Jen Triplett is a qualitative comparative-historical sociologist working in the subfields of political sociology, sociology of culture, and gender. Her current book project, “Articulating Crisis: Political Consolidation and Meaning-Making in Revolutionary Cuba,” contributes to a sociological understanding of immediate post-revolutionary periods by focusing on how new regime leaders shape political subjects and promote cohesion across diverse groups. Through a qualitative analysis of textual data from Cuba in the 1960s, she argues that political elites pursue these goals, in part, through political articulation, that is, the linking together of disparate social groups to form a unifying political identity. Jen holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor and a MA in Latin American Studies from Tulane University. Her written work has appeared in the American Sociological Review and Qualitative Sociology.
keywords
Historical Sociology, Political Sociology, Cultural Sociology, Revolutions
SOCY 3001 - Classical Theory
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Fall 2025
In-depth study of classical sociological theorists, particularly Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. Examines their roles in defining the discipline of sociology.
SOCY 3141 - Social Movements and the Politics of Protest
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Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Considers theory and research about social movements and other forms of protest within and beyond the United States. Examines their impacts as well as factors shaping their success and failure, including leadership, ideology, recruitment, strategy, organizational dynamics, and broader social context. Recommended prerequisite: 6 credits of SOCY.
SOCY 5202 - Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Theory
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Spring 2025
Examines selected sociological theories considered contemporary, including but not limited to cultural sociology, feminist theory, postcolonial thought, actor-network theory, microsociology, field theory, and poststructuralism. Discusses the formation of a sociological canon and the challenge of categorizing theory. Considers the process of theorizing as an acquired skill. Previously offered as a special topics course.
SOCY 6041 - Cultural Sociology
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Spring 2026
Explores "the cultural turn" in sociology and related disciplines. Reviews basic themes in cultural studies: distinguishing "cultural" and "social"; narrative as catalyst between symbols and practices; cultural production processes; self as embodied; culture and power; methods and epistemological issues. Students present their own projects in class and as research papers.
