In the first half of term, we will examine various definitions of discrimination, and methods of measuring discrimination, identifying advantages and pitfalls of each. We will read studies examining discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual orientation, and criminal record. Students will research the ways in which Supreme Court cases have contributed to legal and sociological conceptualizations of discrimination. In the second half of the course, students will work in pairs or small groups to design and implement an email-based experimental audit study measuring a form of discrimination of their choice. Each pair or group will produce a final research paper, modeled after an academic journal article, in which they will detail the findings of their audit study and contextualize these within the relevant literature. Students will deliver their papers in the form of professional conference-style presentations at the end of term. Prior coursework in research methods and/or social statistics is highly recommended for this class.
Discrimination and Audit Studies (SOC4105.01)
Debbie Warnock
Prerequisites: At least one SCT course, and permission of instructor. Email instructor at debbiewarnock@bennington.edu by 11/20 to indicate interest in the course, along with the following information: Prior research methods/stats coursework and experience, plan relevance, and current term.
Credits: 4
T/F 10:30-12:20
Maximum Enrollment: 16
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
This course is categorized as All courses, Sociology, and tagged research.
Credits: 4
T/F 10:30-12:20
Maximum Enrollment: 16
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
This course is categorized as All courses, Sociology, and tagged research.