SOC 1020 - Introduction to Sociology

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab None
Course Description: This course is a survey of sociology’s major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Basic concepts include culture, socialization, groups, organizations, deviance, social institutions, change, and inequalities based on class, race, and gender. The course explains how sociological research is conducted using concepts, theories, and methods as well as the significance of a global perspective for understanding social behavior. This course meets the Introduction to Sociology course requirement for the MN State Sociology Transfer Pathway AA.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 7 Human Diversity

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Sociological perspectives
2. Sociological theoretical perspectives
3. Research methodology, measurement, and ethics
4. Culture and society
5. Socialization
6. Social groups and organizations
7. Social control, deviance, and crime
8. Social stratification: U.S. and world dynamics of global inequality
9. Social inequalities, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability
10. Social institutions, such as family, religion, economy, politics, health care, education, and media
11. Social movements and social change

1. identify and explain key concepts in Sociology.
2. apply key concepts in Sociology to real world examples.
3. identify and explain major theoretical perspectives in Sociology
4. analyze social phenomena using theoretical perspectives.
5. apply a sociological imagination to social issues.
6. identify and explain the causes and consequences of social inequalities.
7. compare and contrast societies based on social structure, institutions and culture.
8. identify and describe the research methods used in Sociology.

 
Competency 1 (1-6)
05. 01. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Competency 2 (7-10)
07. 02. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.

07. 03. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

07. 04. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

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