Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. Major themes in sociological thinking include the interplay between the individual and society, how society is both stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life.

This course introduces you to some of the man themes, concepts, and perspective of this exciting discipline. The primary goal of this course is for you to develop a “sociological imagination”—the ability to understand human lives as shaped by historically-conditioned social forces. We will start our intellectual journey by defining sociology. Next, we’ll learn about the theories and methods that researchers use to answer sociological questions and generate knowledge. We’ll then discuss fundamental social processes and concepts—culture and socialization, social structures, and social inequalities. In the later part of the semester, we’ll learn about social institutions, such as family, education, the religion. The course will conclude with the section on the environment and social movements.