Sociology 103 - Social Problems
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Spring, 2004 - MWF 10:10 - Mahar Auditorium

Professor: Randall Stokes

      A note to students:

Welcome to the 2004 version of Sociology 103.  On the positive side, this class meets the General Education diversity requirement, and, I hope, will be valuable to anyone with an interest in social issues.  If you sometimes wonder why we can't have a more humane and meaningful society, or why things seems as screwed up as they do, this course may be for you.  On the negative side, the course is very large, nearly 500 students. This means that we will probably not be able to have much of a personal relationship.  I will set up an email list which will allow you to comment on the class and readings.  Your comments will go to the entire class and many other students may respond.  I will certainly read the mailings at least daily and also respond. I hope this can serve as a way to discuss some of the issues that will be covered in lectures and readings. I would much rather we could all sit down together for a cup of tea and a conversation,  but that would take a very large table.  On the other hand, I will be available many hours each week in my office, as will the excellent teaching assistants, and you are welcome to come by with questions or just to say hello.

One problem some students encounter in this course is that we focus on the political economy of the United States.  This means that some of the readings and lectures may strike you as difficult and/or boring, particularly in the first few weeks of the semester.  I will do my best to make the class lively, but there is no way to teach about economic inequality, for example, without looking at the  relevant statistics.  Nor is there any way to try to understand why this society is becoming more unequal without thinking about such difficult issues as globalization.

Another problem some students encounter is that much of the course material involves sensitive political and social issues about which many of us have strong feelings.  For example, I am convinced that many of the problems we face as a society (as well as many good things we all value, to be sure) stem from the fundamental  fact that we are a capitalist system.  If you think that the free market makes the sun rise and set, this might be a source of irritation for you.  We will also talk and read about such matters as racial and gender inequality, also areas where many of us have strong convictions.  I can promise you the following: all opinions expressed in class or on the mail list will be treated with respect.  I can also promise you that my intention is to be as objective as I can. I believe Professors should educate and not indoctrinate, and this is what I plan to do.

RGStokes