Course Description
Basic concepts, theoretical approaches, and methods of sociology, with an emphasis on culture, socialization, social organizations, and major institutions.
Athena Title
Introductory Sociology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SOCI 1101E, SOCI 1101H
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course introduces the sociological enterprise: its concepts, knowledge, and ways of thinking. On completion of the course, students should: (1) be able to apply the sociological perspective to the issues they and those around them face; (2) be familiar with basic sociological concepts, principles, and theories; 3) be familiar with the different sociological methods and approaches used in analyzing sociological data; and (4) be familiar with some standard sociological studies and findings, especially those in the areas of population growth and aging, the struggle for racial equality, the causes and consequences of social stratification, and the workings of various institutional spheres such as education, religion, and politics.
Topical Outline
The following topics may be covered in this course: 1. The Sociological Perspective 2. Methods of Sociology 3. Culture and Social Structure 4. Socialization and Social Interaction 5. Gender 6. Crime and Deviance 7. Groups, Organizations, and Work 8. Childhood, Families, and Marriage 9. Stratification and Social Class 10. Education and Schooling 11. Race and Ethnicity 12. Age and Aging 13. Religion 14. Population and Urbanization 15. Technology and Environment 16. Social Movements and Collective Action 17. The Political Institution 18. Globalization and the Capitalist World System
General Education Core
CORE V: Social SciencesSyllabus