Summer 2021  |  SOC 1001 Section 001: Introduction to Sociology (87674)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (30 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is designed to introduce you to the study of society and what sociologists call the "sociological imagination:" a way of viewing the events, relationships and social phenomena that shape our individual lives and much of our collective experience. Through the course we will examine some of the central concepts and problems that have preoccupied both classical and contemporary sociologists and gain a sense of how the sociological imagination can illuminate the social forces that have a concrete impact on our everyday lives. Throughout the course you will be asked to consider the ways in which society affects your life, and how you, in turn, affect society. prereq: Soc Majors/Minors must register A-F
Class Notes:
The online lectures for this class are asynchronous Click this link for more detailed course information: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sotox116+SOC1001+Summer2021
Class Description:
This course introduces the pivotal questions that underpin classical and contemporary sociological perspectives. Analysis of how society is possible and how social order is maintained are core to an understanding of individuals as both agents and objects that shape and are shaped by their membership in society. Examining this close relationship between the individual, society, and social structures permits us to understand the dynamics of social and power relations in everyday living. The course explores diverse sociological theories purporting to explain the social, political and economic structures prevailing in our society. It also centralizes the importance of social change and the forces that drive or/and hinder change. A key objective of this course is to foster students? critical thinking abilities in their analysis of societal issues, and in their articulations of these issues. Students are expected to be able to apply sociological theories and debates into their everyday practices.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Sociology is inherently interesting to most people -- it tackles issues that are central to our everyday lives, such as gender relations, racial identities, and religious expression.You are probably already thinking about many of the issues we will cover in this course, and you will walk away from this course with the ability to use sociological concepts and methods to understand these issues.

This course serves as a required prerequisite for admission into the CLA major in Sociology. It can also be used as an elective undergraduate/graduate course.
Learning Objectives:
1. Demonstrate recognition that everyday experiences, from minor thoughts and interactions to sweeping social problems, are socially constructed.

2. Demonstrate, in writing, an understanding of key sociological concepts, terms, theories, and perspectives.

3. Evaluate current events, social policies, and personal experiences using sociological concepts, theories, and perspectives.

4. Critically evaluate written arguments by assessing their evidence, methods, and assumptions.
Grading:
Reading Journal: 130 points - 12%
Discussion Participation: 440 points - 20%
Assignments: 170 points - 17%
Exams: 300 points - 30%
Final Paper: 200 points - 20%
RATE: 10 points - 1%
Exam Format:

The exams are essay in format and will ask you to summarize and synthesize concepts and examples from across the readings. A week prior to each exam, I will post a study guide listing the concepts and topics the exam will focus on. I will also open a study forum where students can ask me and each other questions related to the study guide and the readings. Essay format:


- summary and synthesis

- 5 questions, 20 points each

- Each answer should be 300-600 words.

- Open book, 3 days to complete (Sunday through Tuesday)

- No direct quotes in essays


Workload:
About 50 pages of reading weekly.

Assignments are short (~400 words), and the research paper is 3-4 pages. In the Research Paper assignment, you will consider a public policy issue from a sociological perspective. You will use concepts, research, and theories from the class, along with a few outside sources, to develop an argument for changing a public policy you find problematic or implementing a policy you think would be beneficial. You will also be asked to submit a proposal and outline before submitting the final paper.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87674/1215
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
30 March 2021

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