SOC 177 Freshman Seminar
This course will take a sociological perspective in examining and understanding the wide range of groups, subcultures, and social patterns experienced by students at U.S. colleges and universities. All aspects of student life will be examined. Some topics for consideration will include: Fraternity and sport subcultures; gender issues on campuses; what it takes to get ahead; race and class differences in college experiences; variations across types of colleges (e.g. public vs. private, single sex vs. co-ed); degrees as credentials; the relation between college majors and eventual occupations; and political correctness in campus life. The topics will be explored through lectures, discussions, small group projects, and first-hand observations of campus life.