Syllabus for Sociology of the Body

Abstract

This syllabus is for a course that examines the body and embodiment through a sociological lens. It is designed as a special topics sociology course for students of all majors and educational levels. The assessments used in this course reflect this diverse body of students. Key themes explored in this course include: defining what counts as a body,...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Other

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

Appropriate for use in a college-level Sociology of the Body and Embodiment course. Designed for all majors and levels; can be adapted for semester and quarter terms.
40% of the course grade is based on pass/no credit components. During class, I explain grading criteria more in depth. I stress that these requirements represent low-stakes assignments...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will learn how to analyze the body and embodiment through a sociological lens.
2. Students will gain the ability to evaluate controversial issues related to the body and embodiment, carefully considering arguments from multiple perspectives.
3. By the end of this course, students will be able to apply critical thinking skills in analyzing and deconstructing sociological meanings of the body.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will submit daily responses that demonstrate an understanding of the sociological readings. Students will complete an experiential learning activity and will lead class once during the term to facilitate a sociological analysis of the body.
2. Students will complete in-class participation activities designed to facilitate active engagement with complex issues related to the body and embodiment.
3. Students will take an exam that requires critically thinking about material from assigned readings and class content. Students will complete one 5-page paper designed to apply sociological research to core concepts.