Course Description

 

Sociology is the scientific discipline that studies society. It examines human interactions, cultural phenomena, and topics that include inequality, urbanization, and their effects on groups and individuals. In unit 1, we study the philosophy of science sociologists rely on called positivism which asserts we can only gain authentic knowledge or truth through empirical observations. We need to be able to experience our observations or make scientific measurements with a form of sensory experience instead of using faith-based and emotional experiences.

 

In this course, we introduce a range of basic sociological principles so you can develop your own sociological imagination. We study about the origins of sociology as a discipline, and some major sociological theories and research methods. We also explore the topics of sex and gender, deviance, and racism. As we move through the course, try to develop your sociological imagination by relating the topics and theories you read about to your own life experiences.

 

This course includes the following units:

- Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology

- Unit 2: Culture, the Socialized Self, and the Individual in Society

- Unit 3: Social Inequality

- Unit 4: Institutions

- Unit 5: Social Change and Social Issues