Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology

Reading: Chapter 1 in Macionis, pp. 1 - 37

Class Meets: August 18 and 20, 2009

Topics: Unit 1 introduces the sociological perspective, which is a particular way of viewing human behavior. The sociological perspective starts by looking at groups as entities and interprets individual behavior from the perspective of the group. Unit 1 also introduces you to the origins and history of the discipline of sociology, to theoretical and methodological paradigms in sociology, and to techniques sociologists use to study society. In Unit 1 you will learn some of the basic concepts that we will use throughout the semester.

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Unit 2: Culture

Reading: Chapter 2 in Macionis, pp. 39 - 67

Class Meets: August 25 and 27, 2009

Topics: Unit 2 focuses on culture, which can be defined as the way groups of people habitually think and act. Culture is one of the broadest terms in sociology, and encompasses the most deeply seated characteristics that unite people into groups. In Unit 2, we will study the elements of culture (symbols, language, values, beliefs, norms), various ways sociologists think about culture, the influence of technology on culture through history, cultural diversity, and how culture is viewed through three theoretical paradigms. In Unit 2 you will learn to stretch how you think about yourself, your friends, and human behavior.

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Unit 3: Socialization

Reading: Chapter 3 in Macionis, pp. 69 - 93

Class Meets: September 1 and 3, 2009

Topics: Unit 3 presents the concept of socialization, which is the processes through which we learn to become social beings. Socialization begins at birth and continues throughout our lives; whenever we enter a new group situation, we must learn the rules that govern social behavior, the expectations that others in the group have of each other, the modes of thinking that people in the group employ, the system of leadership and social control, and the tastes and preferences of the group members. Socialization encompasses all of the processes through which we learn and internalize this information. Unit 3 introduces various socio-psychological theories that help us understand socialization, the idea that institutions act as agents of socialization, how socialization occurs throughout our lives, and how socialization occurs in very tightly controlled circumstances. In Unit 3, you will begin to see how society shapes its members and exerts control by placing limits around acceptable forms of behavior, and helps us interact by creating a sense of normalcy.

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Unit 4: Social Interaction and Social Structure

Reading: Chapter 4 in Macionis, pp. 95 - 117

Class Meets: September 8 and 10, 2009

NOTE: Classes will not meet on Monday, September 7 due to the Labor Day Holiday. The regular class schedule resumes on Tuesday, September 8. SOC 101 does meet on both Tuesday and Thursday of this week.

Topics: Unit 4 introduces the social construction of reality, which is the process through which social interaction becomes converted into social structure. As human beings, we interact with other humans almost constantly, but our interactions are not random. They are governed by our culture and our institutions, which provide us opportunities to interact in meaningful ways and place constraints on who we interact with and how we relate to others. Unit 4 introduces some of the elements of social structure, including social statuses and social roles, and then considers ways in which interaction occurs between individuals. Dramaturgical analysis is a theory that helps us understand interaction in detail. The Thomas theorem is also presented in this unit, an important insight that posits that it is our perceptions, not objective facts, that motivate our behavior. In unit 4, you will begin to understand the architecture of society, how we construct society, and how society constructs us.

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Unit 5: Groups and Organizations

Reading: Chapter 5 in Macionis, pp. 119 - 143

Class Meets: September 15 and 17, 2009

Topics: Unit 5 builds on the concept of social structure and focuses on the characteristics of groups and organizations. In unit 5, we study different types of groups as well as common aspects that contribute to group structure. We illustrate group characeristics by looking in detail at formal organizations, or rationally structured organizations that sociologists refer to as bureaucracies. We look at the characteristics that define formal organizations and some of the benefits and costs of rational organizations. We also consider some of the challenges produced as formal organizations evolve. In unit 5 you will come to appreciate some of the unique characteristics of "modern" societies, including the processes through which industrialization reshapes society and how industrial society organizes your thoughts and actions.

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Last Modified: 7/24/09

Copyright © 2009 - Dr. Alan Barton