Theories of Social Interaction

In this course, we will examine major theories that seek to explain the foundations of social interaction. These are theories which aim to explain how everyday life is structured and understood by social actors. The main theories we will discuss include dramaturgical theory, social phenomenology, ethnomethodology, and conversation analysis. We conclude the course by reading contemporary authors who seek to build upon these traditions by using them to better understand social outcomes that are generally studied in different parts of sociology.\ud The aim of the course is to not only introduce you to these theoretical traditions of understanding interaction, but also give you some sense of how this is useful for practicing sociology. The four papers in the class will focus on how one uses these theories to do sociology. There are four papers in the class. Three are due during the semester are each worth 20%, and the final worth 30%, of the course grade. Class participation accounts for the remaining 10%