Summer 2013 Credit Courses: Social Science

The most recent syllabi available can be found in the Liberal Studies Syllabus Bank.

Global Media, Local Cultures
Explores how media technologies and genres are produced, used, and interpreted in different cultural contexts around the world. Emphasis is placed on the effect of different media on people’s social identities and communities, including families, nations, and religions. Anthropological theories of media and performance are applied to ethnographic research projects in and around the Purchase College community.
Recommended: Prior background in anthropology
Note: This course is 100% online; please visit www.purchase.edu/online for details.
CAN3185.60 / 4 credits
Ahmed Afzal
Session I (Intensive): May 20–June 7

Microeconomics I: The Principles of Human Action
A practical introduction to the logic of human action with applications to daily life. This course traces the implication of choice in the face of scarcity and imperfect knowledge. Topics include the nature and value of cost, the spontaneous emergence of social order, demand-supply analysis, theory of markets, and public policy.
Note: This course is 100% online; please visit www.purchase.edu/online for details.
CEC1510.20 / 4 credits
R. David Seabrook
Session II: June 10–July 25

Introduction to Gender and Sexuality
An introductory and foundational course on the key concepts, themes, and theories of studies of gender and sexuality. Students engage with materials that are social, scientific, historical, literary, autobiographical, artistic, and/or philosophical in examinations of themes of human gender, sexual relationships, and the intersection of gender and sexual identity.
CGN1200.20 / 4 credits
Rachel Simon
Mon. & Wed., 6:30–10:05 p.m.
Session II: June 10–July 24
Natural Sciences Building Room 1029 

Research Methods
Become acquainted with methods that social scientists in general and sociologists in particular use for different types of research. Identify, understand and critique diverse research strategies. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative methods, the types of knowledge they produce and the strengths and the weaknesses of each. Learn to think critically about objectivity, researcher standpoint, and research ethics.
CSO3405.60 / 4 credits
Audrey Sprenger
Mon.–Thurs., 1–4:10 p.m.
Session IV (Intensive): July 8–Aug. 1
Natural Sciences Building Room 1029  

Racial Inequalities
Given the ethnic complexity of society, major social institutions—including education, criminal justice, health care, social services, and business—face many challenges. This course explores the past, present, and future of race and ethnicity in American society, and how immigration, culture, religion, education, and income play parts in prejudice, discrimination, and racial inequalities.
Note: This course is 100% online; please visit www.purchase.edu/online for details.
CSO3430.20 / 4 credits
Richard Gioioso
Session II: June 10–July 25

Crime and Delinquency
Crime and delinquency are analyzed as social phenomena, and their relationship to various social institutions is examined. Students are also given an overview of the theories of crime causation, as well as the nature and role of the police, courts, and prisons in society.
Note: This course is 100% online; please visit www.purchase.edu/online for details.
CSO3550.60 / 4 credits
Charles Murphy
Session IV (Intensive): July 8–26

Sports Films: Underdogs, Champions, and Gutter Balls
Examines the elements and messages in sports films that make people cheer for the underdog and care about teams, players, and sports. Using both big-budget Hollywood films and documentaries with a small scope, this course explores the ideas of team, sport, and athletics and investigates the grip that sports have on American culture. Also offered as FTF 3265.
Note: This course is 100% online; please visit www.purchase.edu/online for details.
CSS3265.70 / 4 credits
FTF9265.70 / noncredit option / $625
Rachel Simon
Session IV (Intensive): July 8–26

The Family on Film
Explores the many types of families presented on the silver screen in the 20th century and today: perfect/idyllic families, families threatened by divorce, dysfunctional families, eccentric families, families facing a crisis, and current notions of extended or nontraditional families. Also offered as FTF 3270.
Note: This course is 100% online; please visit www.purchase.edu/online for details.
CSS3270.70 / 4 credits
Rachel Simon
Session I (Intensive): May 20–June 7

History in Film
How has history been portrayed on the silver screen? What responsibilities do directors assume in presenting their subjective view of historical events? Students consider these questions and examine depictions of American and European history in early and contemporary cinema, the documentary film, and the cinematic presentation of film history itself. Also offered as FTF 3550.
Note: This course is available to students who have completed 60 or more credits. Please email rockland@purchase.edu for an IAC code to register.
CSS3550.45 / 4 credits
Richard Connolly
Tues. & Thurs., 6–9:50 p.m.
Session II: June 11–July 25
RCC Extension site room: 1106 

Updated April 25, 2013