SOC 361 Political Sociology

Political sociology focuses on the study of power: What is power, who has it, and how is it used to influence society? This course investigates the social basis of political power as it relates to important domestic and international issues. The class begins by analyzing some of the various theories of both power and political sociology and moves onto examining specific topics related to voting, political participation, campaign finance, and the historical transformation the two dominant political parties. In the second part of the course we examine socialism and capitalism, the media?s influence on politics, educational politics, religious politics, racial politics, and finally American power and politics through military and national defense interests. Prerequisite: SOC 111 or Permission of Instructor. Fall

Credits

4