Courses that have grappled with broader changes in the discipline:
Emilie Durkheim lives from 1858 to 1917. The “sociology as a science” movement spreads.
1901: Constructive Sociology. Professor Wells. This is an attempt to formulate the Laws of social evolution and social organization. It is an analysis of phenomena that are regarded as at once physical and mental, but whose ultimate explanation must be in terms of Sociology Psychology. The end constantly in view of a true interpretation of social facts, in the concrete terms of science.
1904: Psychological Sociology (Social Forces). Professor Wells. This approaches social facts from the mental side, considering them as expressions of the human mind or products of human effort. It attempts to explain human society and human institutions from within, by a method of scientific interpretation.
Social psychology begins to gain traction in universities across the country.
1928: Group Attitudes. Professor Mecklin. A study of the principles of the group mind with some attempt to apply them to the problems of class conflict and social control.
1953: Collective Behavior. Professor Merrill. This course examines human behavior in certain representative collective aspects, such as groups, crowds, publics, mobs, classes, and masses. Attention is given to the collective aspects of social classes, their movements, and the rise and fall of individuals in the class structure. Myths and ideologies are considered as collective manifestations, with examples of each. Prejudice is examined as a collective phenomena, with an analysis of its contemporary manifestations and current efforts to control it.
George C. Homans publishes influential book Social Behaviour in 1961; Prominent social psychologist, Joesph Berger, begins short tenure at Dartmouth in the late 1950s into 1960s.
1970: Small Groups. Professor Davis. A systematic analysis of interpersonal relations in face-to-face groups. Special emphasis is given to the theories of George Homans and to graph theory as a tool for structural analysis.
New teaching techniques are introduced to incorporate in cutting-edge technologies and engage students.
1970: Experimental Curriculum Course. Professor Davis. This course will be offered when the department desires to try an innovative approach to certain course material–material either not in regular offerings or material the department wises to present in an unusual format. When offered (not more than once each year) the content and nature of the course will be described in the elective circular.