Sociology of Politics and Power
This course will serve as a general introduction to the sociology of politics and power in modern American society. Our main topics will include the nature and distribution of political power, the social bases of solidarity and inter-group conflict, and the new "communitarianism" in elite political rhetoric. Course readings will include classic statements (for example, de Tocqueville, Pareto, Marx) as well as contemporary works. Throughout the course, our basic concern will be to ascertain, in light of various normative criteria, the vitality of American democracy and to consider strategies for its improvement. 3 hrs. lect./disc.