Sociology: Introduction to Sociology

Fundamental principles and problems in the sociological analysis of the structure and dynamics of modern society.

Open to Degree and PACE students

https://www.uvm.edu/coursedirectory/course.php?term=202401&crn=14278

2) COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. 3) COMPETENCIES: Objectives for SOC 001 —Intro to Sociology Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to do the following: a. Discuss the nature of sociology as a discipline b. Define and discuss the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology c. Identify the importance of the scientific method and the various techniques sociologists use to conduct research d. Examine the elements of culture, including cultural values and norms, sanctions, cultural universals, and ethnocentricity e. Discuss the impact of social structure on the individual and the individual’s role in shaping the social structure f. Define the concepts of social groups and group dynamics g. Discuss the various dimensions of social inequality, including issues of racial/ethnic and gender inequalities h. Explain what is meant by the term “social institutions of society” and list the major social institutions i. Explain the practical benefits of developing a sociological imagination j. Examine the role of socialization in the nature-nurture debate and describe the various agents of socialization and how they affect socialization Topics covered will be chosen from, but not limited to, the following: social interaction in everyday life, deviance, media, culture, socialization, groups and organizations, theory, research methods and perspectives, social stratification, gender stratification, race and ethnicity, family and religion, and population.

a) HOW CAN YOU BE SUCCESSFUL LEARNING SOCIOLOGY? Sociology, as an academic discipline, is a Social Science; therefore, there are data, facts and conclusions appropriately derived from scientific research, empirical studies and analytical investigations, not unlike other sciences. To be successful in your learning within the academic discipline of Sociology, you must set aside your biases and “common sense” interpretations of human and social behavior and, instead, allow yourself to study and grasp the facts, concepts and analyses from this Social Science. In some instances, the study of Sociology is more difficult, more consuming, than the study of a new natural or social science in that you may have to actually unlearn or re-conceptualize many of your biases and common-sense understandings. Again, this is the scientific and analytical study of society – people and group behaviors and attitudes.

9) APPROXIMATE VALUE OF CLASS REQUIREMENTS a) 745 FINAL b) 745 Sage Work c) 745 Midterm/Reflections d) 745 Participation1 Plus 350 points of Supplemental Credit (optional) 1Participation grades are calculated based on the contributions students make to the classroom environment, how well they fully commit to the education process, by attending class on time, and engaging with all assignments/quizzes. 1) SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT: I have been known to have a rather generous supplemental credit policy when students are mindful of the rules and respectful of the learning process. I believe learning can take place in a number of environments and through all the media available to us in this modern world; therefore, some assignments and discussion topics will come from listening to the radio or watching TV and movies! However, supplemental credit is not EXTRA credit in the traditional sense. You may not use it to SUBSTITUTE an assignment you simply did not choose to do. You also may not use it if you are not fully committed to the education process. Specifically, if you are disruptive to a positive class experience, refuse to learn the sociological principles being taught, or do not complete assigned work regularly, you will not be eligible to receive future supplemental credit points and your Participation grade will suffer.