What makes community possible? Where does our sense of belonging come from? How do communities attract and change us? How do communities socialize us to be good members or shape our beliefs? Sociological theorists have wrestled with these questions of community from the beginnings of the discipline. This applied theory course examines group formation via theoretical frameworks and thematic case studies of several types of natural and intentional communities, starting with the most intimate and face-to-face communities, friendship and marriage, before exploring important larger communities, including new religious movements, communes, and social movements. We will use these cases to compare various perspectives on the promises and pitfalls of social life in community. Students will apply theoretical frameworks to analyze each group, and conclude by analyzing the potential for community in the post-pandemic world. Note: This course can fulfill the requirement of a second course in social theory for the sociology major but is open to all interested students.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: