SOCY 110

Introduction to Sociology

Catalog Entry

Department Prefix:  SOCY      

Course Number:  110

Course Title: Introduction to Sociology

Prerequisites:  None

Credit Hours: Three hours lecture (3)

Brief Description:  This course introduces basic concepts and methods of sociology. It presents significant research and theory in areas such as culture, social structure, socialization, deviance, social stratification, and social institutions. This course has been approved for credit in the Social and Behavioral Studies or in the U. S. Perspectives Area of the Core Curriculum.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. What is Sociology?

2. Sociological Methods

3. Culture

4. Social Structure

5. Socialization

6. Social Groups and Organizations

7. Deviance

8. Social Stratification

9. Social Institutions

a. family

b. politics

c. economy

d. education

e. religion

10. Special Topic (selected in accordance with the special interests of the professor)

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A combination of lecture and informal discussion is used in this course. Both may focus upon the text(s) or other assigned readings, audio-visual presentations, or applicable materials drawn from media discussions of current events.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

1.  Students will be able to:

a.  understand the sociological perspective;
b.  describe what sociologists have learned about the way the social world is    organized;
c.  apply the sociological perspective in an analysis of topical issues.

2.  Students will understand how individual, social, or cultural factors influence human behavior and shape reciprocal relationships between people and society.

Students will be able to:

a. explain the social or cultural factors that shape individuals' ideas and behaviors

b. explain how individual and collective behaviors shape societies and cultures

c. explain social or behavioral science concepts

d. use social or behavioral science concepts to interpret real-world problems, including the underlying origins of such problems

3. Students will also understand how social and cultural (for example, political, historical, economic, environmental, religious, or geographic) forces shape the American experience. 

Students will also be able to:

a. Explain basic facets of the American experience with attention to unity and diversity in American society

b. use material studied to explain contemporary issues in the United States

c. evaluate common institutions in American society and how they have affected, or continue to affect, different groups

Assessment Measures

Students may be graded on the basis of in-class examinations--which may consist of objective and essay questions, quizzes, term papers or projects, and class attendance and participation.

Other Course Information

Informal, ungraded in-class writings may be utilized as a springboard to discussion.

Review and Approval