How do social experiences shape and reshape an individual's self-concept? What is the relation between self-image and self-concept? Under which conditions do people experience change or transformation of self in adult life? When do social identifications stick and become part of an individual's self-concept? How does personal growth lead to greater self-worth and self-awareness? We will address such questions in this seminar and focus on relations between self and society and theories and research about the self. This course emphasizes how the symbolic interactionist perspective illuminates the development of self throughout life.

As a methods seminar, the course includes using specific qualitative research methods and discussing how to handle your research assignments. You will complete a series of research exercises as a pivotal part of your written assignments for the course. These research assignments are designed to further your acquaintance with qualitative methods and to increase your skill in using them. Students must attend classes, complete readings as assigned, and be prepared to discuss them in class. Two options for grading are provided. Anyone completing the course for senior seminar credit must complete a detailed analysis of first-hand qualitative data, according to departmental and course requirements.

We will draw upon research completed in class and research literature for our discussions. You may find that this class contributes to your personal as well as intellectual growth. If so, that is an added benefit of taking the course, not an intended objective. The purpose of the class is to learn about theories and research concerning the social development of self.

REQUIRED BOOKS

Angelou, Maya, A Song Flung Up to Heaven.

Cahill, Spencer, Inside Social Life Fourth Ed.

Sandstrom, Kent, Fine, Gary Alan, and Martin, Daniel, SYMBOLS, SELVES, AND SOCIAL REALITY: A Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Social Psychology and Sociology

Esterberg, Kristin G. Qualitative Methods in Social Research
RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Jamison, Kay Redfield, An Unquiet Mind

Styron, William, Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness

DEPARTMENT NEWS

KATZ JOINS DEPARTMENT

C. WRIGHT MILLS AWARD APPLICATION 07-08