SOC-325 Social Interaction and Microsociology
Sociology is the study of society and social
interaction. "Macrosociology" refers to the
former, and "microsociology" refers to the
latter. In this course, we will consider (1) what
drives social interaction, (2) what makes
interactions more or less successful, and (3) how
small-scale social interactions impact
large-scale social phenomena. Students will
engage with the work of sociologists such as
Georg Simmel, G.H. Mead, and Thomas Scheff.
Special emphasis will be placed on the work of
Erving Goffman as students examine in detail the
dynamics of conformity and deviance. The course
will culminate in a project where students
observe and analyze social interactions in the
local community.