New UH Sociology Course Focused on Works of Best-Selling Author Malcolm Gladwell
Summary
“It places the contributions of a pop cultural superstar like Gladwell in conversation with prominent sociologists of the past and present, posing new questions concerning who and what is a sociologist.” Lee notes the goal of sociology as a discipline is to go beyond assumptions about life to form theories and insights based on a more critical evaluation of human conditions.“He uses scientific data collected by leading social scientists and intriguing stories throughout the book to present a complex picture of how the achievement of success cannot be reduced to a simple formula.A new undergraduate course taught by Shayne Lee, associate professor of sociology at the University of Houston, will focus on the writings of journalist and best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell in order to delve into the nature of the scientific study of human social relationships and institutions through the lens of popular culture consumption.Gladwell, a staff writer at “The New Yorker” since 1996, is the author five “New York Times” best-seller books: “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference”, “Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking”, “Outliers: The Story of Success”, “What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures” and his most recent book, “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.”He has increased his popularity beyond the mass consumption of his books through savvy use of social media and connection with the nonprofit TED, which produces the now ubiquitous TED Talks videos and annual conferences that can turn academics into social media superstars.TED describes Gladwell as a “detective of fads and emerging subcultures, chronicler of jobs-you-never-knew-existed, Malcolm Gladwells work is toppling the popular understanding of bias, crime, food, marketing, race, consumers and intelligence.”Lee says Gladwell’s ability to shape and redirect popular understanding of sociology concepts makes his work an excellent framework for exploring how human action and consciousness shape and are shaped by cultural and social structures.“Students will assess how the ‘Gladwellian’ perspective confirms and challenges established social theories and offers intriguing new insights for the discipline of sociology,” said Lee.“It places the contributions of a pop cultural superstar like Gladwell in conversation with prominent sociologists of the past and present, posing new questions concerning who and what is a sociologist.”Lee notes the goal of sociology as a discipline is to go beyond assumptions about life to form theories and insights based on a more critical evaluation of human conditions.In this way, he explores how hard work, good communication skills, strategic planning and other crucial factors can make or break opportunities for success.“He uses scientific data collected by leading social scientists and intriguing stories throughout the book to present a complex picture of how the achievement of success cannot be reduced to a simple formula.