Soc 1502 Introduction To Sociology

SOC 1502: Introduction to Sociology

Course Description:

This course intends to teach how simple, everyday human actions and interactions can change the world. Being based on a Canadian edition of Introduction to Sociology, a Creative Commons book developed by OpenStax College, this course reflects the teaching and research experience of numerous sociologists. Therefore, it is hoped that in this course you will find applications of Sociology concepts that are globally relevant, academically current, and culturally balanced.

The approach of Introduction to Sociology adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical introductory sociology course. In addition to comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories that can be found in reading materials, student assignments for this course are organized around engaging questions, discussions that help students apply the sociological imagination, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways.

Although the text of the original course book was modified and reorganized to suit the needs of this course, different chapters of the course book are organized around topics that are introduced conceptually, with relevant, everyday experiences. The course is designed to acquaint students with: (1) What Sociology is, (2) what Sociologists have done in the past, (3) what Sociologists are currently involved in, (4) how Sociologists perceive the social world, and (5) how we can better understand our own social world and the social world of people in other cultures.

Required Textbook and Materials:

The main required textbooks for this course are listed below, and can be readily accessed using the provided links. There may be additional required/recommended readings, supplemental materials, or other resources and websites necessary for lessons; these will be provided for you in the course’s General Information and Forums area, and throughout the term via the weekly course Unit areas and the Learning Guides.

Software Requirements/Installation:

No special requirements.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Define sociology, its development, and current role as a scientific discipline.
2. Explain the various scientific methods used in sociological research.
3. Examine numerous culture and the sociological research applications from other countries.
4. Acquire a sociological analytical ability and sociological insight when discussing social issues.
5. Apply sociological concepts to analyze social trends debunking mythical or inaccurate assumptions.

Course Schedule and Topics:

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction, History & Social Theories

Week 2: Unit 2 – Culture, Socialization, Society & Groups

Week 3: Unit 3 – Deviance, Crime & Social Stratification

Week 4: Unit 4 – Gender, Race & Family

Week 5: Unit 5 – Media, Economy & Globalization

Week 6: Unit 6 – Education & Religion

Week 7: Unit 7 – Aging, Population & Health

Week 8: Unit 8 – Collective Behaviors, Politics, & Social Change

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam