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Culminating Experience

90. Senior Independent Study Project
91. The Sociological Imagination
98. Honors Thesis

90. Senior Independent Study Project

All terms: Arrange

By permission of a Sociology Faculty member PRIOR to registration.

Independent work under the direction of a member of the Department and with Depart­mental approval may satisfy the culminating requirement in the major. Those interested should develop their plans with a prospective faculty adviser and must submit and have approved a written proposal at least one term prior to the term in which the course will be elected. Open only to senior majors.

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91. The Sociological Imagination (course syllabus)

08W: 2A   08S:  3A   09W: 2A   09S: 3A

C. Wright Mills described "the sociological imagination," as that quality of mind with the ability to grasp the interplay of biography and history, of self and social structure, of private troubles and public issues. As we approach the end of the 20th century, various issues of class, race and gender inequalities and conflicts appear to dominate popular discourse and policy debates. This capstone seminar will explore current substantive and theoretical expressions of the sociological imagination for providing critical assistance in understanding some of the major social issues of our time. The seminar is designed to emphasize critical discussion through active participation and class presentations. Each student will complete a significant intellectual project which reflects her or his own sociological analysis about an important social issue. Open to senior sociology majors, and others only by permission of the instructor. Satisfies the Culminating Experience Requirement. Dist, SOC; WCult: W. King (08S, 09S), Lively (08W, 09W)

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98. Honors Thesis**

All terms: Arrange

By permission of a Sociology Faculty member PRIOR to registration.

Open only to, and required of all, Sociology honors majors, this course involves indepen­dent work under the direction of a faculty adviser, culminating in the preparation and pre­sentation of an honors thesis. Sociology honors majors normally elect Sociology 98 twice: once during the last term in residence and once during a preceding term. Exceptions to this pattern are, however, permitted if circumstances warrant. Honors students are normally expected to publicly present their thesis to the Department during the term in which it is completed.

**See the Sociology Honors handout in the Main Office (111 Silsby).

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Last Updated: 4/15/09