• Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology

    In this unit, we explore the discipline of sociology. We learn how sociology developed, as a field of research, and study various central theoretical perspectives. We examine sociological research and explore different ethical concerns social scientists and researchers face in their work. Why should we study sociology and how can we apply it to the real world. For example, did you know sociologists helped the U.S. Supreme Court end "separate but equal" racial segregation in the United States? Martin Luther King, Jr., Michelle Obama, Ronald Reagan, Robin Williams were all sociology majors. Sociologists have helped change and mold of our social world. Sociology teaches how individuals fit into the bigger picture of society. We can look at ourselves with a sociological perspective to see how we classify ourselves and how others classify us. Sociology is an invaluable tool for living and working in our increasingly diverse and globalized world.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • explain what is meant by sociological perspective;
      • explain how sociology contributes to our understanding of the social world;
      • explain how different data collection and analysis methods (both qualitative and quantitative) are used in social science;
      • identify and apply theories and concepts from classical sociological theories;
      • identify and apply theories and concepts from contemporary sociological theories; and
      • explain how social, political, and economic structures impact patterns of human thought.

    • 1.1: Theoretical Perspectives

      • An Introduction to Sociology Book

        Read this chapter for an introduction to sociology. As you read each section, consider the following topics:

        • Write down the definition of sociology. Also, focus on Mill's concept of the sociological imagination.
        • Take note of important sociological figures, such as Karl Marx and Auguste Comte, as well as the bold terms.
        • Take notes on the three major sociological theoretical perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
        • Take note of the societal, as well as personal, benefits of studying sociology. How will studying sociology help you in your life?

      • Structural Functional Theory Page

        Watch this lecture, which covers the theoretical perspective known as structural functionalism.

      • Symbolic Interaction Theory Page

        Watch this lecture, which covers the theoretical perspective known as symbolic interaction.

      • Social Conflict Theory Page

        Watch this lecture, which covers the theoretical perspective known as conflict theory.

      • Quiz: An Introduction to Sociology
        Receive a grade

        Use this quiz to help you check your understanding of subunit 1.1. Once your score has been calculated, review your class notes and resource materials to better understand any questions you answered incorrectly.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

    • 1.2: Sociological Research

      • Sociological Research Book

        Read this chapter for a review of sociological research. As you read, consider the following topics:

        • Take note of the bold terms throughout the chapter.
        • Take some time to study Figure 1 and the accompanying text, which outline the scientific process of studying sociology.
        • Take note of the differences in scientific approaches to studying sociology, including surveys, field research, participant observation, ethnographies, case studies, experiments, and secondary data analysis.
        • Take note of the code of ethics and think about how these ethical standards are vital to conducting research about human subjects.
      • What are Empirical Questions? Page

        Watch this lecture, which covers the scientific process of formulating and answering scientific questions.

      • What is Ethics in Research and Why is it Important? Page

        Read the article on the importance of ethics in research.

      • Quiz: Sociological Research
        Receive a grade

        Use this quiz to help you check your understanding of subunit 1.2. Once your score has been calculated, review your class notes and resource materials to better understand any questions you answered incorrectly.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

    • Unit 1 Discussion and Assessment

      • Unit 1 Discussion Forum
        Make forum posts: 1
      • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.