Intro to Sociology

The Sociological Imagination - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module introduces the concept of the sociological imagination, highlighting its significance in understanding the societal context of individual experiences. Through the lens of multicultural New York at the end of the 20th century, students will explore how personal troubles relate to public issues. A focus on the number 7 train serves as a microcosm for examining diverse social interactions and cultural expressions.
The Sociological Imagination - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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Continuing from Part 1, this module further examines the sociological imagination, emphasizing the connections between individual experiences and broader societal structures. Students will analyze various cultural narratives and social phenomena encountered during a journey on the number 7 train in New York City, fostering a deeper understanding of how personal identities are shaped by societal influences.
Culture and Ethnocentrism - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module introduces the concepts of culture and ethnocentrism, exploring how cultural values influence perceptions of other societies. Students will specifically look at multicultural New York to understand how various ethnic groups interact and coexist. The number 7 train serves as a backdrop for examining cultural diversity, social norms, and the impact of ethnocentric attitudes.
Culture and Ethnocentrism - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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Building on the previous discussion, this module further investigates culture and ethnocentrism, emphasizing the importance of cultural relativism. Through case studies and real-life scenarios encountered on the number 7 train, students will analyze the effects of cultural misunderstandings and the significance of appreciating diverse perspectives in a multicultural society.
Conformity and Isolation
Harvey Molotch

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This module explores the themes of conformity and isolation within a diverse society. Students will examine how social pressures shape individual behaviors and the consequences of deviating from societal norms. Utilizing examples from multicultural New York, particularly experiences on the number 7 train, the module delves into the tension between conformity and the desire for personal expression.
Selves and Interaction - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module focuses on the self and social interaction, examining how individuals perceive themselves in relation to others. Through an analysis of social settings in multicultural New York, students will learn about the dynamics of self-identity and the role of social interactions in shaping individual behavior. The number 7 train serves as a metaphorical space for these interactions.
Selves and Interaction - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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Continuing the exploration of selves and interaction, this module delves deeper into how social contexts influence personal identity. Students will analyze interactions on the number 7 train, focusing on how cultural backgrounds and societal expectations shape individual behaviors. The module encourages critical thinking about the fluidity of identity in diverse social settings.
Deviance - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module introduces the concept of deviance, exploring how societal norms dictate what is considered acceptable behavior. Students will analyze examples of deviance encountered in multicultural New York, particularly on the number 7 train, discussing the implications of labeling and societal reactions to deviant behavior.
Deviance - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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Building on the previous module, this session further investigates deviance by examining case studies from multicultural New York. Students will learn about the social construction of deviance and the factors that contribute to societal perceptions. Discussions will center around the number 7 train as a site where deviant behaviors can be observed and analyzed.
Organizations, Institutions, and Rules - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module examines organizations, institutions, and rules, focusing on how these structures govern social behavior. Students will analyze the role of institutions in shaping the experiences of individuals in multicultural New York, with specific attention to how rules are enforced in different social contexts. The number 7 train provides a unique setting for understanding organizational dynamics.
Media and Communication - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module continues the exploration of media and communication, focusing on how these elements influence societal perceptions and behaviors. Students will examine various media representations of multicultural New York and discuss their implications for identity and social interaction. The number 7 train serves as a case study for understanding the intersection of media and everyday life.
Media and Communication - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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Continuing from Part 1, this module delves deeper into the role of media and communication in shaping social narratives. Students will analyze specific examples of media content related to multicultural New York, discussing how these representations affect public opinion and social dynamics. The number 7 train acts as a focal point for these discussions.
Gender - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module introduces the complexities of gender in sociological discourse. Students will explore how gender roles and expectations manifest in multicultural settings, particularly in the context of New York. Through discussions and case studies, the module will analyze how these dynamics play out in everyday life, using the number 7 train as a backdrop for understanding gender interactions.
Gender - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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This module continues to explore gender issues, focusing on intersectionality and the ways in which various identities overlap. Students will analyze how race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender in multicultural New York. Case studies and personal narratives will provide insights into the lived experiences of individuals navigating these complexities.
Gender - Part 3
Harvey Molotch

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This module further examines gender dynamics, specifically focusing on the impact of societal norms and expectations. Students will explore the roles of men and women in multicultural New York, discussing how these roles are constructed and challenged. The number 7 train serves as a unique setting for observing gender interactions and societal behaviors.
Work
Harvey Molotch

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This module examines the theme of work and its sociological implications in a multicultural context. Students will analyze how different cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of work and labor. Through case studies and discussions, the module will explore the experiences of workers in New York, focusing on the diverse environments found on the number 7 train.
Race and Ethnicity - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module focuses on race and ethnicity, exploring how these identities shape individual experiences in a multicultural society. Students will examine the social construction of race and the implications for community dynamics in New York. The number 7 train serves as a microcosm for understanding racial interactions and societal challenges.
Race and Ethnicity - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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This module delves deeper into race and ethnicity, focusing on the systemic issues faced by various racial groups in multicultural environments. Students will analyze specific case studies from New York, discussing the impact of racism and discrimination on social interactions and community dynamics.
Power and Class
Harvey Molotch

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This module examines power and class structures within society, focusing on how these elements influence social interactions and community dynamics. Students will analyze the relationship between class and race in multicultural New York, using the number 7 train as a case study for understanding these complex interactions and their effects on individuals.
Political Economy
Harvey Molotch

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This module introduces the concept of political economy, examining how economic systems impact social structures and relationships. Students will explore the intersection of politics and economics in multicultural New York, analyzing how these forces shape community dynamics and individual experiences, particularly on the number 7 train.
The Environment - Part 1
Harvey Molotch

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This module examines environmental issues in a sociological context, focusing on how these issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Students will analyze the social implications of environmental policies in multicultural New York, discussing the role of social movements in advocating for environmental justice and sustainability.
The Environment - Part 2
Harvey Molotch

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Continuing from Part 1, this module delves deeper into environmental issues, focusing on community responses and resilience in the face of challenges. Students will examine case studies of environmental activism in New York, discussing how diverse communities mobilize for change and advocate for sustainable practices.
Discussion of Sidewalk
Harvey Molotch

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This module facilitates a discussion around the book "Sidewalk," which examines urban life and social interactions in New York. Students will engage with the themes presented in the book, discussing how they relate to their experiences on the number 7 train and in the broader context of multicultural society. The module encourages critical thinking about the role of public spaces in shaping social dynamics.
Catastrophe, War, and Terror
Harvey Molotch

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This module explores the themes of catastrophe, war, and terror within a sociological framework. Students will analyze how these events impact communities and social structures, focusing on the experiences of individuals in multicultural New York. Through discussions and case studies, the module aims to understand the social ramifications of global crises.

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