SOC 111 Introduction To Sociology

3 credit hours

Sociology focuses on social groups as basic units of analysis. Sociologists scientifically examine how factors external to individuals give rise to particular behaviors or situations and how social actors, through their membership in specific social groups, experience, interpret, and influence these behaviors and situations. Sociological research is based primarily on social life in the modern United States and Europe. This course begins with an introduction to sociological perspectives and methods of inquiry and then focuses on sociological research concerning culture; ecology, and social systems of social stratification based on social-economic class, “social race,” and ethnicity. Along the way, it explores the interrelationships (e.g. intersectionality) among these dimensions and ends by exploring social change. Concepts from complexity theories and creativity (e.g. social artistry), ideas about eco-social justice (e.g. social and environmental inclusivity/expansivity), and “appreciative inquiry” (e.g. strength based) perspectives are embedded into the course. This is an applied sociology course which uses a variety of multi-sensual educational methodologies requiring active engagement and face to face collaboration. The emphasis is on refining skills of observing, asking questions, active listening, improvising, reflecting, and “connecting the dots” among local “place-based educational” projects and information provided by textbooks, films, speakers, etc. It includes extensive community based ethnographic (e.g. participant-observation) research work, completed outside of class times, at the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee which involves the design, implementation, and evaluation of a mini-ecology lesson. A criminal history background check is required.

Prerequisite: None
Liberal Arts: Social Science
Course is Offered: FA and WI Every Year