Spring 2009

SOC 308 • Bad Blood

Course Description

During the nineteenth century, changes in science affected society. Perhaps the most famous are Darwin's theories, which planted seeds for the development of physical anthropology, Social Darwinism and scientific experimentation to determine biological traits characterizing specific groups. As a result, biological typing became a means for establishing physical "difference" within human populations -- the precursor to today's racial profiling.

This course is designed to meet three objectives: to introduce students to biological typing in the nineteenth century with particular attention given to German-speaking countries; to develop critical literacy by analyzing how these developments influenced other domains; such as criminology (Lombroso), film (M), mental illness (Nordau), and gender and racial repression; and to encourage students to consider the legacy of biological typing and its implications in contemporary society.

You will have the opportunity to explore a specific topic of interest related to the course content by developing a long paper and will be guided through the research process with systematic instructor and peer feedback.

Grading Policy

Homework Assignments 30%

-4 one-page précis (Objective: how to analyze a literary text for approach and content)
-Worksheets to accompany assigned readings and prepare for class discussions
-Peer feedback assignments

Paper Abstract outlining topic treatment in the short and long papers 5%

(Objective: ensuring logical progression in a paper topic). Topics must be approved by the instructor prior to submitting the paper proposal)

Bibliographic Search 5%

(Objective: how to research the plausibility of a topic and correctly cite sources)

Short Paper (5-7pp) - First version of the final paper 20%
Long Paper (7-10pp) - Rewritten and expanded version of the short paper 40 %

Texts

Course packet
Films on reserve in BAT22 for individual viewing and in the Undergraduate Library (UGL).

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