For a show about nothing, "Seinfeld" has sure inspired a lot of talk about something, even seven years after the series ended. Tim Delaney, a sociology professor and author of the new book "Seinology: The Sociology of Seinfeld," believes that the 1990s smash-hit sitcom represented all the little things that make up modern American culture.
Delaney, who will be speaking at the Center for Inquiry on Sweet Home Road Friday night, said he began his exploration of "Seinfeld" as it relates to sociology by examining each and every episode of the show, and hopes to have his new book used as a classroom text in the near future.
" 'Seinfeld' was once criticized as a show about nothing. When in reality it was a show about everything," Delaney, a SUNY Oswego professor, said in an e-mail.
Delaney began using quirky and memorable situations from "Seinfeld" as examples in the classroom and noticed more class participation.
"I realized a few years ago that when I used 'Seinfeld' references in my classes to illustrate basic sociological principles, the students paid closer attention," Delaney said. "Students who watch 'Seinfeld,' and a vast majority of my students do, really appreciate the application of 'Seinfeld' in the classroom."
Delaney will be delving into these social issues by talking about the hilarious and sometimes controversial episodes of "Seinfeld."
"I will discuss 'The Wizard' episode which reflects the delicate nature of discussing a person's race, marriage and family, religion and the concept of 'Festivus-a festival for the rest of us' which describes a secular alternative to organized religious celebrations and wrap it up with 'yada, yada, yada,' " he said.
He will also cover the topic of health and mental health, using the "Serenity now, insanity later" approach.
" 'Seinfeld' describes numerous examples of everyday life. The chapters in 'Seinology' reflect the typical topics discussed in introductory sociology courses, for example, culture, socialization, gender, race and ethnicity and religion," Delaney said.
Among the chapters titles are "You double-dipped the chip," or "Look to the cookie, Elaine." There is a chapter about crime and social control, simply titled "You don't have to help anybody. That's what this country's all about."
"Seinology" is a way of explaining sociology in a way that everyone can relate to, but Delaney insists that a person doesn't have to own the entire collection of "Seinfeld" DVDs to enjoy the book or discussion.
"I think it's set up so that even if you have no background in 'Seinfeld,' it's something you can follow. In a way, it's like a novel where we introduce the characters and people can follow the action. The reader will learn about sociology without being overwhelmed by it," Delaney said in the March 8th article in the Oswego Campus News.
Delaney's hopes his discussion on "Seinology" puts a spin on how students look at Sociology 101.
" 'Seinfeld' was, and remains, a sociological phenomenon. Not only was the show hugely popular when it first aired, it remains very popular today as many people, especially younger viewers, are watching the show for the first time," Delaney said.
The lecture begins at 7 p.m. and admission is $6 for the general public and free for students.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
