SOC 205Z Social Change and Institutions

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Sociological analysis of social institutions, such as family, education, health care, the economy, and the state. Includes an examination of connections among institutions and their impact on patterns of inequality and individual outcomes. Examines the forces and dynamics behind social change, such as social movements, culture, economic forces, technologies, and the environment.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Discuss the history of key social institutions.
Analyze major social institutions and change using sociological concepts, theory, and research.
Describe how the structure of institutions shapes patterns of social inequality.
Discuss diversity of experiences that individuals have with institutions based on group membership, such as race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and social class.
Describe how and why societies change over time.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Cultural Literacy Outcomes:

Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Introduction to Sociology and the Study of Social Institutions
Major Theoretical Frameworks
Social Structure
Social Change
Bureaucracies and Organizations
Economy
Work and Occupations
Family
Education
Institutions of the State
Health Care and Medicine
Religion