2009-2010 Academic Year:

METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH ▪ SOCI V3213--Fall and Spring

This course is designed as an introductory course in social research methods, it provides a general overview of the ways sociologists collect information about social phenomena, focusing on how to collect data that are reliable and applicable to our research questions. In this course, you will learn how to construct a testable hypothesis, design a small-scale research project that tests it, and write up the findings of your work. Throughout the course, we will develop a critical eye to the structure of social science research: identifying the object of inquiry, noting what are the independent and dependent variables being tested; analyzing how the variables are being operationalized; and evaluating the quality of the research conducted. The course does not assume any background in research methods or statistics.everything you need to complete the assignments will be taught in class. The syllabus for this course is available through Courseworks.

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY ▪ W3290-- Fall

This course is an introduction to the sociology of the environment and technology, more commonly known as environmental sociology. The course is divided into two sections. The first will provide a broad initial overview of the field, presenting some of the major theoretical themes. The second will examine six key areas of study: environmental attitudes; environmental movements; environmental justice; globalization; garbage, consumption and recycling; and food. The coursework and the readings are intended to be helpful to two main groups of students: (1) those in the Sociology department who are interested in looking at the society/environment relationship and would like exposure to the literature; and (2) those in other departments at Columbia University who have an interest in environmental studies.

CLIMATE CHANGE, SOCIAL CHANGE ▪ Not offered in 2009-2010

This course is designed to introduce students to climate change as a social and political issue. It provides a background in the many ways this complex issue is being addressed in society. The course will focus on the many different social actors involved in this issue and the multiple scales of governance at which solutions are emerging..

CIVIL SOCIETY ▪ G4020 Not Offered in 2009-2010

This course is an introduction to the research on what is commonly known as the ?third sector?: civil society.? This sector of society, which is distinct from the state and market sectors, includes social actors such as social movements, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, voluntary organizations and citizens.? The study of public life has recently gained significant attention within the social sciences, and we will focus on some of the major themes within this literature:? social capital, civic engagement, citizenship, deliberative democracy, and global civil society.? The syllabus for this course is available through Courseworks.

PRACTICUM IN PUBLISHING for Sociology PhD Students ▪ G6220 Not Offered in 2009-2010

This course is designed as a writing workshop to prepare advanced graduate students to publish papers in peer reviewed social science journals. Since publishing in a peer-reviewed publication is a prerequisite for most jobs in sociology today, graduate students must publish before they finish their graduate work or be seriously limited in their job options. This course will provide a space for graduate students to workshop their papers and go through a simulated editorial review process before submitting their papers to journals. All students must enter the course with a paper that is ready to be revised and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. During the semester, you will be required to go through two rounds of revisions on the paper and write letters to the editor responding to reviews provided by other members of the class. In addition, all students will be required to serve as reviewers for the other members of the class.reading papers and writing reviews for their peers. for a copy of the syllabus, Click Here.

department of sociology ▪ columbia university ▪ drf2004@columbia.edu