SOC 355 – Political Sociology

DETAILS Semester-hour credits: 3 Tuition: $448.50 Methods: DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Analysis of the major sociological variables associated with political decision-making and other political processes. REQUIRED MATERIALS & TEXTBOOKS Current Controversies Series: Politicians and Ethics, Greenhaven Press, 1996. “Why Americans Hate Politics”, E. J. Dionne, Jr., Touchstone Press, 1991. COURSE REQUIREMENTS There are NO tests in this course. Students will be required to turn in two separate papers dealing with the texts and current events. PAPER 1: Students are to read Politicians and Ethics. Students are to evaluate each chapter using the differing viewpoints in the chapters and then find articles in the newspaper and magazines (Ie..Time and NewsWeek) that would correspond with the differing viewpoints. The articles are to be used in discussing the different issues that are brought out in the text questions. PAPER 2: The student is be required to read the Dionne book and prepare a 7-10 page paper critiquing and discussing the relevant issues in the book. The student is to find outside articles from newsworthy sources, especially political commentators (Ie. George Will) that would either support or reject the positions in the book. Current political issues in the student’s city would be especially useful in this assignment. DISCLAIMER: Tuition, credits, medium, description, instructors, books, materials, homework assignments, grading scale, and availability are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date status, please contact the Continuing Education staff.