SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology

Abstract

¶Overview This course is an introduction into the field of Sociology and requires no prior knowledge of the subject. ¶The aims of the course are threefold: it seeks to introduce students to the idea of what society is and how it functions, to familiarize students with the central sociological concepts (society, social structures, culture, class, race, gender, power, etc.), and, finally, to present some of the main instruments of sociological inquiry. In other words, the course will attempt to answer the questions of what sociology is about, what it can do, and how one can answer sociological questions. The course will give student an opportunity to learn the essential components of the canon of the contemporary American sociology, as well as develop social scientific reasoning. The latter is foundational for any other further courses in social sciences that a student might choose to take in the future. ¶Course Goals The course will help to create a foundational knowledge and develop critical thinking about multiple aspects of social life and human behavior conditioned by society, in this way helping to prepare for other courses in Social Sciences. *Although this course is not a preparatory course for any exam other than the course’s midterm and final exams, it is designed to assist in preparation to successfully passing an MCAT exam (scoring higher on “Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior” section). ¶Format of the Course Students are expected to attend all sessions and complete all assignments. All materials for the course, as well as announcements and assignments will be posted on Canvas page of the course.