Course Syllabus for SOC 540
Course Description
This foundation course introduces students to basic concepts, perspectives, and theories about multiculturalism. Included will be the areas of age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Emphasis will be placed on the long-term existence of multiculturalism in U.S. society, how the social
structure often perpeturates inequalities, and the agendas of various multiculturalist advocates.
Required Texts
Parrillo, Vincent N. Diversity in America. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press, 1996.
Rogers, Mary F. Multicultural Experiences, Multicultural Theories. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
Course Content
Sept 9 Past Multiculturalism Ch. 1, 3,4,5,6
Sept 16 Native Americans Ch. 2; pp. 1-10,154-156;
Internet Assignment.
Sept 23 Hate Groups Internet assignment
Sept 30 Theories and Perspectives pp. 11-73
Oct 7 Language, Knowledge and Ideology pp. 74-121
Oct 14 Subordination and Resistance pp. 135-176
Oct 21 Contested Bodies pp. 179-227
Oct 28 Identity Politics pp. 229-289
Nov 4 Family and Community pp. 292-380
Nov 18 Social Change and Social Justice pp. 381-436
Nov 25 The Current Scene Ch. 7,8,9
Dec 2 The Language Issue Internet assignment
Dec 9 The Assimilation Issue Ch 10; Internet Assignment
Dec 16 Final Exam Review
Course Requirements
1. A listserv has been set up for this class. Details will be given in class.
2. You are responsible for keeping up-to-date in your class notes and in the assigned readings.
3. This is an interactive class in which you will make weekly contributions. Class participation constitutes
one-third of your grade. Absences will affect this grading.
4. Three two-page papers will, in total, constitute one-third of your grade.
5. The final exam will constitute the final third of your grade.
