SOC100
The Truth About Us
What is Sociology, and why do we need it? In this course, you’ll explore the fascinating science that explains how society works, how our social institutions are formed, and how our own bias and upbringing impact it all. You’ll discover what a BBQ grill master, an urban gardener in Los Angeles, and a mosque in Tennessee have in common and learn how culture, inequality, and social institutions shape our world and make us who we are. Welcome to SOC100: The Truth About Us.
Lessons
Every course consists of 11 week-long lessons. In this course demo, several lessons with their full content are featured.
What Is Sociology?
So what is Sociology and why do we need it? This week you’ll find out all about this fascinating science that is used to understand how society works, how our social institutions are formed, and what it all means for us.
Why Is The Research Process Important?
Sociologists use a research process that is based on the scientific method. This helps researchers ensure that they are objective when gathering data, and that their data and conclusions are accurate and reliable.
Why Does Culture Matter?
What makes us who we are? Why do we do eat the foods we eat, tell the stories we tell, celebrate special holidays, shake hands, or hug and kiss our loved ones the way we do?
What Is Social Structure?
What exactly do we mean when we say “society”, and what are the building blocks that organize and structure it? The roles you play, groups you belong to, and social institutions in your life are all part of the structure of society.
Who Breaks The Rules?
All societies need rules and norms to function, and we’re socialized to follow them from birth. But what happens when you deviate from social conventions and break the rules, or even the law?
Why Is There Inequality?
Not everyone has the same amount of wealth, resources, or power. This uneven distribution of resources means that societies are stratified.
What Defines Us?
This week you’re going to try and answer these questions by looking at the categories and markers that societies use to define people. You’ll explore what these categories mean, how they contribute to inequality, and how they shape our lives.
What’s The Role Of Religion?
Organized religion is one of the oldest social institutions in the world. No matter what your faith, the institution of religion gives followers a distinct set of beliefs and practices to help find meaning and purpose in life.
Who Has The Power?
Now it’s time to use all of the concepts, ideas, and social theories you’ve learned to examine one of our most important social institutions, the government. What is the function of government and politics in society?
What Happens At Work?
The government isn’t the only formal institution that can impact our life chances and opportunities. Work and the economy are hugely important to the well-being of most people in modern societies.
What Can You Do?
So now what? How can you continue to use the sociological perspective and critical thinking skills you’ve been cultivating in this course?
Assessment Overview
Assignment 1
Learners will analyze an article using a simplified version of the sociological research process – Ask, Research, Learn, Do. This process will help learners to think critically, answer questions, and solve problems.
Assignment 2
Learners will identify and describe examples of groups, roles, statuses, and social networks in their lives and practice smart strategies for managing their digital presence in their online social networks.
Assignment 3
Learners will review a research article to identify the research conclusion, and analyze the conclusion from the perspective of one of the major sociological theories.
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