SOC 321
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Sociology of Innovation
Sociology
College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Course Description
Investigates group, network, organizational, and institutional arrangements that foster creativity and innovation, and examines classical and contemporary theories of social change and collective behavior.
When Taught
Winter
Min
3
Fixed/Max
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
0
Title
Theories and Methods
Learning Outcome
Students will be conversant with the theories and methods associated with social science research on innovation. The major theories include micro-level theories of personality and cognitive processes; meso-level theories of group, network, and organizational innovation; and macro-level theories of diffusion and collective behavior.
Title
Controversies and Debates
Learning Outcome
Students will understand the major controversies and debates, new developments, emerging issues, and current trends in social sicnec research on innovation.
Title
Critical Assessment
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of current social science theories and research on innovation. Students will analyze the elements of argument of various theoretical perspectives.
Title
Critical Writing
Learning Outcome
Students will prepare a research paper in which they formulate a research question, identify and analyze data, and report results, as well as interpret their findings. Students will produce an original research paper that will address a real-world problem related to innovation.
