize that we will be
addressing topics that may be controversial and sensitive in addition
to being timely and sociological. An open mind is not necessarily
required, but a willingness to learn and respect for others is. And
this is true whether students wish to express views that are
conservative, liberal or ambivalent.