Introduction

Welcome to Sociology! We all belong to many groups; you’re a member of your sociology class, and you're a member of your family; you may belong to a political party, sports team, or the crowd watching a sporting event; you’re a citizen of your country, and you're a part of a generation. You may have a somewhat different role in each group and feel differently in each. Sociology is the systematic study of social institutions, social relationships, and society. In order to carry out their studies, sociologists identify cultural patterns and social forces and determine how they affect individuals and groups. They also develop ways to apply their findings to the real world.

Click the video below to watch two introductory videos.

 Module Objectives 

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Understand how the different sociological perspectives developed. (CLO1, CLO3)
2. Describe how sociology became a separate academic discipline (CLO1)
3. Explain what sociological theories are and how they are used (CLO 2) 
4. Understand the similarities and differences between structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism (CLO2)
5. Explain why it is worthwhile to study sociology.  (CO2, CO4)
6. Define and describe the scientific method as it is used in sociological research. (CLO6) 

   Module Activities 

Below is an outline of the items for which you will be responsible throughout the module.

 READ

DUE: Early in the module

Read the following early in the week to help you respond to the discussion questions and to complete your assignment(s).

Introduction

     1.  Read the introduction.  (MO 1)

Required Textbook Readings

1. Chapter 1 in our textbook. – (MO 1 ,2 ,3 , 4, 5, 6)

 DISCUSS

Respond to the discussion prompts and questions by the due dates outlined in the assignment.  You should contribute your first post no later than Day XX. Then, follow up on the posts of your classmates and faculty and respond to your own posts by Day XX.

1.  Module 1 Discussion– (MO 5) DUE: Post Day X, Replies Day - XX

 SUBMIT

Submit your completed assignment by Day XX of this module.  For detailed instructions on completing each assignment, see the associated course page.

1. Module 1 Assignment. - (MO 2, 3, 5) DUE: Day XX
2. Module 1 Quiz - (MO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) DUE: Day XX

Note the checkboxes to the right that help you track your progress: some are automatic, and some are manual.