Steve G. Hoffman

PhD, Sociology

I teach courses in contemporary and classical eras of sociological theory (both graduate and undergrad), science and technology studies, the sociology of disasters, cultural politics, and organizational sociology. Here are sample syllabi of recent course offerings. In 2023-24, I am teaching classes on organizational sociology, science and technology, disasters, contemporary sociological theory, and environmental sociology.

For more on my teaching philosophy, click the link below:

TEACHING

Graduate Classical Sociological Theory

This course explores the development of sociological theory, focusing on the primary texts of six social theorists who have had an enduring impact on contemporary sociology. 

Classical Sociological Theory

Sociology of Disasters

Power and Cultural Politics

The modern world leans heavily on the assumption that organizations run smoothly, but often they do not and sometimes the consequences are disastrous. This course draws on a variety of sociological theories and explanatory frameworks to better understand how any why large scale disasters occur. 

This course explores the development of sociological theory as well as the professional discipline of sociology, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The course focuses primarily on five major social theorists who have had a profound impact on contemporary sociological research – their lives, times, and ideas.

This lecture course will ask students to engage with classic and contemporary views on power and its relation to the social bases of politics and social movements.

Sustainability, Risk, and Science-in-the-Making

This seminar course focuses on problems related to sustainability, risk, and science-in-themaking. It is my hope that students will choose to work with a community-based organization working in the Peel Region on a significant issue related to sustainability, risk, and the production of scientific knowledge. 

Science, Technology, and Society

It is a common assumption that society is progressively transformed by scientific and technological innovation. The steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution, air conditioners produced the suburbs, and Facebook transformed human social interaction. Is the relationship between science, technology, and social change this simple? This course explores the emergence, development, and consequences of science and technology in the modern world.