What does it mean to belong to a community? How are communities formed in ways which emphasize exclusivity or encourage inclusivity? What are practical strategies for facilitating and strengthening community? 

These questions will be answered over the course of spring semester in SOC481/581 “community studies.” Students will address these issues through the course reading below, as well as design an inclusive “third place” for the community of Indiana, Pennsylvania.  

Reading list:

Alkon, Alison. 2012. Black, White, and Green: Farmer’s Markets Race and the Green Economy. University of Georgia Press.  

hooks, bell. 2008. Belonging. Routledge.

Junger, Sebastian. 2016. Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging. Twelve/Hachette Book Group.

Oldenburg, Ray. 1999. The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Saloons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of Community. Da Capo Press.

Putnam, Robert D. and Lewis M. Feldstein. 2003. Better Together: Restoring the American Community. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.