Sociology of Emotions

Spring '04 -- Dr. Jackie Eller

Contents of this Page

TEXTS

1 -- The Managed Heart 20th anniversary edition (2003)
Arlie H. Hochschild

2 -- Emotions and Sociology 2002
Jack Barbalet

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an examination of the sociological definitions and research of emotions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Acquaint the student with the sociological and social-psychological examinations of emotions and emotion behavior.
• Analyze the way social forces shape the experience and expression of emotions.
• To elicit a great deal of thinking and talking about sociological approaches to emotions.
• To give the student a better understanding of the taken-for-granted aspects of everyday life, especially the feeling, expressions and consequences of emotion.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Attendance
In addition to the usual expectations of attendance and preparation, you are expected to contribute to class discussions. It is strongly encouraged that you work with other students and ask questions in class. The time we spend together will be devoted to lectures, discussions, and exercises. Remember you have something valuable to say and what you learn from this class will be in proportion to what you put into it. It is also YOUR responsibility to acquire notes or handouts if you should miss class.

2. Weekly take-home essays (typed) of 18-20 pts. each -- 200 total pts.

3. Emotion in social interaction journal project - 100 pts. Due May 3

• The first portion of your journal is a detailing of emotions in interaction. These interactions may be ones in which you are directly, indirectly, or observationally involved. Each encounter should be documented - at least two per week (minimum of 30 entries), but more is better in this case. Using the language of sociology and the discourse of this class, construct each entry using the following guide: brief situational description including many of the following (what is chosen may somewhat depend on the circumstances)-- why you think this is an example of emotion "X" or of emotion labor/work/management, rule reminders given? A pinch?, imputed motivations for the emotion felt or displayed, evaluation of the situational appropriateness of the emotions - as demonstrated by the interactants, effectiveness of the emotion felt or displayed - as demonstrated by the interactants, and so on. (75 pts.)

• The second portion should summarize your entries looking for patterns that challenge, support, or redirect our analyses from class. Time permitting, you will present your findings to the class for discussion and critique. (25 pts.) NOTE that I will ask to see your journal at least once before it is due.

4. Popular culture research project - 50 pts. Due May 10

• Do a mini content analysis of emotion within some aspect of popular media (tv, music, music videos, magazine advertisements, tv ads, self-help books, children's media, etc). Within whatever area you choose, your project must include a sample of at least 10 (10 tv shows or episodes, 10 different ads, 10 songs, etc.).

• Do the research and then write a short report drawing on at least two current journal articles which explains your research, findings and conclusions. (4-5 pages, plus a reference page) More discussion in class.

For your information -- ASA Style Sheet| How to cite the web (Thanks to Dr. Smith)

5. Graduate student presentations -- 100 pts. (talk with me)

Assume I do not grade on a curve. Final grades will be computed through a simple tally of points using the following scale:

outline This has been updated.

Essay 3| Essay 4| Essay 5| Essay 6| Essays 7 and 8| Essays 9 and 12|essay 11

Emotion Articles more to be added all the time

Britanica emotions website