Course Description

The purpose of this course is to help you understand the relationship between society (culture and social structures), social interactions, and the values, beliefs of individuals. The sociological perspective will be used to identify and evaluate social processes evidenced in contemporary U.S. and world institutions. Particular emphasis is given to gender, race, and inequality issues. Your participation in class and outside of class by keeping up with the reading is key to the learning process.

Course Objectives

1. Understand and recognize basic sociological concepts

2. Use the sociological perspective to describe social structures and processes.

3. Discuss basic gender, race, and inequality issues in the U.S. and in world relationships

Required Text

Introduction to Sociology, Fifth Edition, 2005. Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, and Richard P. Applebaum. New York. Norton Press. (TEXT BOOK)

Sample Links and Resources

American Sociological Association Website: The official Website of the field of Sociology

Socioweb: an independent resource for exploring the field of sociology

Sociological Imagination – The basic concept of the field, this website also has links to writing sociological papers and an overview of the whole field of sociology.

For more information, go to Blackboard.