Human social behavior, social institutions, and society from sociological perspective. Includes introduction to sociological theory and research and application to topics such as social structure, socialization, deviance, inequality, and stratification. Completion of ENGL& 101 or concurrent enrollment recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)
Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological perspective, the theoretical foundations (Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionism), and the contributions of major theorists to the development of these perspectives.
- Identify the ways in which sociologists gather, interpret, and evaluate data, including both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Analyze and explain the components of culture and their impact on shaping human behavior and one’s own world view.
- Describe systems of stratification, including global inequality, racial stratification, social class, and gender stratification.
- Demonstrate an understanding of society as constructed, maintained, and changed through human action.
- Develop what C. Wright Mills called a "sociological imagination", enabling you to understand your life in the context of broader historical trends and social processes.
- Apply knowledge of societal structures and processes in critically examining problems facing various social institutions (i.e. family, education, media, economy, government, criminal justice, etc.).