SOC-100 Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to education, from religion to the state, from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture and its concomitant subcultures, and from social stability to radical upheavals in societies. The diverse subject matter located within this course, is situated contextually within a social justice framework that is meant to unify the study of these diverse subjects of study which is sociology’s purpose particularly toward understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures. This examination which includes studying aspects of marginalization, exploitation, oppression, disenfranchisement, and disempowerment within and between social groups centers this course as one that distinctly combines sociological inquiry with an investigation of topics that are important to understanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. This course carries SUNY General Education Social Sciences and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice credit.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of the methods sociologists use, including hypothesis development, operationalization, data collection, and quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Students will apply a range of theoretical perspectives to social phenomena.
- Describe the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape the development of individual and group identity involving race, class, and gender.
- Analyze the role that complex networks of social structures and systems play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity.
- Apply the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomous participation to past, current, or future social justice action.