SOC 205 United States Society

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Examines organized systems of behavior and how institutions interrelate and impact individuals and groups. Emphasizes the differential benefits of established social arrangements. Covers the family, government, religion, education, health care, and medicine, the economy, formal organizations, and the sociology of work. Although focus is on U.S. society, global themes are explored.

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 how social institutions contribute to societal stability.
Discuss the consequences to individuals and groups when social institutions contribute to societal instability.
Explain the role of social institutions in the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and privilege in the U.S.
Compare and contrast the experiences of individuals and varying groups within the context of social institutions.
Evaluate the ways in which social structure gives direction to and sets limits on human behavior.
Discuss the extent in which actors and groups can change the ways in which social institutions are arranged.
Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches to social institutions.

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