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Debora Sepich
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/zm6auf/fundamentals
What's inside
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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possible dealbreakers
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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Reviews summary
Solid foundation in sociological theories
According to learners, this course provides a strong, accessible introduction to sociology, particularly excelling in its clear explanations of complex theories. Many commend the engaging and knowledgeable instructor, who effectively brings the subject matter to life. Students appreciate the broad overview of key concepts, making it ideal for those new to the field. However, some find that while it builds a solid foundational understanding, it may lack the in-depth coverage desired by more advanced learners. Additionally, a few reviewers noted that the supplementary readings can be quite dense.
Instructor's teaching style enhances learning experience.
"The instructor's lectures were engaging and passionate, which kept me motivated throughout the entire course."
"Our professor made even potentially dry topics interesting with great real-world examples and clear speaking."
"I really appreciated the instructor's ability to simplify complex ideas without oversimplifying them for the audience."
Ideal for beginners, covers broad topics adequately.
"This course provides a great initial understanding of sociology, perfect for someone like me with no prior background in the subject."
"It's a really good introduction, offering a broad survey of key sociological concepts and important historical contexts."
"If you're new to sociology, this course lays a very solid groundwork for future study in the social sciences."
Simplifies complex sociological theories effectively.
"The course did an excellent job breaking down complex sociological theories like functionalism and conflict theory; I finally understood them!"
"I found the explanations of symbolic interactionism particularly clear; it truly made these intricate ideas accessible to me."
"The way the instructor explained concepts was so straightforward, making even difficult topics easy to grasp and follow."
Required readings can be challenging or require extra effort.
"The required readings were sometimes quite dense and took a lot of effort for me to fully digest and understand."
"I struggled with some of the academic papers; they felt a bit overwhelming at times for an introductory course level."
"While important, some readings could benefit from clearer guidance or more structured supplementary materials to aid comprehension."
May not satisfy those seeking advanced or specialized study.
"While excellent for beginners, I felt it didn't go deep enough into certain theories I was hoping to explore further."
"As someone with some background in social sciences, I found myself wishing for more advanced discussions and detailed case studies."
"This course is a great starting point, but I'll need to seek out additional resources for more specialized knowledge in specific areas."
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
Show steps
Develops ability to compare and contrast different sociological theories.
View
The New Sociology of Knowledge
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapters 1-3
-
Summarize the key arguments of each chapter
-
Identify and compare the different assumptions of each theory
Form a Study Group
Show steps
Provides a collaborative learning environment and support from peers.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Helps identify areas of strength and weakness in understanding the course material.
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend Live Office Hours
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to ask questions about the course material and clarify concepts.
Show steps
-
Prepare questions about the material
-
Attend the office hours session
-
actively participate and ask questions
Volunteer at a Social Service Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in applying sociological concepts and observing social phenomena.
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant organizations
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Participate in volunteer activities
Attend a Sociology Conference
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to connect with other students, researchers, and professionals in the field.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhances critical thinking skills and deepens understanding of sociological concepts.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Develops research skills and provides hands-on experience in applying sociological methods.
Show steps
-
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
Read Classic Sociological Theory
Show steps
Develops ability to compare and contrast different sociological theories.
View
The New Sociology of Knowledge
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapters 1-3
- Summarize the key arguments of each chapter
- Identify and compare the different assumptions of each theory
Form a Study Group
Show steps
Provides a collaborative learning environment and support from peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Helps identify areas of strength and weakness in understanding the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend Live Office Hours
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to ask questions about the course material and clarify concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare questions about the material
- Attend the office hours session
- actively participate and ask questions
Volunteer at a Social Service Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in applying sociological concepts and observing social phenomena.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant organizations
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Participate in volunteer activities
Attend a Sociology Conference
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to connect with other students, researchers, and professionals in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhances critical thinking skills and deepens understanding of sociological concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Develops research skills and provides hands-on experience in applying sociological methods.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Anthropologist
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.
Demographer
Demographer
Demographers study population trends and characteristics. This course on the fundamentals of sociology would provide a strong foundation for a career in demography.
Forensic Sociologist
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.
Social Activist
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.
Social Worker
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.
Community Organizer
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.
Market Researcher
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Urban Planner
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Teacher
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.
Human Resources Manager
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.
Economist
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.
Journalist
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zm6auf/fundamentals
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.
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.
This classic work of sociology explores the ways in which social reality is constructed through human interaction. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of culture and society in shaping our understanding of the world.
This classic work of sociology explores the ways in which people present themselves to others in everyday life. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of social interaction in shaping our identities.
This classic work of sociology explores the ways in which social class is expressed through cultural tastes and preferences. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of culture in shaping social inequality.
Save
This classic work of feminist theory explores the ways in which women are oppressed in society. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of gender in shaping social inequality.
Save
Explores the ways in which race social construct that is used to justify inequality. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of race in shaping social inequality.
Save
Explores the ways in which inequality harms societies. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of social inequality in shaping social problems.
Explores the decline of social capital in the United States. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of social capital in shaping social problems.
Save
Explores the future of capitalism. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges facing capitalism in the 21st century.
Explores the rise of the creative class in the United States. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of creativity in shaping the economy.
Save
Explores the rise of global cities. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of cities in the global economy.
Explores the potential consequences of climate change. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zm6auf/fundamentals
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Rating
4.0
Effort
8 to 12 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Doane University
Instructor
Debora Sepich
Language
English
Transcript
English
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