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Fundamentals of Sociology

This course is an introduction to the study of human social behavior, social groups, and society. The course emphasizes the basic concepts and theories found in the discipline of sociology. The course will compare and contrast different theories as well as look at different processes of socialization.

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Learning objectives

Compare and contrast the basic assumptions found in functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism theory.
Critique the advantages and disadvantages inherent in the most prominent research design methods employed by sociologists.
Explain the connection between culture and the process of socialization.
Discriminate between social interaction and social structure.

Assess the nature of the family as a social institution from the functionalist theoretical perspective, the conflict theoretical perspective, and the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective.
Explain the difference between primary groups and secondary groups.
Assess important implications derived from social divisions based on race/ethnicity, social class, gender, and age.
Explain how historic social upheavals have resulted in significant social change.

Compare and contrast the basic assumptions found in functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism theory.
Critique the advantages and disadvantages inherent in the most prominent research design methods employed by sociologists.
Explain the connection between culture and the process of socialization.
Discriminate between social interaction and social structure.
Assess the nature of the family as a social institution from the functionalist theoretical perspective, the conflict theoretical perspective, and the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective.
Explain the difference between primary groups and secondary groups.
Assess important implications derived from social divisions based on race/ethnicity, social class, gender, and age.
Explain how historic social upheavals have resulted in significant social change.

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Addresses basic concepts that underlie the study of sociology, ensuring a strong foundation for beginners

Compares and contrasts three major theoretical perspectives in sociology: functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism theory, fostering critical thinking skills

Examines advantages and disadvantages of prominent research design methods, enhancing students' understanding of sociological research techniques

Explores the connection between culture and socialization, providing insights into the shaping of individuals within social contexts

Analyzes the nature of the family as a social institution from multiple theoretical perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of its functions and dynamics

Examines important implications derived from social divisions based on race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and age, promoting awareness of social inequality and its consequences

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Sociology with these activities:

Read Classic Sociological Theory

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Develops ability to compare and contrast different sociological theories.

View The New Sociology of Knowledge on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3
Summarize the key arguments of each chapter
Identify and compare the different assumptions of each theory

Form a Study Group

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Provides a collaborative learning environment and support from peers.

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Find a group of fellow students interested in studying together
Set regular meeting times
Discuss the course material, share insights, and quiz each other

Complete Practice Quizzes

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Helps identify areas of strength and weakness in understanding the course material.

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Access the practice quizzes provided by the instructor
Complete the quizzes
Review the answers and identify areas where further study is needed

Five other activities

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Attend Live Office Hours

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Provides an opportunity to ask questions about the course material and clarify concepts.

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Prepare questions about the material
Attend the office hours session
actively participate and ask questions

Volunteer at a Social Service Organization

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Gain practical experience in applying sociological concepts and observing social phenomena.

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Research and identify relevant organizations
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities

Attend a Sociology Conference

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Provides an opportunity to connect with other students, researchers, and professionals in the field.

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Research and identify relevant conferences
Register for the conference
Attend sessions and workshops
Network with other attendees

Create a Sociological Analysis of a Social Issue

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Enhances critical thinking skills and deepens understanding of sociological concepts.

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Choose a social issue of interest
Research and gather information about the issue
Apply sociological theories and concepts to analyze the issue
Write a report or create a presentation summarizing the analysis

Conduct a Small-Scale Sociological Research Project

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Develops research skills and provides hands-on experience in applying sociological methods.

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Define a research question and develop a research plan
Collect data using appropriate methods
Analyze the data and draw conclusions
Write a research report or present the findings

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Sociology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and the interactions between individuals and groups within those societies. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would be a great foundation for a future sociologist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field.

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Demographer

Demographers study population trends and characteristics. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in demography.

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Forensic Sociologist

Forensic Sociologists apply sociological theories and methods to the study of crime and the criminal justice system. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in forensic sociology.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human cultures and societies, both past and present. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in anthropology.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities by organizing them to address common issues. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in community organizing.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people overcome social and economic challenges by providing counseling, support, and other services. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in social work.

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Social Activist

Social activists work to bring about social change by raising awareness of social issues and advocating for policy changes. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in social activism.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners design and plan the development of cities and towns. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in urban planning.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in nonprofit management, particularly in organizations focused on social issues.

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Market Researcher

Market researchers study consumer behavior and market trends to help businesses understand their customers and make better marketing decisions. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in market research.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policies to help policymakers make informed decisions. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in policy analysis.

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Economist

Economists study how societies produce, distribute, and use goods and services, with a focus on how people make decisions in the face of scarcity. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would be helpful in understanding the social forces that influence economic behavior and inform the development of economic policies.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training of employees. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in human resources management.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on current events and other topics of interest to the public. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in journalism, particularly in reporting on social issues.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in various subjects, from elementary school to college. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in teaching, particularly in social studies or related subjects.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Sociology.

Introduction to Sociology

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This textbook provides a global perspective on the field of sociology, examining how social processes and institutions vary across different cultures and societies. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the diversity of human social life.

Fundamentals of Sociology

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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