Chong-suk Han
Assistant Professor of Sociology/Anthropology
Email: chongsukh@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.5506
Office Hours: Spring Term: Mondays 1-2:30 and 6:00-7:30, Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 and Wednesdays 1:00-2:30
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Chong-suk Han attended college at the University of California, Berkeley and received his PhD in 2007 from the University of Washington. His areas of expertise are race and sexuality, particularly the ways that categories of race and sexuality are socially constructed and the way multiple identities intersect. Before becoming an academic, Dr. Han was an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in both national and local magazines and newspapers. He served for three years as the editor-in-chief of the International Examiner, the oldest continuously publishing pan-Asian American news paper in the United States.
Professor Han spends most of his spare time trying to come up with
clever titles for his manuscripts.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
SOAN 0105 - Society and the Individual
Society and the Individual
This course examines the ideas and enduring contributions of the giants of modern social theory, including Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Sigmund Freud. Readings will include selections from original works, as well as contemporary essays. Key issues will include the nature of modernity, the direction of social change, and the role of human agency in constructing the "good society." This course serves as a general introduction to sociology. (Not open to second semester juniors or seniors without approval) 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc. (Sociology)
Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2012
SOAN 0252 - Social Psychology in Sociology
Social Psychology in Sociology
The purpose of this course is to examine the relationship between self and society from a sociological perspective. Our initial focus will on the nature of symbols, language, and the social self as theorized by G. H. Mead and early "symbolic interactionists." We will then address the presentation of self through the works of Erving Goffman, and subsequently consider more contemporary concerns, such as emotions, emotional labor, and inequality in social interaction. The second half of the course will address questions of identity and debates surrounding the emergence of "postmodern" selves. Limited places available for students to satisfy the college writing requirement. 3 hrs. lect./disc. (Sociology)
Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013
SOAN 0352 - Cinematic Sociology
Cinematic Sociology
In this course, we will develop our sociological imagination by viewing, discussing, and analyzing popular films. Rather than considering them simply as "entertainment," we will explore the various ways that popular films can be a vehicle for social commentary, analysis, and criticism, particularly about controversial topics (such as race, gender, sexuality). Films to be screened will include The Help, 27 Dresses, The Little Mermaid, among others. (Sociology)
Spring 2013
SOAN 0356 - Significance of Race in the US
The Continuing Significance of Race in the United States
This course will introduce students to theories of race and racism in the United States, how racial categories are formed and maintained in a variety of social arenas, and how race and racism influence social systems. In order to demonstrate the prevalence of race and racism in the U.S., the course will be a “topics” course in that each week, we will explore a different topic (such as education, crime, gender) and examine how they are influenced by race and racism. In addition, the course will compare and contrast the experiences of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States and examine how these different experiences influences the way they are seen, how they see themselves, and how they interact with other groups. Upon completion of the course, students will have a better understanding of the historic and contemporary significance of race and how race influences our everyday interactions in multiple different social arenas. 3 hrs. lect./disc. (Sociology)
Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2012
SOAN 0376 - Politics of Identity
Politics of Identity
In this course we will introduce students to social diversity in the U.S. as it is reflected in four master identities: class, gender, race, and sexuality. We will examine what these identities mean for group membership, how group membership is attained or ascribed and maintained. Using both historical and contemporary materials, we will explore how identities have developed over time and how they have been challenged. In addition, we will examine how multiple identities intersect and the implications of these intersections have on individual identities. 3 hrs. lect./disc. (Sociology)
Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2013
SOAN 0425 - Race, Drag, and Performance
Race, Drag, and Performance
In this course we will examine the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and identity through the performance of drag. To do so, we will examine how racial, gendered, and sexualized identities are constructed and maintained through performances, both on and off-stage. We will further examine how drag performances may challenge prevailing understandings of race, gender, and sexuality, and explore the meanings that are created when performing racialized drag. (Sociology)
Spring 2012
SOAN 0500 - Advanced Individual Study
Prior to registering for SOAN 0500, a student must enlist the support of a faculty advisor from the Department of Sociology/Anthropology. (Open to Majors only) (Approval Required) (Sociology or Anthropology)
Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013
SOAN 0700 - One-Semester Senior Project
One-Semester Senior Project
Under the guidance of a faculty member, a student will carry out an independent, one-semester research project, often based on original data. The student must also participate in a senior seminar that begins the first week of fall semester and meets as necessary during the rest of the year. The final product must be presented in a written report of 25-40 pages, due the last day of classes. (Sociology or Anthropology)
Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013
SOAN 0710 - Multi-Semester Senior Project
Multi-Semester Senior Project
Under the guidance of a faculty member, a senior will carry out an independent multi-semester research project, often based on original data. The student must also participate in a senior seminar that begins the first week of fall semester and meets as necessary during the rest of the year. The final product must be presented in a written report of 60-100 pages, due either at the end of the Winter Term or the Friday after spring break. (Sociology or Anthropology)
Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013
SOAN 1020 - Asian American Experiences
East to America: Sociology of Asian Americans
In this course we will explore contemporary issues for Asian Americans through a sociological lens. To do so, we will place contemporary Asian American experiences within the larger social and historical context by examining the social, political, historical, and economic institutions that have shaped the Asian American experience. As such, students will explore sociological concepts of immigration, adaptation, and assimilation while also examining issues of race, ethnic conflict, education, gender, sexuality, social movements, and media representations. (Sociology)
Winter 2011