Sociology

This course introduces the sociology of the state in the Middle East and North Africa region in a historical and comparative perspective. It explores the dynamics that have framed the establishment of state bureaucracies from the former Ottoman, Persian, and Mughal empires, as well as their transformations throughout the political changes of the 20th century, to shed light on the working of contemporary states in the Middle East and North Africa region. While providing an institutional history of the region, the course introduces theoretical resources to study the state and actors that compose it and addresses how modes and patterns of political change (colonization, independences, revolutions) shape the design, staffing, and, ultimately, functioning of states.

This course explores the relationship between collective and individual behavior, society, and technology. It is especially concerned with how technologies evolve in relation to organizational, collective, and individual behavior, and vice versa. The course evaluates how technologies deliver (and fail to deliver) profitable, effective, and valuable products services processes and activities. It also explores in detail the relationship between society and technology, especially in terms of how and why technologies succeed and fail; the value that technologies deliver (and do not deliver); and the wider position of technology in society. Students examine also the relationship between individuals and technology, and how behavior influences how technologies are developed, and how technologies influence and shape behavior.

This course focuses on cultural difference and identity in an era in which the nation seems to lose its unifying significance in matters of personal identity and group identity formation. It analyzes how globalization influences identity and culture and the ways in which these interact with social differences, gender, ethnicity, religion, and nationality. Students become familiar with theories of globalization and culture such as hybridization, McDonaldization, the clash of civilizations, and concepts such as orientalism, occidentalism, and multiculturalism. Its orientation is both practical and theoretical. 

Social Neuroscience is one of the newest fields in psychology and explores the neural systems underlying social behavior. The course outlines the theoretical origins of the field, basic neuroanatomy, and core methodologies including brain imaging techniques and behavioral paradigms. In addition, areas covered include how the brain enables the processing of faces, emotions, theory of mind, prejudice and stereotypes, moral judgments and economic decision making. The course considers some of the ethical implications associated with our growing understanding of the neural determinants of interpersonal behavior and the impact this knowledge can have on our notion of free will and responsibility.