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SOCY-125 : Sociology and the Arts

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: SOCY-125 Sociology and the Arts

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3 class hours

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites (if any): (or Co-requisite:) Students must complete any developmental requirements in English (see Proficiency in Math and English) prior to taking this course or enroll in ENGL-101 and BE-102 at the same time as this course

Co-requisites (if any): BE-122 (or BE-126) or satisfactory score on CUNY/ACT test

Course Description in college catalog:

This course will examine “art worlds” – the social activities through which paintings, photographs, music, theatre, dance, literature and other arts are produced – from the perspective of the social sciences and related disciplines. Attention will be given to works of art, audiences, stylistic conventions, evaluative processes and systems of arts distribution. This course will also consider the impact of new technologies on the ways that art is produced and distributed and the ways that we think about and respond to new and traditional art forms.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science)

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

  1. Communicate effectively in various forms

  2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

  3. Apply information management and digital technology skills useful for academic research and lifelong learning

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Students will analyze art worlds using a variety of sociological perspectives, concepts and theories.

2. Students will critically examine research that explores the relationship between the arts and society.

3. Students will produce essay exams and/or papers and oral presentations that demonstrate their understanding of theories and concepts useful to the sociological analysis of the arts.

4. In their written and/or oral assignments and exams, students will use a range of sociological theories to analyze art worlds.

5. Written and/or oral work in the course will require students to analyze art worlds, including artists, audiences and works of art in relationship to social identities, culture, and experience, especially as these pertain to the social construction of race, gender, class and sexualities.

6. In their oral and/or written work, students will analyze contemporary trends in the arts, technology and globalization and the impact of these trends on the production, construction and social meaning of the arts in society.

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Reading Responses: Students will be required to write short weekly response papers based on assigned readings, films or field trips.

Research paper and presentation: Students will investigate an art world that will include reading and evaluating what other people have written about this art-world and conducting your own research in the art world.Each student will present his or her research to the class; presentations must include a visual and/or sound dimension.

Course participation: A significant portion of the final grade will be based on the student's contribution to the collective learning process

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.

Campus Cultural Centers

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Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

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QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

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QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.