Topic 1: Elements of Culture
Topic 2: Cultural Views
Topic 3: Theories of Socialization
Topic 4: Factors of Socialization
Topic 5: Social Structure
Basic Questions you should be able to answer by the end of unit ONE:
1) How can a sociological perspective help you understand human actions?
2) What factors led to the development of sociology as a distinct field of study?
3) How do theoretical perspectives explain the nature of social life?
4) What research methods do sociologists use to study social behavior?
Topic 2: Cultural Views
Topic 3: Theories of Socialization
Topic 4: Factors of Socialization
Topic 5: Social Structure
Basic Questions you should be able to answer by the end of unit ONE:
1) How can a sociological perspective help you understand human actions?
2) What factors led to the development of sociology as a distinct field of study?
3) How do theoretical perspectives explain the nature of social life?
4) What research methods do sociologists use to study social behavior?
| soc-warm_up_fall.ppt |
Topic 1: Stereotypes
Topic 2: History and Science of Sociology
Topic 3: Applied and Academic Sociological Work
Topic 4: Paradigms/Perspectives in Sociology Movements
Topic 2: History and Science of Sociology
Topic 3: Applied and Academic Sociological Work
Topic 4: Paradigms/Perspectives in Sociology Movements
For this course, We will look at problems through the lens of functionalist, conflict theorist and interactionist perspectives
You should know these definitions and be able to use them throughout the course.
The Functionalist perspective is based largely on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, and Robert Merton. According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole.
Conflict theory, first purported by Karl Marx, is a theory that society is in a state of perpetual conflict because of competition for limited resources. Conflict theory holds that social order is maintained by domination and power (rather than consensus and conformity). According to conflict theory, those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, chiefly by suppressing the poor and powerless. A basic premise of conflict theory is that individuals and groups within society will work to maximize their own benefits.
Symbolic interactionism is a theory that focuses on the relationships among individuals within a society. Communication—the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is believed to be the way in which people make sense of their social worlds. This perspective sees people as being active in shaping the social world rather than simply being acted upon.
Conflict theory, first purported by Karl Marx, is a theory that society is in a state of perpetual conflict because of competition for limited resources. Conflict theory holds that social order is maintained by domination and power (rather than consensus and conformity). According to conflict theory, those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, chiefly by suppressing the poor and powerless. A basic premise of conflict theory is that individuals and groups within society will work to maximize their own benefits.
Symbolic interactionism is a theory that focuses on the relationships among individuals within a society. Communication—the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is believed to be the way in which people make sense of their social worlds. This perspective sees people as being active in shaping the social world rather than simply being acted upon.
