FSEM 195   Introduction to Sociology

Faculty Profile for Professor Lopes

A special topic introduction to sociology. Students first address the basic foundations of this discipline. What is the sociological imagination? What is this seemingly abstract thing we call society and what do sociologists mean by social structure and social forces? What do sociologists mean by macro and micro social processes? From this general introduction the course follows the special topic of social inequality and social power in American society. Within this theme students look at class, race, gender, sexuality, status, education, sports, work, crime, and self-identity. This course is committed to helping students develop critical analytical tools for discovering how social power affects the lives of individuals and communities. Students who successfully complete this seminar will earn credit for SOCI 101 and satisfy one half of the social relations, institutions, and agents area of inquiry requirement.

Paul Lopes, Professor of Sociology, specializes in art, media and American Studies. His research combines a focus on the nature of innovation and diversity in American art and media with an interest in popular culture as a site of struggles over social identity and social status. His first book, The Rise of a Jazz Art World, explores the transformation of jazz music during the twentieth century. His second book, Demanding Respect: the Evolution of the American Comic Book, looks at how artists, publishers and fans transformed the comic book from a simple entertainment to a serious art form. His most recent book, Art Rebels: Race, Class and Gender in the Art of Miles Davis and Martin Scorsese, looks at how these iconic artists expressed their highly personal visions in music and film.