SOCI 395: Special Topics in Sociology

SOCI 395-003: Social Change and the Next System
(Spring 2022)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR

Van Metre Hall (formerly Founders Hall) - Hybrid

Section Information for Spring 2022

Our lives feel precarious. Many of us are anxious about the future. And our ability to respond effectively to the social, economic, political, climate, ecological, and human crises of these times is undermined by a widespread sense of crisis fatigue. Together we will move beyond identifying and critiquing problems. Next System Studies involve the study of next system design, systemic movements, and system change. A rising tide of community-based movements and initiatives offer the possibility that from this period of systemic decay may emerge a next system that is more democratic, sustainable, and just. Students will engage directly with the experiences and ideas created through these initiatives. We also will draw from fertile fields of study in political economy, cooperatives, technology and society, transition studies, popular constitutionalism, the commons, sustainable design, revolutions and social transformation, activist praxis, and social movements. We will engage directly with ongoing next system efforts in the region and around the worldwide, meet with practitioners and policy experts, present and discuss readings and films in a seminar format, and perform group work relevant to communities directly served and affected by George Mason University.

SOCI 395 003 is a controlled hybrid section with online coursework and in-class meetings. Contact the department for approval to register.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces the research interests of the faculty, offering new courses that reflect current issues not yet incorporated into the curriculum. Offers, in addition, advanced study into topics covered in the standing curriculum. Topics change by semester. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: SOCI 101
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.