SOCY 39 Black Sociology

The discipline of sociology explores the reciprocal relationship between individuals and society to reveal how behaviors among communities at the micro-level generate macro-level social institutions. This course on Black Sociology centers African American social and cultural life. Beginning with an interrogation of the discipline’s origin story at historically Black college and universities, the course will examine the various ways that sociological theories and methods have been used to make sense of Black life throughout American history and across the diaspora. Focusing on topics such as gender, ethnicity, class, culture, religion, and politics, each week students will gain an understanding of the intricate ways race is constructed in the lives of Black people and how these constructions can both oppress and empower Black communities as they move through society. In all, this course will examine the diverse ways of living, being, and knowing that exist within Black social worlds including intraracial conflicts, sources of solidarity, and efforts to produce social change.

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Sociology