SOCL110 - Introduction to Sociology

Description:
Sociology is the scientific study of group behavior - whether the groups are dyads, small groups, associations, bureaucracies, societies, publics, aggregates, social movements, or mobs, etc. This introductory course introduces the student to sociological principles and theoretical perspectives that facilitate understanding the norms, values, structure, and process of the various types of groups into which people organize. The course focuses on applying the scientific method to studying social problems (e.g. poverty, crime, sexism, and racism) and basic institutions (i.e. family, government, economy, religion, education). Students will develop their "sociological imagination" as a way of understanding what their lives are and can be in relation to the larger social forces at work in local, national, and international environments.

Outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological perspective, the theoretical foundations of sociology, and the contributions of the theorist who developed these perspectives
• Examine the quantitative and qualitative research techniques used in sociology and the appropriate, ethical uses of such research
• Analyze socialization within the context of culture and institutions on shaping human behavior and worldviews
• Explain social structures and the roles, statuses, and behaviors that exist within and outside of these structures
• Compare theories of crime, deviance, and systems of social control
• Summarize the effects of social stratification and social class on the individual, in the United States, and globally
• Describe the major social institutions, such as marriage and the family, religion, politics, the economy, health care, and/or education
• Investigate additional topics, such as population, urbanization, the environment, aging, war/terrorism, and major theories of social change

Required Text(s):

• Conerly, T., Holmes, K., Tamang, A. L., Hensley, J., Trost, J. L., Alcasey, P., McGonigal, K., Griffiths, H., Keirns, N., Strayer, E., Sadler, T., Cody-Rydzewski, S., Scaramuzzo, G., Vyain, S., Bry, J., & Jones, F. (2021). Introduction to sociology 3e. OpenStax.