3 hours; 3 credits
Survey of the concepts, methods, theories, and principles with which sociology interprets social behavior. Emphasis on the structure and problems of contemporary society.
This course introduces central issues in sociology. Students will develop a “sociological imagination” that enables them to understand how individuals are shaped by society (social structures and institutions) and how individuals and groups, in turn, recreate society. The sociological imagination allows us to see the world in a different light.
In addition to learning central concepts in sociology, this course is also intended to provide students with an opportunity to meet the goals of a “liberal education.” According to the Association of American College and Universities (1999):
A truly liberal education is one that prepares us to live responsible, productive, and creative lives in a dramatically changing world. It is an education that fosters a well-grounded intellectual resilience, a disposition toward lifelong learning, and an acceptance of responsibility for the ethical consequences of our ideas and actions. Liberal education requires that we understand the foundation of knowledge and inquiry about nature, culture, and society; that we master core skills of perception, analysis, and expression; that we cultivate a respect for truth; that we recognize the importance of historical and cultural context; and that we explore connections among formal learning, citizenship, and service to our communities.