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Academic Year 2005/2006


Intellectuals and the Production of Knowledge
SOC 244 SP

Crosslistings:
SISP 206

Facts--especially scientific facts--usually appear "as independent beings endowed with life, and entering into relations both with one another and the human race" (Marx, 1872). Marx was primarily interested in the products of physical labor when he wrote those words, but knowledge, too, is a COMMODITY: a product of human effort and exchange. It does not spring forth fully formed, but rather has a history, a social setting, and a cast of interesting (and interested) characters. Through case studies and cross-disciplinary readings, this course challenges students to examine the social forces that influence the production and producers of knowledge (scientific and otherwise).

MAJOR READINGS

Hafferty, F., INTO THE VALLEY: DEATH AND THE SOCIALIZATION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS
Gould, S., THE MISMEASURE OF MAN
Assorted online readings

The readings listed above are tentative and may change before the start of classes.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two papers (case studies)
A reading journal
Attendance and participation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

SISP majors who have not taken SOC 151 (or SOC 152) may obtain a prerequisite override from the administrative assistant in the Sociology Department, or directly from the instructor.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SOC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: SOC151 OR SOC152

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Simpson,Ruth E.   
Times: .M.W... 11:00AM-12:20PM;     Location: PAC421;
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 24)
SR. major: 10   Jr. major: 10
SR. non-major: 0   Jr. non-major: 0   SO: 4   FR: X

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006


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