SOC 204 The Sociological Perspective

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces and employs the sociological imagination to explore society and social experience. Emphasizes the complex relationships between individuals and society by introducing students to a diverse range of sociological approaches. Includes socialization, social structure, social interaction, culture, groups, stratification, social class, deviance, social science methodology, and the intellectual history of sociology.

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:

Analyze society by employing the sociological perspective.
Distinguish between issues and troubles by giving examples.
Evaluate the ways in which social structure gives direction to and sets limits on human behavior.
Identify ways in which social inequalities are reflected in and reinforced by culture.
Explain how socialization shapes the self and shapes racial, gender, and sexual identities.
Analyze the social class and opportunity structures found in the U.S.
Discuss the extent in which actors and groups can impact social structure.
Identify, explain, illustrate, and assess the major theoretical frameworks in sociology.
Discuss how social scientists conduct research.

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

What is Sociology
Development of Sociology
- Durkheim
- Marx
- Weber
- Dubois
- Addams
- Chicago School
Sociological Imagination
Major Theoretical Perspectives
Sociological Inquiry, Methods, and Data Analysis
Culture
Socialization
Deviance
Social Structure and Social Interaction
Groups and Networks
Social Stratification and Social Class
- United States
- Global