Sociology 1: Explore the Science of Society

Introduction to Sociology | Understand Society & Human Behavior

Credits: 0.50 total Duration: 1 semester 16 weeks, (15-weeks instruction) Delivery: Hybrid, (asynchronous and synchronous) Course: 451121

Gloria Mann

English

Certificate Course

0 Students

07h 28m

Course Overview

Introduction to Sociology: Understand Society & Human Behavior is a foundational course designed to introduce students to the systematic study of human society, social behavior, and social institutions. Using the comprehensive and accessible Introduction to Sociology 3e textbook, this course provides learners with critical tools to analyze and understand the complexities of social life, including the patterns and structures that shape individual experiences and group interactions. The course emphasizes the development of sociological imagination, the ability to see the relationship between personal experiences and larger social forces and encourages students to think critically about how societies function, change, and influence behavior.

Throughout the 15-week semester, students will explore core sociological concepts such as culture, socialization, social structures, group dynamics, deviance, social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender, family, religion, and more. The course integrates sociological theories and methods, highlighting the perspectives of classical thinkers such as Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and contemporary sociologists, to provide students with diverse lenses for understanding social phenomena.

Introduction to Sociology is an inquiry-driven course that introduces students to the scientific study of human society, group behavior, and the social forces that shape individual and collective experiences. This course empowers students to critically examine the world around them using sociological theories, research methods, and real-world applications. Through analysis of key social issues and institutions, students will develop the tools to better understand the complexities of identity, inequality, culture, and change within local, national, and global contexts.

The course encourages students to develop what sociologists call the “sociological imagination”, the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and broader social structures. This critical thinking skill enables students to evaluate how factors such as culture, socialization, institutions, and power dynamics influence behavior, opportunity, and perception. Throughout the course, students will explore topics such as norms and deviance, gender and race, family and religion, class and status, group behavior, and globalization.

Instructional practices are rooted in inquiry-based learning, challenging students to ask essential questions, evaluate diverse sources, and support their reasoning with credible evidence. Students will investigate how social scientists design and conduct research, compare qualitative and quantitative methods, and explore the ethical responsibilities of those studying human behavior. Assignments include reflective writing, multimedia projects, collaborative discussions, and real-world simulations that promote creativity, communication, and analytical thinking.

Students will gain an understanding of multiple sociological perspectives, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, and apply these lenses to interpret modern societal challenges. The course draws from the work of classical sociologists such as Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber, as well as contemporary thinkers addressing the diverse social interactions in today’s society.

Sociology I also encourages civic literacy and responsible participation in a diverse democratic society. Students will explore how individuals and groups interact with social institutions and how those institutions reflect and reinforce systems of power and inequality. The course creates space for respectful dialogue and debate about current events and controversial issues, supporting the development of empathy, ethical reasoning, and a sense of social responsibility.

The course fosters global awareness and cultural understanding, helping students reflect on their own social identities while gaining appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Through case studies and cross-cultural comparisons, students will examine how societal values, traditions, and social norms differ across regions and time periods. Special attention is given to the intersection of local experiences with global trends and transformations.

Course Objectives:

Apply sociological theories and concepts to analyze individual and group behaviors in social contexts. (Civics and Government: Evaluate social and cultural factors influencing decision making)
Demonstrate understanding of research methods and ethical practices in social science inquiry. (Inquiry and Analysis: Evaluate evidence and sources critically)
Explain the role of culture, socialization, and social institutions in shaping individual identity and societal norms. (Civics and Government: Analyze the role of culture in societal development)
Examine patterns and causes of social stratification, inequality, and discrimination. (Economics and Geography: Analyze social systems and their impacts on equity)
Investigate global interconnections and cultural diversity. (Geography and History: Understand global systems and cultural interactions)
Develop skills in communication, collaboration, and problem solving through group projects and presentations. (Inquiry and Analysis: Construct evidence-based arguments)

By the end of the semester, students will have gained a richer understanding of how societies function and how individuals can contribute to social change. Whether preparing for further study in the social sciences or seeking to become a more informed and engaged citizen, students will leave this course with strengthened skills in critical thinking, research, collaboration, and problem solving.

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Gloria Mann

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Students
0
language
English
Duration
07h 28m
Level
beginner
Expiry period
4 Months
Certificate
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