20809203Introduction to Sociology
Course Information
Description
Provides a complex understanding of society, focusing on how social structures and interactions shape human behavior. Introduces sociological perspectives, theories, and research methods, and includes an analysis of social stratification and inequalities. Fosters critical thinking and communication skills by exploring core concepts including culture, socialization, groups, deviance, and the social construction of reality. Examines institutions such as the economy, media, family, and education.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION: Demonstrate a complex understanding of your position in the social world
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Compare how sociological explanations differ from individualistic ones
    Describe how your personal identity and life experiences are positioned within a broader social context
    Recognize the role that systems, structures, and social forces play in your own life and the lives of others
    Provide examples of how individuals influence society
    Apply a sociological perspective to inequalities, inequities, and systems of oppression

  2. RESEARCH METHODS: Assess common sociological research techniques for understanding society
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Recognize that sociology is a science, grounded in the scientific method
    Interpret social scientific data
    Evaluate everyday sources of information for bias and accuracy
    Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific sources of information
    Compare quantitative and qualitative research methods
    Explain how data collection methods impact the conclusions we draw from social scientific research
    Evaluate the strengths and limitations of sociological research methods
    Assess what research methods are most appropriate for specific kinds of investigations
    Identify the contribution of social scientific data for identifying, understanding, and explaining social disparities Identify the ethical dilemmas encountered in social scientific research involving marginalized populations

  3. THEORY: Apply major sociological theoretical perspectives to social phenomena
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Describe the key differences between major sociological theoretical perspectives
    Compare the strengths and weaknesses of different sociological theories
    Use sociological theories to explain and understand a variety of social patterns and phenomena
    Critically evaluate sociological explanations of human behavior, social patterns, and social phenomena
    Use sociological theories to evaluate social policies, programs, and practices
    Use sociological theories to explore potential solutions to social disparities, inequities, and other social problems

  4. SUBFIELDS: Demonstrate familiarity with several subfields within the discipline of sociology
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Identify concepts, theories, findings, issues, and questions relevant to various subfields in sociology
    Evaluate the merits of the theoretical perspectives central to the various subfields in sociology
    Provide examples of how the various sociological subfields are interconnected
    Evaluate the extent to which sociological theories and concepts could be applied across subfields
    Examine how social disparities, power, privilege, and inequities are explained and understood within the various subfields in sociology

  5. SOCIALIZATION: Examine processes of socialization
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Define socialization
    Recognize various agents of socialization
    Provide examples of how socializing agents have influenced your identity, development, and sense of self
    Compare the influence of various socializing agents over time and across cultures
    Explore the role that various socializing agents play in perpetuating stereotypes and biases
    Analyze how socialization processes contribute to social reproduction, particularly with regards to power and systems of oppression

  6. CULTURE: Examine cultural dimensions of social life
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Explain the relationship between culture and socialization
    Evaluate ethnocentric and culturally relativistic perspectives of cultural differences
    Provide examples of the various components of culture
    Provide examples of how culture varies over time, across groups, and across societies
    Identify the cultural forces that impact you, the groups to which you belong, and broader society
    Explore how power and privilege are reflected within the dominant culture
    Examine the various processes that influence cultural change

  7. CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOCIAL WORLD: Explain how society is socially constructed
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Explain what it means to say that a concept or practice is socially constructed
    Trace how social constructions change over time
    Examine how social constructions vary across cultures
    Explore the consequences and implications of social constructions
    Identify ways that power and privilege influence social constructions
    Explain how social constructions of identity influence how we think about ourselves and others

  8. INEQUALITIES: Examine social inequalities
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Identify patterns in various forms of social inequalities
    Evaluate the merits of various explanations for social inequalities
    Provide examples of individual and structural-level factors that help to create and social inequalities
    Challenge assumptions and stereotypes about marginalized groups
    Analyze the intersections of various forms of oppression and marginalization
    Examine how power, privilege, and status are linked to social inequalities
    Explore the consequences of different forms of oppression and social inequalities
    Differentiate between equal and equitable social practices
    Consider possible strategies for reducing social inequalities

  9. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS and SYSTEMS: Analyze the large-scale structures of social life
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes/Tests/Exams
    Written Papers and Reflections
    Projects and Presentations (Individual and Group)
    Class Activities (such as Case Studies, Simulations, Discussions, etc.)
    Criteria
    Identify the key roles and functions of various social institutions
    Identify key theoretical approaches used to study social institutions and systems
    Demonstrate how various social institutions and systems are interconnected
    Compare systemic and non-systemic understandings of discrimination, inequality, inequity, and oppression
    Examine the relationship between social inequalities and social institutions
    Explore the dynamics between individuals and social institutions
    Identify the various structural dimensions of inequality, privilege, and oppression