Teaching
Department of Sociology
Rice University
MS-28; 552 Sewall Hall
6100 South Main Street
Houston, Texas 77005
Phone: 713-348-5511
Email: mlindsay (at) rice (dot) edu
Social Theory (Sociology 250)
Spring of 2008. Click here for sample syllabus. Current students please click here for the online syllabus.
This course engages and analyzes the foundational texts of social theory from its classical roots to its contemporary branches. Students will explore theoretical approaches that inform current sociological research and during the course will examine social phenomena of particular interest to them from the perspective of two major theorists.
Spring of 2008. Click here for sample syllabus. Current students please click here for the online syllabus.
This course explores the rise, reign, and fall of leading groups in human societies (the powerful, the influential, the celebrated, the stars) with emphasis on the contemporary United States. Particular themes to be addressed include power, wealth, fame, and status as well as leadership failures, moral dilemmas, and issues of accountability.
Fall of 2008. Click here for sample syllabus.
This seminar explores the expression of religious conviction in public, examining the connection between religion and areas like the economy, politics, professional life, the arts, and civil society. Preference will be given to seniors who are particularly interested in applying sociological analysis to the study of religion.
The course benefits from special support provided through a Brown Foundation Teaching Grant. Because of this, students will be able to participate in stimulating conversations with local religious leaders in an intellectual salon. More information is available here.
